Do you find that sleep plays a role in your symptoms? I was finally starting to feel better the past few weeks... until this past weekend. Now my ear is bad again. I have a 7 month old baby and a little over two weeks ago we transitioned him to the crib in his nursery. He hasn't been adjusting well and now its almost as if we have a newborn again. He is up every 2-3 hours and I work full time so that combo doesn't get me much sleep at all. The past 2 weeks I have been running on very little sleep. Just wondering if that is what may be causing or at least playing a part in my backslide.
I think that sleep plays a major role in MM symptoms, just as stress does. I've noticed that many MM patients require a lot of sleep. I know that I did pre-surgery.
agree with Chris, fatigue (lack of sleep) and stress, allergies, being sick are all major MM triggers
Oh yeah, if I don't get enough sleep I find myself more susceptible to symptoms from mild tinnitus to bumping into walls and not saying that word I meant to say. I also seem to need a nap frequently. Sleep is definitely an issue.
Yep. My 2.5-year-old was a terrible sleeper up until very recently (knock wood the good streak continues) so I was perpetually sleep deprived. On especially bad nights, my MM symptoms would usually be worse the next day. Now he's starting to phase out his nap, and I don't know what I'll do when it's officially gone. I've taken to lying down when he does in the afternoon, which is something I NEVER did when his older siblings were babies/toddlers. Now, if I don't get that nap in for myself, my afternoon/evening is toast. I'm fortunate in that I work from home so can adjust my schedule to accomodate it.
Lack of sleep is a huge stressor and has caused me all kinds of issues over the years. The good news is, they say you dont have to get the sleep all at once, naps count. I heard the other day though that ambien etc make you unconsious but do not get you good wuality sleep.
I take 5 mgs of Ambien every night and have for years. I don't like being dependent on it, but otherwise I wouldn't sleep and would be unable to function the next day. I credit my primary care doc for not upping the dose when I requested he do so. He suggested that I supplement it with a Tylenol when necessary. So occasionally when the Ambien doesn't help me get to sleep I add one-half of a regular Tylenol, not Tylenol PM, and that does the job. I have no complaints re the quality of sleep, however, I do dream some very interesting and sometimes crazy dreams and used to wake up talking to or interacting with my dream. I don't use the slower-release Ambien; didn't like it.
Thanks for the responses, everyone. It looks as though its an overwhelming YES. Hopefully I can start getting more sleep soon and maybe I can get back to feeling a little better. I intend to get to bed early every night but that never happens. When people say you have no extra time when you have a baby they are certainly right. But I wouldn't change it for anything.
I think all in all, just be natural, when it is time to sleep, go to sleep. And don't overwork yourself to get less sleep. Most important of all, especially if you are a light sleeper, relax and don't worry about tomorrow, be happy, so that your sleep will be better. Have a blessed weekend.
My MD prescribed Trazodone. Said it was less problematic than most other sleep helpers. Research the side effects of Ambien and Tylenol. I recall both being Ototoxic.
With the baby I know that your time is challenged. But wanted to share that there is a natural sleep aid called Dream Water. It is packaged similar to like an energy shot drink but it is for the reverse. No long term sluggishness or side effects. I tried it and while it is NOT cheap (like $4/ea) it helped me fall asleep and stay asleep. It can be found at drug stores like Walgreens. Taste is fine - not horrible (I thought it would be).