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Are sleep aids liver safe?

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Posted 9/10/2012 9:46 PM (GMT -8)
  Ive always had problems falling asleep and staying asleep. I've been Rx Ambien for over a year now and It helps me stay asleep somewhat but it doesnt help me go to sleep anymore. I mentioned this to my new PCP but think he maybe overlooked it since we were discussing greater issues at the time but these are the some of the things that keep me up. I have alot on my mind and they only seem to magnify when I lay down. Anyway I want to stay focused on keeping a liver friendly lifestyle.

  BTW I haven't a clue when I had a night with a good dream or no dreams at all. They're always bad dreams that disturb me. I really dont think its healthy.

  I know I'm in the right place for this advice. Thanks for reading and even more for replying!!! 

Posted 9/11/2012 2:41 AM (GMT -8)
Jimmy, a regular slleep aid is ok. I had the same problem when I first stopped drinking. I didnt take sleep aids. This is what I did. Remove the TV from your room if there is one. Dont listen to the radio either. Reframe from any naps if possible. Get a book and read. It really helped. It also helps with the dreams. When you fall a slleep reading your mind is at ease. Fall asleep with the tv on while you are worrying leads to a crappy night as tou know. Cary
Posted 9/11/2012 8:17 AM (GMT -8)
Jimmy, I have the same problem re: getting to sleep. Focus on your breath...slowly, in and out. Also say a silent prayer and repeat it until you fall asleep. I use the Serenity Prayer. Silently list all the people you want to be blessed. And reading also helps. I turn the TV off about an hour before I want to go to sleep, so I don't have that stimulation too close to bedtime. No sugary foods close to bedtime. I also don't answer the phone after 9:30 PM and usually take the phone off the hook before I go to bed. (I always leave my cell phone on in case of emergency.) I also wear a sleep mask and ear plugs.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 9/11/2012 4:32 PM (GMT -8)
  Thanks 15-2 and Connie for the advice! My problem is that I cant get my health issues out of my head. I'm pretty good through the day by keeping myself occupied but when I lay down is when it hits me. I think about my 6mth visit to my GI to check for liver cancer, urologist visit for the same,actually 1mth apart. I have been going to a Neurologist to see why I have neuropathy in my legs/feet/ My PCP is very confident its Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome and is ready to start treating it if the Neuro doesnt.Diagnosed with Osteomyelitis aka "bone infection or bone poison" in my foot. In the month of July alone I had 8 Dr. visits.  I know theres definitely people here on HW that has it worse than me. I'm just wondering how the rest of you folks deal with the thoughts.

  BTW today marks 3yrs since I got out of the hosp 27days- 13 in ICU when my liver failed.

  Thanks to the good folks here that helped me through tough times and great advice!!! HW the greatest site!!!

Posted 9/11/2012 5:05 PM (GMT -8)
Have you tried relaxation tapes? You absolutely need to focus your attention elsewhere. Allow yourself 20 min. during the day to "worry," and then let it go.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 9/11/2012 6:17 PM (GMT -8)
Havent tried any tapes....might look into that, any particular sugestions? I havent heard of allowing yourself to worry. Im trying not to at all but I guess that might work for some. Ive even researched for insomnia and found some foods that help such as cherry juice,bananas,oatmeal and few others that help. I think the cherry juice and bananas helped. Thanks!
Posted 9/11/2012 6:59 PM (GMT -8)
"My problem is that I cant get my health issues out of my head."

See? You are worrying if you can't get these issues out of your head. That's why I suggested allowing yourself only a brief period of time to worry and otherwise put your focus elsewhere. This is similar to what is sometimes suggested for grief....cry, be sad for X amount of time per day and that's it. When worrying thoughts enter your mind, say no to it and focus on something else.

When I first sobered up, I had a hard time sleeping. Warm milk really does help, though I had to put a little chocolate syrup in it for flavor. These days, I take a muscle relaxant and Trazodone, an antidepressant that makes one sleepy. These meds were okayed by my transplant team, as is any medication I take.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 9/11/2012 7:50 PM (GMT -8)
I can try what you said Connie. I'm willing to try new things. I've been Rx Tizanidine "muscle relaxers" cause I do get spasms. Got plenty of them and have took just 1/2 with the Zolpidem "Ambien"and get decent sleep. I might do that every once and a while when I know I can use a night sleep.
Posted 9/11/2012 8:59 PM (GMT -8)
You might also try OTC melatonin. The problem I had with that was that I built up a tolerance quickly, and when I went to a higher dose I had nightmares.

Hugs,
Connie
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