tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855311767753471161.post4598627921386395034..comments2023-12-22T12:09:33.175-05:00Comments on An Attitude of Gratitude: Back on the Roller CoasterJules0705http://www.blogger.com/profile/17369759665447777971noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855311767753471161.post-90760151499501710952011-09-24T03:12:24.320-04:002011-09-24T03:12:24.320-04:00I've also had intermittent trouble with insomn...I've also had intermittent trouble with insomnia over the years, Jules--and I've had many, many 4-hour nights by choice as well. At least, I did when I was somewhat younger (in my forties) and I loved my job so much I was happy to put in 14-16-hour days on a routine basis. The difference between those short nights and nights where I cannot sleep or sleep only restlessly is profound. And of course, the lack of sleep is terrible for someone who has RA or, worse (like you) RA and fibromyalgia.<br /><br />So what to do? Go to bed earlier? Take a warm bath before bed? Don't watch TV in your bedroom? Have a cup of cammomile tea with a little honey before bed? Take some melatonin? Or perhaps some valerian? Make sure your room isn't too warm or too cold?<br /><br />They all might help.<br /><br />On the other side are actual sleeping aides, like amiltriptyline, nortriptyline,trazadone and the heavy hitter, Ambien. You might also consider taking a really hard look at the workload you're staggering under. With the amount of daily stress you're dealing with, it's no wonder that you drag home in the evening, finally manage to get into bed and then can't turn "off" long enough to fall into a decent night's sleep. And I do know, Jules, how difficult it is to actually make changes that cut back on workload once you've proven to the boss that you can handle, literally, tons... the work of four people, alone and with ease. It's hard to cut back when you need the money to pay bills, etc. I do know this. But if you were to suddenly get REALLY sick, with your RA and fibro getting so bad that you couldn't work at all because you'd pushed past your limits for so long... well, what then?<br /><br />Please take care of yourself, my friend. I'm sending all the warmth, comfort, peace and yes, Zzzzzzzz's that I can your way.Wrenhttp://www.rheumablog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com