Sleep deprivation in Parkinson's and Bereavement

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Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • #8661
    Lady Jane
    ✘ Not a client

      Hallo everyone i am new here, just to introduce myself, i am a 60 year old female living in Australia, diagnosed with Parkinson's 6 years ago and also a condition called acromegaly (google it!), and now to add to all my health concerns my husband of 41 years has taken his own life a few short months ago. .Sleep seems to elude me more than ever, and i guess it is just something i have to ride through. I am absolutely devastated as you can imagine, we were a great team, it is just that he, like so many males out there, found it impossible to talk his worries through with doctors let alone his mates. Women have got it right i think, in that we are so much better at talking things through with our friends, we lighten the load as it were and therefore cope much better on the whole with personal and health issues…….if i can do one thing to improve this situation amongst our gorgeous men then my husband's death will not have been in vain…..our men are so important to us, and the 'macho' image has got to change. After all, they would not hesitate to see a doctor if they broke a leg, well the brain, just like a leg, needs help sometimes too. Depression is the key word here and men need to feel they can address this issue without shame, without the stigma attached to this, i am sure that this in itself (depression) causes many a sleepless night amongst them.

      I am finding my own sleep situation pretty serious and desperate. Driving looks like it is going to have to go, i am no longer allowed to and nor do i wish to drive with my beautiful grandchildren in my car, and so gradually, things are being removed from me. i have had to give up golf, but that is going to change, i am determined to make a return to my favourite sport!

      I look forward to learning a few tips and strategies in learning to cope with this most distressing aspect of daily living.

      #14115
      Martin Reed
      ★ Admin

        Welcome to Insomnia Land, Jane – and thank you for introducing yourself.

        I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, particularly in those circumstances.

        Did the insomnia start when he died, or did you have trouble sleeping before that? Have you spoken to a doctor specifically about your sleep problems?

        I am sure you'll find plenty of information and support both here on the forums, and over at the Insomnia Land blog. I look forward to getting to know you and reading more of your posts in the future.

        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.

        #14116
        Lady Jane
        ✘ Not a client

          Hi Martin

          I have never been brilliant at sleeping ever since i had my kids, being a mother with a child who was a poor sleeper i always seemed to have one ear open as it wee, now made far worse by the Parkinson's and now even worse still in my grief. Yes have addressed it with Docors both my GP and my neurologist, both are at a loss as to what to do but am going to ty melatonin again which is a prescription only frug here in Australia. Last night was a shocker!! I also have awful arthritis as a result of the acromegaly so that often wakes me, it's pretty tough right now!

          #14117
          stillawake
          ✘ Not a client

            You are certainly going through it, and I am so sorry that you are struggling so much at the moment, hopefully it will ease a bit soon . Not sleeping just makes it so much harder to come to terms with grief as well as your health problems. I have days when leaving the house is difficult through feeling so spaced out from sleep deprivation. So like you I have not been able to sleep well since having a baby. What I don't understand is why, now he doesn't even live with me, I still don't sleep!

            Do you think that insomnia made you more vulnerable to developing Parkinsons and acromelagy? What have you tried over the years to help with sleep? It sounds like your trip to Thailand has helped you a lot, well done for going!

            In answer to your question about Sussex I live in Brighton, and work in mid Sussex. Does your friend and relative live in this area? How long is it since you have lived in England?

            #14118
            Lady Jane
            ✘ Not a client

              i think my exposure to pesticides when very young growing up in Hong Komg did it. Our bedrooms were closed up at 5pm and sprayed full of kerosene, then mossie coils were lit and we breathed in this toxic chemical all night long for years. My grandfather also had PD. It is just guesswork of course , who knows,…i used to sleep well when i was in my running days training for marathons, but with knee replacements that is not an option. i am still trying the diet aspect, no alcohol, sweet stuff etc and try and step up the swimming when the weather warms up a bit and am going to get my neurologist to see if we can't change meds, but with PD, the drugs, age and bereavement, it is a tall order!

              My aunt used to live in Hassocks but has now moved to Keymer, spent many an hour running on the South Downs, gorgeous area!

              #14119
              Martin Reed
              ★ Admin
                'Lady wrote:

                i think my exposure to pesticides when very young growing up in Hong Komg did it.

                That's an interesting thought. Have you looked into this any further – perhaps found any related research on the effects of those chemicals?

                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.

                #14120
                Lady Jane
                ✘ Not a client

                  My neurologist conducts clinics up north twice a year and sees many farmers, on one visit he saw 30 farmers and 10 were confirmed to have developed Parkinsson's.. ihave no doubt whatsoever that there is a distinct link.

                Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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