Donna--sleep problems

July 18, 2004

Hi Donna,

I have had long standing sleep problems. Have read many books on the

subject. I follow many recommendations from the books as far as what they term

" sleep hygiene " . It helps, but still had to try taking Ambien at one point

about 2

years ago. It became a real problem for me and I had to stop taking it.

I ended up trying Melatonin after that. I had tried it in the past and

didn't feel it worked, but I tried it again at a higher dose. I used to take

1mg.

though the bottle recommends anything up to 5mg. I increased by 1mg until it

helped, and now I can usually count on 6hrs of sleep most nights with 3mg of

melatonin.

Getting sleep at night is crucial for me. When I get less than 6hrs of

sleep, the difference in how I feel and function is very noticable. I also find

I

wake up in the night 3 or 4 hours after I fall asleep. I discovered that it

was hypoglycemic symptoms. If I would have something small to eat..protein w

carb, I would get sleepy again and get back to sleep for a few more hours.

That is what has helped me.

Adam

In a message dated 7/18/2004 9:52:26 PM Eastern Standard Time,

writes:

> I Have a question and am not sure if this subject has been discussed

> before. I along with my children ages 18 and 15 seem to have problems

sleeping. We

> all have mito and the kids have Dysautonomia I feel I do also but have not

> been tested as of yet, my son is more severe. When I mention this to some

Doc's

> they say you all just have poor sleeping habits, or you are under stress.

> Now my son who is more severe has been sick most of his life and in and out of

> the hospital and I have never had a problem sleeping until a few years ago.

> I am on Ambien but need to get off does anyone have any advice. When I read

> about Mito and Dysautonomia I see not being able to sleep is a side effect, my

> daughter who is 15 was put on Lexapro for her Dysautonomia and refuses to

> take it because she had a bad experience on Wellbutrin. Thank you all for you

> help.

> Sincerely,

> Donna

>

July 19, 2004

Adam,

Please explain the problems you had with Ambien.

Thanks,

Alice

July 19, 2004

Hi Alice,

While you are waiting for Adam to respond, I think I will too:)

I tried Ambien a few years ago and had visual hallucinations. I took it, it

didn't put or keep me asleep, but when I looked up at the ceiling fan over

my bed I could see the arms of it looking like they were coming down to get

me. haha I realized I was hallucinating and that it wasn't real, it didn't

scare me, but scared my hubby half to death when he heard me telling him

about it as he was next to me. Tried it 2 times and both times it had this

effect. And come to find out hallucinations is one of the possible albeit

rare side effects of it.

I have had severe sleep problems for the last 15 years and have had numerous

sleep studies, but have't been able to change things yet. I am being sent

to another specialist in 2 weeks at Mass. General. If this one can't solve

it, then it just isn't solvable. But I am trying hard not to give up hope

and am going to keep a good outlook on it that this fellow that I haven't

even met yet, will know exactly what to do because he is going to be so

incredibly smart, absolutely brilliant in fact, the very tops in his

field...... extremely kind, considerate, compassionate and maybe even

fantastically good-looking thrown in for a bonus! haha Now how is that for

being optimistic???)

Smiles,

Re: Donna--sleep problems

> Adam,

>

> Please explain the problems you had with Ambien.

>

> Thanks,

> Alice

>

July 19, 2004

,

Good luck at Mass General. I certainly hope they can solve your sleep problems

as getting the right kind of sleep is probably one of the biggest factors for

you health. I know it sure makes a huge difference to me. I want to hear all

about the doctor and the study and hopefully the results that finally help you.