...DEFEAT Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: ...............................................................You don't have to live with it
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SEID/CFS Sleep Deprivation - Switch to Sweet Dreams

8/12/2015

2 Comments

 
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I’ve been struggling with a stubborn cough for almost a week.  The worst side effect is that I haven’t been sleeping well due to persistent coughing at night.  After several nights of this, I began to feel the lack of sleep catching up with me and experienced a small taste of the devastating sleep deprivation that I suffered when I had SEID/CFS.

In the beginning of my struggle with SEID/CFS, I didn’t understand the connection between my exhaustion and the quality of my sleep.  My perception was that lack of sleep couldn’t be my problem as I was in bed sleeping for eight or more hours at night and resting/napping a lot of the day.  It took me a while to realize that not all sleep is equal.  Yes, I was in bed sleeping but I was frequently waking up throughout the night because of pain and discomfort.  I wasn’t getting to REM sleep which is where all the rejuvenating sleep happens.

Once I understood this, I focused on creating the optimal environment and schedule for my sleep needs.  And after adding a safe medication, I was finally able to get the deep restful sleep that SEID/CFS requires in order to begin the path back to health.  How do you manage your need for rejuvenating sleep?  What are your strategies for achieving sweet dreams?  Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.  And Guest Blogs are most welcome!

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha

2 Comments
Tim Boland
8/13/2015 05:53:51 pm

For me, getting enough sleep at night is a major part of my feeling better the following day. As Martha has noted in her book, the right medication can help us rest better and get this rejuvenating benefit.

In the beginning, I was only getting about two hours of sleep on some nights. When I told my doctor, he said that wouldn't do. If this of help to others, I take one small Zolpidem tablet per night as a sleep aid (aka Ambien) and two Amitriptyline for helping to reduce pain. Often now I can sleep 6 or 7 hours, though I tend to wake up to use the bathroom sometime during the night, but that was true too when I was fully well. Now that I am used to it, it has little to no side effects except the Ami does tend to give me dry mouth, so I try to drink ample amounts of water during the day, which helps.

I discovered this article tonight about a 97 year old woman who still does yoga. It reminded me of what our bodies may be capable of, in the case of those with illness our journey may be quite different. I am impressed by her happiness and positive attitude.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20942/the-worlds-oldest-yoga-teacher-turns-97-today-happy-birthday-tao.html

Reply
Martha
8/14/2015 02:21:36 am

Thanks Tim for the info on your sleep aids. I also needed help to get real restful sleep. As to your elderly yoga note, I just started to learn Tai Chi. Great for balance and being fully present! Thanks Tim

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    Hello,  I'm
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    After struggling with CFS for four years I am fortunate now to be fully well and making choices about how I want to live my healthy life.  One choice is to be an active part of the CFS community and to offer one voice from the fully recoverd to the dialogue.  I'm glad you're here!   For more about me, here's my Bio.

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