[Beth.Gunner.]

Sleep

by Beth.Gunner. on Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:17 pm

My father was diagnosed a few months ago, and since beginning treatment his insomnia is out of control. He has such a hard time falling asleep, and then when he does it's only for a few hours at a time. I can tell the lack of rest is starting to wear on him, and I know it's wearing on me. Any suggestions to help him sleep? He's reluctant to take sleep medication because he doesn't want them to interact negatively with his treatment drugs.

[Ricardo]

Re: Sleep

by Ricardo on Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:04 pm

Beth - Please have your father talk with his doctor about getting something to help with his insomnia. It's understandable that he's having trouble sleeping, but sleep is a critical way that the body maintains itself. Not getting enough sleep can have all kinds of negative health consequences (increased obesity, increased risks of a heart attack, etc.).

I don't know for certain, but I have to believe that there are a range of prescription and non-prescription medications your father could try that would not interfere with his current treatment regimen.

And there's always the simple things that might help, like: drinking warm milk before going to bed, maintaining the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, making sure no light or noise gets into the bedroom, and so on.

Good luck!

[Beth.Gunner.]

Re: Sleep

by Beth.Gunner. on Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:57 pm

Thanks for the advice, Ricardo. We're planning on talking with my father's doctor at his next appointment and ironing this out. At first it seemed like something that might go away on it's own, but now it's obvious my dad's going to need to help fighting this insomnia.

Again, thanks for the time.

[Debi Mazzotta]

Re: Sleep

by Debi Mazzotta on Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:00 pm

Dear Beth,
Is your father taking Dexamethasone, as one of his treatments? One of the side effects, can be difficulty sleeping, as the drug can give you a sense of more energy. Make sure if he is taking it, that he takes it at breakfast. Also, tell him not to be afraid of sleep aids. My husband's doc recommended either over the counter Benadryl (an antihistimine -makes you drowsy), and also Ambien. My husband went from never being on any medications till multiple myeloma diagnosis at 62, to a slew of meds. If your father is like my husband, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the influx of all the meds, and their possible side effects. Just let him know that not getting enough sleep, is not an option, and is counterproductive to his healing and strength. He needs to do everything he can to get a good night's sleep each night to help him face the battle.
Good luck!
Debi

[sally moyer]

Re: Sleep

by sally moyer on Mon Mar 29, 2010 4:07 pm

Eating right can help you get a better night's sleep. There are a number of things your dad could eat or avoid eating to help his sleep. Here are some ideas that might be worth trying:

Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, soda, alcohol
Eat lots of protein, such as lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), dairy, beans, tofu, eggs, nuts
Don't eat less than 2 hours before trying to go to sleep

I highly recommend turkey. We all know how Thanksgiving dinner puts us all to sleep.

[Michael's wife]

Re: Sleep

by Michael's wife on Mon Mar 29, 2010 7:11 pm

Hi Beth...my husband was diagnosed in Sept. 07 at the age of 50 and he too had insomnia and fought hard not to take anything. But the doctors convinced him that he needed to sleep to heal so he does take a sleep aid...along with a cool room...a sound machine for white noise and most nights strategically placed little pillows that have some kind of soft pellets in them...that seems to help the most because it takes the pressure off his extremities. Hope things get better...good luck, Karen