Trouble Falling Asleep, Any Suggestions?

[RobbyR]

So I'm having this periodic problem..I am having trouble sleeping. Specifically, once I GET to sleep, I am usually fine, but I have these bouts where some nights, I cannot FALL asleep, or at least, it will take me forever to..I'm wondering what is causing this. I am pretty healthy, on atripla, etc. On these nights when I have trouble falling asleep, it usually takes me anywhere from 1 to even 2 hours to drift off..Now, let me say, I do drink coffee, but only in the morning, and I only have a couple of cups. I will NOT give up my morning coffee, that's not an option. Besides, I think by around midnight, it should all be out of my system anyway, right? And I don't drink any caffeine later in the day. I usually drink only water or juice late evenings. Also, I don't eat anything after about 7-8pm usually. Partly because I'm on Atripla, and partly because I heard eating right before bed can make you not fall asleep. So, this problem seems to becoming more and frequent. Especially in the last couple of years.

I don't know if it's because of Atripla, because sometimes, I will go for a stretch of time and have NO trouble at all falling asleep..But sometimes, I get in this annoying pattern where I can't fall asleep, or get very little deep sleep. So I don't know if it's med-related or not. I have a doctor appointment next week, and I'm going to ask her about this. I have wanted desperately to avoid having to take any sleep aids, because when my sleep cycle is good, it's very good, and I'd hate for it to be permanently disrupted by starting to take strong sleep aids..I did buy some over the counter Melatonin once, because I liked the non-addictive nature of it, but haven't used it..So, what do you guys suggest I do? Tough it out more, try the Melatonin, or ask for a prescription sleep aid? Assuming I did go that far, which one is best, particularly with Atripla? Thanks so much for any comments!

[Miss Philicia]

I had problems like this beginning maybe a decade ago. High stress, obviously, can contribute, but aside from that there are things such as making your bed for sleep only. By that I mean never use it to lay in to watch television, or read. If you find yourself tossing/turning for over 30 minutes you should get up for 30 minutes and do something else.

I also think over the past decade that the way we multi-task all day on a computer (assuming your work life involves this), layered with similar usage on a smartphone all day long, makes it harder for the brain to rest before bedtime. You may want to examine your computer, etc. use for the hours before sleeping. Also, the light given off by current flat screens/cellphone screens has been shown to not be as conducive to sleep as other lighting.

You can also find other ways to make your bed more confortable, if it's not already -- better mattress, linens, etc.

And yes, I know many people who swear that melatonin works and use it regularly.

But in the end this could simply be the effects of Atripla.

[Lugzsoo]

Hi
RobbyR

I'm not on atripla but I ask my doc why I can't go to sleep and then I sleep to 10:00 am.

He told me to make a wake up time like 7:00 am and stay up . And if I'm tired go to bed sooner I'm still working on it to get my sleep time together at one point but it's hard I know .

Good luck

[RobbyR]

Thanks Miss P, I think you're right about trying to stay off the smartphone/computer before bedtime, because it fucks with the brain a lot..And I do work a lot from home on the computer, so am on it frequently. I am guilty of laying and watching tv at times in bed, will try and wean off of that..But I used to do those things, and never had issues..Maybe it is the Atripla..I dunno. I'll just experiment some and see..Maybe try a half of Melatonin..I am definately going to ask my doctor about it..Hoping to avoid having to take Ambien/Lunesta.

[ad2san]

I have the same problem ... it is a very complex equation where stress and medication play obviously the main role but .....

I can only back Miss P and recommend some analogic activities before bedtime.

I think I've tried all OTC preparations available with little to no success. I am actually taking some drops of Mitarzapine (Remeron) before bedtime, it helps better than Ambien actually .... but makes weight control more tricky   

Honestly, bedtime reading helps !

Cheers

[Miss Philicia]

I think I've tried all OTC preparations available with little to no success. I am actually taking some drops of Mitarzapine (Remeron) before bedtime, it helps better than Ambien actually .... but makes weight control more tricky   

I took Remeron for years, and yes it's good as a mild sedative even though it's technically for depression. Keep in mind though (other readers) that, counter-intuitively, the lower the dose the more sedating it is. Unfortunately another side-effect is that it causes weight gain, which is why I stopped taking it.

[skeebo1969]

   I've had sleep issues dating back to my teenage years.  When I was on Atripla it became much worse.  The act of falling asleep was a problem.  And, when I would finally fall asleep, I would wake up after a couple hours unable to fall back again.

   I changed meds mainly due to other issues, and while my sleeping got better, it was far from being satisfying.

   I started a low dose of Remeron last year and for the first time I can finally get a full 8 hours of sleep, sometimes more.  The weight gain was an issue, I went from 135-140 (lb) range to 190-200.  And, it seemed it wouldn't stop.

   Being 5' 9 1/2" (that half inch is important) I could really use the weight gain, but 200 was far too much.  For reasons I can't explain, probably not eating all the time, the weight finally came down to 165- 175 lb range.

   Personally, I find my experience with Remeron a good one.  The benefit of a restful sleep makes life better for both me and those around me.

   T

[emeraldize]

See if this will work for you. About 1/2 hour before you want to be asleep,take an over-the-counter Benadryl. Lots of docs suggest this. My sister had to use it for more than a decade to ensure getting to sleep in time to waken at 2a.m. Yes, pulling away from tv, technology, games of all sorts is most helpful too.

[WillyWump]

If you are considering the prescription route Trazadone works really well. It's non-addictive and has a short half-life and is out of your system in about 4 hours. So its main function is to get you to sleep and then let your body takeover. It was originally used for depression but today is mainly used as a sleep aid.

-Will

[buginme2]

I've been having a similar problem lately (last 6 months or so).  I can't get to sleep, but also wake up several times throughout the night.  I also wake up at about 4am every day, even on my days off.

I've also been on Atripla since 2010.  I'm not saying its the Atripla.  I don't know what is causing it.  I have Xanax prescribed by my doctor and it seems the only time I can get a good night sleep lately is if I take it before bed.  I'm not recommending Xanax either.  Basically I don't have any answers, but I do feel for you.  It sucks

[Miss Philicia]

I've also been on Atripla since 2010.  I'm not saying its the Atripla.  I don't know what is causing it.  I have Xanax prescribed by my doctor and it seems the only time I can get a good night sleep lately is if I take it before bed.  I'm not recommending Xanax either.  Basically I don't have any answers, but I do feel for you.  It sucks

Just curious why you've not considered taking other HIV regimens.

[friskyguy]

try a no drug solution like affordable exercise to wear you out before sleeping.....walking/running or even better exercise with someone else

[RobbyR]

All great input guys, thanks! I am definately going to bring this up with my doctor next week. She's wonderful and nice, but is always sort of the rushed type, who just renews my prescription, etc, and then rushes off to other patients. I am going to press her hard on this sleep issue though..As far as the Atripla, I'd hate to go off of it, simply because it's the only regimen I've ever been on, and other then the sleep issues from time to time (which I cannot be sure ARE Atripla-related), I tolerate it extremely well, and the once a day dosage is SO easy! However, Miss P, I don't feel I'm married to it..If my doctor feels it might be the Atripla, I may ask if possibly I could switch regimens for a bit..Not sure if there's another one pill once a day regimen out now, but something to think about..Maybe it's the sustiva..But I tell you one thing. I'm gonna solve this problem one way or another. I may try Melatonin first, then down the road, maybe a prescription..But, I'd hate to become dependent on any. Thankfully my appointment is next week, so I will maybe be able to get some kind of clarity/resolution on this. I've been on Atripla for 2 1/2 years, maybe it's time to try something else..

[wolfter]

I developed a problem sleeping a couple of years ago and finally figured out that it was because I felt like I was overheating.  I now keep my room as cold as possible and it works wonders.

My doctor even prescribed Paxil for a while as one of the side affects was drowsiness.  It did nothing.   

[LiveWithIt]

Try the Melatonin.  Depending on what strength you buy some directions tell you that you can take up to 4.  I don't take it every night, but if I am having trouble I will take 1 or 2. 

[J.R.E.]

Try the Melatonin.  Depending on what strength you buy some directions tell you that you can take up to .

I would also suggest the melatonin.  Talk to your doctor about periodic use of Melatonin.  I use the 10mg capsule.  You can get it at Walgreens, or CVS.  It's natural and non habit forming.

It works for me, and it works fast.

Ray

[BT65]

I have horrible insomnia.  I don't have any trouble falling asleep, but staying asleep is something else.  I've tried Trazadone, developed a tolerance pretty fast.  I used Remeron in the past, but like Ms. P said, it caused terrible weight gain.  Tried Rozerem, that didn't work.

I just e-mailed my doctor about Melatonin and he said it was fine to use.  I haven't tried it yet, but may purchase it in the near future.  My problem with trying new things is, I'm always worried it's going to make me too drowsy in the morning.  If anyone can enlighten me on this, with Melatonin, whether it's hard to get up in the morning, or no problem, I'd appreciate it.

[J.R.E.]

I just e-mailed my doctor about Melatonin and he said it was fine to use.  I haven't tried it yet, but may purchase it in the near future.  My problem with trying new things is, I'm always worried it's going to make me too drowsy in the morning.  If anyone can enlighten me on this, with Melatonin, whether it's hard to get up in the morning, or no problem, I'd appreciate it.

Hello Betty,

I've been using Melatonin, on and off since 1997. This was the year I began working the graveyard shift.

I took it, to help me get to sleep in the daytime. I very rarely use it now. If I take 3-4 capsules a month, that's about it. I mentioned in another thread, that Melatonin is advertised as a sleep aid, and not just for jet lag, or those that work the graveyard shift. I believe that brand is Natrol. I never tried this brand:

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=NO-1926&sourceType=sc&source=fg&adGroup=40-60%25&keyword=NO-1926&cm_mmc=Google+Shopping-_-Product+Listing+Ads-_-40-60%25-_-NO-1926&gclid=CISS4KT0i7MCFRGqnQodsGAA2w



I don't believe it makes me groggy after I wake up. But then again, I am usually a little groggy for 15 minutes after I wake up anyway.( whether I use this or not) I can function quite well, after using Melatonin.  I took one at 10:00 this morning, went to sleep, and woke up about 5:30 this afternoon. I didn't have any problem waking.  I have used it in the daytine, and I have used it at nighttime.

The brand I use is Sundown Maximum Strength Melatonin.  10 MG capsules :  It states this can be used for 2 months, with a one week break in between.  Once again, I don't use it in that quantity.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=311294&catid=183318&aid=338666&aparam=311294  90 capsules in this bottle


I have also used Spring Valley Melatonin 10 MG.  This is a timed release formula.  It also contains 10 MG of vitamin B-6.  As I have read before , B-6 may help to aggravate neuropathy, however in the 10mg dose in this pill, I don't believe this is a high dose.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/16940536?adid=22222222227001224725&wmlspartner=wlpa&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=13695926470&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem


If you decide to try it, You may want to shop around for the best price, But I recommend the Sundown brand.

Good luck with your decision,, It great that you contacted your doctor. My doctor's have no problem with me using it.



Take care---Ray