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I am a female living in Canada. Until 2 months ago I had no clue what insomnia feels like. It started during an antibiotic treatment and me being put on atenolol that i woke up suddenly during the night after 3-4 hours, and unable to fall asleep again. These episodes were accompanied by anxiety attacks during day time, which stayed with me for about a month. The anxiety has stopped now, but the insomnia has not improved yet. My research makes me think, that the insomnia is due to the atenolol, and the anxiety is perhaps a side effect of the antibiotic *Clarithromycin*.
My GP is of no help at all; I mentioned it now twice within two month. He knows that I am basically against prescription drugs, so he won't bother with it. I have been taking melatonin and Valerian root for the last two weeks. The funny thing is, they work some days, and some days they don't. If I haven't slept for a night or two, then the third night I have no problem falling asleep. But i will not sleep for 7-8 hrs as I used to; I will wake up after 4-5 hrs.
I am also retired and in my 60's; could these be symptoms of declining youth???????? lol Please everybody say NO! -:)
Anyway this is my story and I hope i find a solution soon.
Welcome jita! and NOOOOOO! definitely NOT from declining youth!!! 🙄 I am 58 and my insomnia started in my late 30's.
Your problem may very well have begun with the antibiotic. Unfortunately, along with killing the bad bacteria, they also kill the good. Acidophidus/Bifidus can rebalance this. Any health food store has it. As for melatonin and valerian…. I haven't had any +results from valerian and melatonin is usually taken in 3mg dose. I had a pain specialist tell me that because I (my body chemistry) was so resistant that I needed to take at least,9mg. You might want to up the dose. If you can get your doc to agree, you might want to get hormone levels checked. They can mess with us big time. It helps to read all the posters experiences and what works and didn't for them. Here's the rub, we are all so very different and insomnia is uniquely individual, what works for 100 people may not work for you. I wish you the best
Halloo! Welcome, welcome!
You should absolutely keep bugging your doctor about it, maybe ask about a sleep study. And yeah, I agree with getting your hormone levels checked. It's never a bad thing.
'jita' wrote on '25:I am a female living in Canada. Until 2 months ago I had no clue what insomnia feels like. It started during an antibiotic treatment and me being put on atenolol that i woke up suddenly during the night after 3-4 hours, and unable to fall asleep again. These episodes were accompanied by anxiety attacks during day time, which stayed with me for about a month. The anxiety has stopped now, but the insomnia has not improved yet. My research makes me think, that the insomnia is due to the atenolol, and the anxiety is perhaps a side effect of the antibiotic *Clarithromycin*.
Interesting about the atenolol–I wouldn't have been able to notice any change in my insomnia from a new factor when I started on it. My endocrinologist, when last we met, looked at my lipids and other blood panel results, my controlled blood pressure, my acceptable-with-medication and unchanged Aic (quarterly diabetes cumulative score), listened to me unhappy with a sudden weight gain–my TSH is the best I've ever seen it, and I'm on 137mcg synthroid–feelings of leaden body, unrestful sleep (in spite of how many hours I drift in and out of sleep), and said: I don't understand your physiology. Well, I've always wanted a word with Whoever designed this body…
The leaden-ness did stop after I stopped taking Actos, for glucose control.
[/quote]I am also retired and in my 60's; could these be symptoms of declining youth?[/quote]
While some folk over 70 have felt the need for less sleep, it doesn't necessarily follow that they got as much as they wanted. I may *need* less sleep, but what I get is not restful…and I'm a few years younger than you.
Trust me, you do have our understanding and sympathy!
Welcome to Insomnia Land, Jita and thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself.
As for insomnia being a symptom of aging, in my research for the Insomnia Land blog I often come across information that suggests we sleep less as we get older, but at the same time we naturally need less sleep as we age. This doesn't really explain your sudden affliction, though.
The only other research I have come across regarding aging and insomnia has to do with yellowing of the eyes:
If your insomnia began when you took the antibiotics, perhaps they're to blame. As for atenolol, the only time I have seen this associated with insomnia was in a study that used those taking atenolol to look at the effects of melatonin (it appeared to improve sleep in those taking the drug):
http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/melatonin-may-relieve-insomnia-in-those-taking-beta-blockers/
If you are concerned that your doctor isn't being helpful, you should try to see another doctor. It may also be worth looking to see if there are any sleep specialists in your area. CBT may be worth investigating, too.
—If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.
The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.
'Sahara' wrote on '25:Welcome jita! and NOOOOOO! definitely NOT from declining youth!!! 🙄 I am 58 and my insomnia started in my late 30's.
Your problem may very well have begun with the antibiotic. Unfortunately, along with killing the bad bacteria, they also kill the good. Acidophidus/Bifidus can rebalance this. Any health food store has it. As for melatonin and valerian…. I haven't had any +results from valerian and melatonin is usually taken in 3mg dose. I had a pain specialist tell me that because I (my body chemistry) was so resistant that I needed to take at least,9mg. You might want to up the dose. If you can get your doc to agree, you might want to get hormone levels checked. They can mess with us big time. It helps to read all the posters experiences and what works and didn't for them. Here's the rub, we are all so very different and insomnia is uniquely individual, what works for 100 people may not work for you. I wish you the best
Yes, I know about the Acidophilus; I have been taking this for the past 4 weeks. Too bad, melatonin hasn't been properly researched yet, so everybody has a different opinion, and there are a lot of those circulating the internet. One site claimed, that if melatonin doesn't help you fall or stay asleep, then you your melatonin level is not too low, or with other words you don't need it. Valerian on the other hand has been researched and was recognized as a potent sleeping aid. Apparently Valium is being made from Valerian.
'MarinaFournier' wrote on '26:Interesting about the atenolol–I wouldn't have been able to notice any change in my insomnia from a new factor when I started on it. My endocrinologist, when last we met, looked at my lipids and other blood panel results, my controlled blood pressure, my acceptable-with-medication and unchanged Aic (quarterly diabetes cumulative score), listened to me unhappy with a sudden weight gain–my TSH is the best I've ever seen it, and I'm on 137mcg synthroid–feelings of leaden body, unrestful sleep (in spite of how many hours I drift in and out of sleep), and said: I don't understand your physiology. Well, I've always wanted a word with Whoever designed this body…
The leaden-ness did stop after I stopped taking Actos, for glucose control.
I am also retired and in my 60's; could these be symptoms of declining youth?[/quote]
While some folk over 70 have felt the need for less sleep, it doesn't necessarily follow that they got as much as they wanted. I may *need* less sleep, but what I get is not restful…and I'm a few years younger than you.
Trust me, you do have our understanding and sympathy!
[/quote]
Thank you! I had a blood count done and the results were normal.
The more I think about it, the more I get convinced, that my problem is not age related, because for this to be true the onset would've been more gradually. But I am hopeful, because last night i had the best sleep in two months; not perfect, but way better than what I am complaining about.
'Martin' wrote on '27:Welcome to Insomnia Land, Jita and thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself.
As for insomnia being a symptom of aging, in my research for the Insomnia Land blog I often come across information that suggests we sleep less as we get older, but at the same time we naturally need less sleep as we age. This doesn't really explain your sudden affliction, though.
The only other research I have come across regarding aging and insomnia has to do with yellowing of the eyes:
If your insomnia began when you took the antibiotics, perhaps they're to blame. As for atenolol, the only time I have seen this associated with insomnia was in a study that used those taking atenolol to look at the effects of melatonin (it appeared to improve sleep in those taking the drug):
http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/melatonin-may-relieve-insomnia-in-those-taking-beta-blockers/
If you are concerned that your doctor isn't being helpful, you should try to see another doctor. It may also be worth looking to see if there are any sleep specialists in your area. CBT may be worth investigating, too.
You are right, my sleep problems don't seem to be age related because of the sudden onset. The only explanation I have, is the atenolol causing it. Insomnia is being listed as one of the side effects of this medication, and my pharmacist advised me to take it in the morning instead at night.
As i mentioned in another reply, i had an improved sleeping experience last night (without any sleeping aids).
With regards to my GP, I need to look for another one. The only problem I have, is the difficulty finding one in Canada, because the majority don't accept new patients.
Don't give up, and keep us updated. You have plenty of support here.
—If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.
The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.
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