Sleep

I still have my Peg tube going on 6 mounts 5 mounts after Rad my thing now is I cain't sleep 1 1/2 hours last night do you think I am tube feeding to late or what.

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Robert
    I don't think so because I have the same problem sometimes and I am 6 years passed my last treatment, I was told it is a side affect of treatment. If it gets too bad call your doc about it and have him prescribe something to help you sleep.

    Take care
    Hondo
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    Not clear why your not sleeping.
    Why do you think it has something to do with the tube? I used to get up in the middle of the night to put food in my tube. Then when I had the pump, I used it all night, pumping food in. Oh, or maybe you are having heart burn? You can get something from your doc to help with that, and I slept propped up a bit. I had my peg for a very long time.

    I have problems trying to sleep because my mouth is too darn dry. Every couple weeks, when I'm completely exhausted and can't take it, because I've not had decent sleep, I will take a dose of liquid benadryl. That allows me to het a block of five hrs of much needed sleep.

    I'm not sure exactly why you aren't sleeping, but you can always talk to your doctors about it, they can probably help you with whatever symptoms you are having.
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    Sleepless in whereverville
    Robert, I had my PEG tube for four years and cannot say that it was ever the cause of lack of sleep.

    It may be that you have answered your own question: perhaps your last feeding is so late at night that it gives you new energy (just as anyone is advised not to eat just before going to bed).

    Sweet's comments about hydration also have relevance. Do you find that your mouth is 'sticking' to itself, that your throat seems constricted? Perhaps you should consider a tall glass of water prior to bedtime? Yes, you will probably need to get up in the night to take care of that, but it sure beats being up all night gulping and such trying to clear your esophagus and airway.

    Depending on the type of tube you have and where it is located, is it uncomfortable for you, or potentially so as you are sleeping? I know I lost more than one while tossing and turning in the night (the loss did not wake me, by the way). If so, would it help to tape it up for bed? Just a thought.

    Finally, have you considered that you have undergone a huge amount of stress and that this might be affecting you? That you might be worrying about things and that they are keeping you awake one way or the other?

    As has been suggested, bring this up with your docs. Truthfully, I doubt that they will have a definitive answer, as this is such a nebulous area of effects, but at least they will be aware and may, as someone else suggests, throw some medications at it, some of which may help.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • palmyrafan
    palmyrafan Member Posts: 396

    Sleepless in whereverville
    Robert, I had my PEG tube for four years and cannot say that it was ever the cause of lack of sleep.

    It may be that you have answered your own question: perhaps your last feeding is so late at night that it gives you new energy (just as anyone is advised not to eat just before going to bed).

    Sweet's comments about hydration also have relevance. Do you find that your mouth is 'sticking' to itself, that your throat seems constricted? Perhaps you should consider a tall glass of water prior to bedtime? Yes, you will probably need to get up in the night to take care of that, but it sure beats being up all night gulping and such trying to clear your esophagus and airway.

    Depending on the type of tube you have and where it is located, is it uncomfortable for you, or potentially so as you are sleeping? I know I lost more than one while tossing and turning in the night (the loss did not wake me, by the way). If so, would it help to tape it up for bed? Just a thought.

    Finally, have you considered that you have undergone a huge amount of stress and that this might be affecting you? That you might be worrying about things and that they are keeping you awake one way or the other?

    As has been suggested, bring this up with your docs. Truthfully, I doubt that they will have a definitive answer, as this is such a nebulous area of effects, but at least they will be aware and may, as someone else suggests, throw some medications at it, some of which may help.

    Take care,

    Joe

    Sleepless Whereever
    I don't have a peg, but I have noticed that if I eat past 6:30 p.m. that it usually keeps me awake. I don't have anything sweet, sugary or caffeinated after 2:00 p.m. and I make sure to take all my meds by lunch. I discovered that my meds were also interfering with my sleep patterns and one weekend found myself awake for almost 48 hours straight. Not good.

    I talked to my doctor who prescribed Ambien. I've only had to take it once in 3 months but it is reassuring to know that if I need it, it is there.

    I also have dry mouth and I make sure to drink plenty of juice and water throughout the day to help keep me hydrated. In the colder months I also use a humidifier and in the warmer climes I use a small table fan to keep the air circulating to help avoid the dry mouth.

    I don't know the name of it, but I have also heard that there is a mouth ointment that you can put on the inside of your mouth to keep from getting dry mouth in the colder months.

    I also agree with Joe that stress is a big factor in not being able to sleep. It is hard sometimes to turn our minds off but I usually ask myself if there is anything I can do about the situation at that time and I usually then find myself drifting off.

    Talk to your doctors about what is going on. There is no need to suffer in silence. You need your sleep and/or your rest. I have also found that if I take a nap in the afternoon, I can't sleep at night.

    Good luck.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member

    Not clear why your not sleeping.
    Why do you think it has something to do with the tube? I used to get up in the middle of the night to put food in my tube. Then when I had the pump, I used it all night, pumping food in. Oh, or maybe you are having heart burn? You can get something from your doc to help with that, and I slept propped up a bit. I had my peg for a very long time.

    I have problems trying to sleep because my mouth is too darn dry. Every couple weeks, when I'm completely exhausted and can't take it, because I've not had decent sleep, I will take a dose of liquid benadryl. That allows me to het a block of five hrs of much needed sleep.

    I'm not sure exactly why you aren't sleeping, but you can always talk to your doctors about it, they can probably help you with whatever symptoms you are having.

    Protonix
    If it is heartburn related or acid reflux, I have a prescribtion for Protonix that they gave me...it works really well for me.

    Like Dawn, LOL...we chat a 2 in the morning sometimes... I have problems with sleep also, mainly from my throat being drier at night so I drink more water during that time...when I get up, our two chocolate labs think they need to go pee also...LOL, it's a vicious circle.

    Best,
    John
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member

    Sleepless Whereever
    I don't have a peg, but I have noticed that if I eat past 6:30 p.m. that it usually keeps me awake. I don't have anything sweet, sugary or caffeinated after 2:00 p.m. and I make sure to take all my meds by lunch. I discovered that my meds were also interfering with my sleep patterns and one weekend found myself awake for almost 48 hours straight. Not good.

    I talked to my doctor who prescribed Ambien. I've only had to take it once in 3 months but it is reassuring to know that if I need it, it is there.

    I also have dry mouth and I make sure to drink plenty of juice and water throughout the day to help keep me hydrated. In the colder months I also use a humidifier and in the warmer climes I use a small table fan to keep the air circulating to help avoid the dry mouth.

    I don't know the name of it, but I have also heard that there is a mouth ointment that you can put on the inside of your mouth to keep from getting dry mouth in the colder months.

    I also agree with Joe that stress is a big factor in not being able to sleep. It is hard sometimes to turn our minds off but I usually ask myself if there is anything I can do about the situation at that time and I usually then find myself drifting off.

    Talk to your doctors about what is going on. There is no need to suffer in silence. You need your sleep and/or your rest. I have also found that if I take a nap in the afternoon, I can't sleep at night.

    Good luck.

    Yes-
    Talk to your Dr. about the sleep thing. I returned to work a month after my last rad, and there's no way I coulda done it without Ambien, which my Dr. prescribed. Gotta get sleep enough to function. I may differ a bit from the others, in that I would advise against going to bed with too empty of a stomach, but the last meal of the day was some 4-hours before bedtime. I'm over 2-years out, now, and I still wake-up with major spitting and mucous drainage, which I'm sure you're still dealing with, Robert. Most of us can say the same, as that's one of the side-effects that lasts.

    kcass
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    Kent Cass said:

    Yes-
    Talk to your Dr. about the sleep thing. I returned to work a month after my last rad, and there's no way I coulda done it without Ambien, which my Dr. prescribed. Gotta get sleep enough to function. I may differ a bit from the others, in that I would advise against going to bed with too empty of a stomach, but the last meal of the day was some 4-hours before bedtime. I'm over 2-years out, now, and I still wake-up with major spitting and mucous drainage, which I'm sure you're still dealing with, Robert. Most of us can say the same, as that's one of the side-effects that lasts.

    kcass

    Melatonin
    I use 10mg of melatonin each evening. I think it helps and is a naturally occuring substance normally produced by our Pineal Gland in the centre of the brain that triggers our sleep mechanisn. As we get older, we just we make less and less and genrally not enough. More recent studies indicate it is also a good Anti-Cancer supplement. Double bonus. Worth a look.

    Scam
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    Sound Advice
    Robert,

    Allot of sound advice has been posted. And the question is what is causing you not to sleep. Are you eating late? Are you sleeping in a flat position? and is your mouth moist enough at night? What is you caffine intake during the day?

    Just to add a suggestion for you as the others have already given sound solutions. I use the Bioteen mouthwash just prior to going to sleep. It gives me a bit more sleep time before nature calls now. The Bioteen puts a thin layer of moist film in my mouth so I don't seem to get the dry mouth so quickly. I, like many here, am up every 90-120 minutes sipping water or just getting up to wizz. We take in so much water during the day, that at night, we pay for it. The Bioteen usually allows me a longer first stage of the sleep pattern.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    MarineE5 said:

    Sound Advice
    Robert,

    Allot of sound advice has been posted. And the question is what is causing you not to sleep. Are you eating late? Are you sleeping in a flat position? and is your mouth moist enough at night? What is you caffine intake during the day?

    Just to add a suggestion for you as the others have already given sound solutions. I use the Bioteen mouthwash just prior to going to sleep. It gives me a bit more sleep time before nature calls now. The Bioteen puts a thin layer of moist film in my mouth so I don't seem to get the dry mouth so quickly. I, like many here, am up every 90-120 minutes sipping water or just getting up to wizz. We take in so much water during the day, that at night, we pay for it. The Bioteen usually allows me a longer first stage of the sleep pattern.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    Very good.
    Yea, I've noticed just recently that when I spray Biotene in my mouth as I read the last chapter or article before I turn out the lights, that I sleep much better. Usually don't have to get out of bed until maybe five hours later. Think I'll start using the mouthwash during all the pre-bedtime dental activities. Thanks.

    Larry
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member

    Very good.
    Yea, I've noticed just recently that when I spray Biotene in my mouth as I read the last chapter or article before I turn out the lights, that I sleep much better. Usually don't have to get out of bed until maybe five hours later. Think I'll start using the mouthwash during all the pre-bedtime dental activities. Thanks.

    Larry

    Bioteen spray
    Larry,

    I too use the Bioteen spary during the day, in between sipping water at times. Does the Spray seem thicker to you then the mouthwash? It does me, so I tend to use the mouthwash at night prior to sleep.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    MarineE5 said:

    Bioteen spray
    Larry,

    I too use the Bioteen spary during the day, in between sipping water at times. Does the Spray seem thicker to you then the mouthwash? It does me, so I tend to use the mouthwash at night prior to sleep.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    Yes......it seems thicker.
    But, actually, I tend to stay away of that spray during the day, and just stick to carrying a small bottle of Dasani around with me. I really don't like the taste of the spray, and it(the taste) seems to linger for quite awhile. I wonder if they make the spray in different flavors ? Guess I could look it up.

    Larry
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member

    Yes......it seems thicker.
    But, actually, I tend to stay away of that spray during the day, and just stick to carrying a small bottle of Dasani around with me. I really don't like the taste of the spray, and it(the taste) seems to linger for quite awhile. I wonder if they make the spray in different flavors ? Guess I could look it up.

    Larry

    Spray
    Larry,

    I tend to lean towards the water bottle more as well. For some reason, the taste of the spray doesn't bother me much. Another person on another board told me the same as you, he didn't like the taste. Maybe the spray is one of those items that I don't taste. I am so accustomed to carrying around my small bottle of water, that if I misplace it, I panic : ). Kind of like Linus and his blanket : )

    My Best to You and Everyone Here
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member

    Melatonin
    I use 10mg of melatonin each evening. I think it helps and is a naturally occuring substance normally produced by our Pineal Gland in the centre of the brain that triggers our sleep mechanisn. As we get older, we just we make less and less and genrally not enough. More recent studies indicate it is also a good Anti-Cancer supplement. Double bonus. Worth a look.

    Scam

    Done it again-
    That you did, Scam. Forgot all about Melatonin. And, way back when I researched it, I also saw that studies were finding anti-C benefits from it. Only thing I've wondered about is it's possible interaction with other meds, when used as a supplement. Any info on that would be good to know- I would appreciate it.

    And Robert, I do know I can get Melatonin at Walmart, so it is still on the shelves for you to get and try. Not sure if that's the case everywhere, but it is in Illinois.

    kcass
  • palmyrafan
    palmyrafan Member Posts: 396
    Kent Cass said:

    Done it again-
    That you did, Scam. Forgot all about Melatonin. And, way back when I researched it, I also saw that studies were finding anti-C benefits from it. Only thing I've wondered about is it's possible interaction with other meds, when used as a supplement. Any info on that would be good to know- I would appreciate it.

    And Robert, I do know I can get Melatonin at Walmart, so it is still on the shelves for you to get and try. Not sure if that's the case everywhere, but it is in Illinois.

    kcass

    Kent
    For drug interactions, go to www.drugs.com where you can enter the drugs you take with other drugs you are researching.

    That's the website I go to.

    It also gives you food interactions with drugs adn advises how to take the meds as well as any side effects and whether they are low, moderate or severe.

    I've wondered about the melatonin and was concerned about taking it. Will have to do more research into it before I decide.

    Good luck.
  • palmyrafan
    palmyrafan Member Posts: 396

    Very good.
    Yea, I've noticed just recently that when I spray Biotene in my mouth as I read the last chapter or article before I turn out the lights, that I sleep much better. Usually don't have to get out of bed until maybe five hours later. Think I'll start using the mouthwash during all the pre-bedtime dental activities. Thanks.

    Larry

    Biotene
    Larry,

    Thank you for refresing my memory. I've actually started seeing commercials about it the last few days for dry mouth.

    it's nice to know there is such a product that can help.

    Best of luck to all.
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    MarineE5 said:

    Spray
    Larry,

    I tend to lean towards the water bottle more as well. For some reason, the taste of the spray doesn't bother me much. Another person on another board told me the same as you, he didn't like the taste. Maybe the spray is one of those items that I don't taste. I am so accustomed to carrying around my small bottle of water, that if I misplace it, I panic : ). Kind of like Linus and his blanket : )

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    Melatonin Part II
    Guys, I read a book on melatonin years ago, late 90's as believe it or not, I am very careful about what I take. I was travelling a lot and frequently had Jet Lag. I learned that the US Military had their pilots using it so they could get back flying in less time after changing time zones.

    The body makes it's own Melatonin so it is a naturally occuring hormone (now known to be made in other parts of the bidy as well as the pinela gland). I recall in the book, they gave some people huge doses (1000's x rdd)and the only side effects were weird dreams and drowsines the next day.

    Some studies showed it to increase efficacy of some chemos, and reduction in incidence of Certain cancers in people who naturally maintain higher M Production. I wish i had known this during treatment.

    ***UPDATE on contra-indications:■Consult a physician before taking melatonin if you use the prescription drugs warfarin (Coumadin®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), or nifedipine (Procardia®).81


    There are plenty of good articles on Life extension magazine. Here are a few:

    http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/aug2008_Beyond-Sleep-New-Medical-Applications-for-Melatonin_01.htm

    http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2004/jan2004_report_melatonin_01.htm


    http://www.livestrong.com/article/231405-what-are-the-benefits-of-melatonin/

    Scam
    PS Melatonin is a natural product so it cannot be patented. There are melatonin blended supplements available for slow release and better absorbtion.