Can't Sleep

Etta

Hello

I can see there are a few of us online I have been awake for two hours in pain. I have osteoarthritis in both my hands the x rays showed severe damage to my bones and ligaments in the thumbs particularly the right one.. I just thought I would like to chat with someone.

Brynmor

Sadly no one took you up on the offer of a chat. There used to be (long time ago) a regular group who called themselves the "Night Owls" who would chat over the odd hours they were awake.

You may be interested in this conversation started by @Baloo on sleeping in 2 "shifts".

• Sleep in two sessions

Perhaps other late-night members can add to the conversation here: what do you do when awake in the middle of the night?

stickywicket

If I can't sleep I brew myself a cuppa and read a book while drinking it. If necessary and possible I take some pain relief. Make sure it's a book or magazine, though. The blue light from tablets, phones etc isn't good for sleep.

I'm sure @Brynmor won't mind a slight correction from an old hand. The thread was on Chit Chat and called 'Night owls and early birds'. I never used it but it was quite popular at one point. Why not start another @Etta ?

Lilymary

Before my new hip I used to dose myself up with pain killers before I went to bed, which bought me a bit of respite before the pain woke me up again. Now if I can't sleep, I try reading (something not too exciting or I'll be up all night!). If that doesn't work, I stop fighting it and decide I might as well enjoy myself, so I watch something gently entertaining on telly (Sewing Bee is perfect!) or do as you did, check out who's still awake on the internet. I'm sorry no-one took up your invitation last night - I have the opposite problem at the moment, and can't wake up. The joys of radio therapy. 🙄😅

Cimca

I have medication before I go to bed but invariably I'm awake at 3-4 in pain. I used to log on but there was no one here! So I have a drink, take some more tabs, and read a book. The challenge is not to give in to the cat wanting his breakfast, as far as he's concerned if I'm up it's feeding time!

Ellen

Hi @Cimca

Feel free to leave your posts even if it is really early. You might one day just find someone else up at the same time. Years ago we had 2 small groups of 'Night Owls' and 'Early Birds' they called themselves.

Are any of your medications slow-release? I know some are available in that format so that might help you sleep a little longer.

I also have a cat who thinks if I am up it's food time!!😺

Best wishes

Ellen.

Manningj

You could try alternate hot and cold therapy before bed. I have just tried this for my hip and knee and slept much better because of it last night (without the need for any painkillers).

Baloo

If chatting genuinely takes your mind off things then go for it. You could try inviting a few people to a chat if prefer a group. Right now I'm listening to moon river and can barely keep my eyes open.