Facebook and Other Changes; Sleep Part II

Hello all,

I've moved from my MySpace account to my Facebook account in order to stay connected with the migraine team from MMC. I still check MySpace so don't be afraid to send a message if you need to, just keep in mind that I it may take me some time to get back to you there. Facebook is an excellent alternative to keeping in touch with people you enjoy networking with, and while MySpace is easier to personalize, Facebook is more streamlined and also gives one options to express herself.

Things haven't been great around here lately. I have been banned from all electronic media before bedtime, since the Seroquel has given me the worst restless legs. Typically I sit up and wait for the stuff to kick in, not anymore. My doc had a fit when he heard that I was crashing out to the internet or TV before bedtime.

This week has been full of changes for myself and my sleep habits. Since I am restricted to artwork or reading before bed, that's what I am sticking to in order to get my brain ready for sleep, along with taking my night meds. It seems like we definitely don't pay much attention to the sleep needs out bodies have before bedtime, especially in America, but in just a few days I have noticed a change. I am no longer agitated before I do lay down, and I am trying very hard not to nap and to get up before 11 AM. My brain tends to get stimulated by all the reading I do on the internet since I'm a devout link-clicker, so in a way I tend to get all fired up and then it's difficult for me to get to sleep or stay asleep. I also tend to drink the majority of my liquids in the evening before bed, and that should be a no-no for anyone with sleep issues. My body is more used to getting up to eliminate in the middle of the night than anything else. It's been most difficult to cut down on the drinks since my medications tend to parch me in an extreme way.

Today at Bed, Bath, and Beyond I found a nice microwaveble eye mask. It can also be put into the freezer. I've fought a migraine for most of the day, and when I came home I tried the heatable mask. It's nice and size-adjustable so I don't have to worry about it slipping around on my head. It is also scented with lavendar and chamomile, which can be important stress-relieving scents for individuals with migraine or sleeping problems. It was comfortable to wear for me and the heat lasted a long time. I also purchased a sleeping mask for my eyes during the day when I can't stand the light during a migraine and need to lay down. I bought some good light-blocking curtains at WalMart recently but with cats in the house who enjoy laying down on the window seat sometimes you can't keep them closed. My cats are a necessary part of my migraine therapy so I don't deny them the bedroom when they want to be with me. Ever try locking a cat out of a room? If you're trying to rest, sometimes keeping them out is the absolute worst thing you can do.

For more information on sleep issues and migraine, keep tabs here at MMC: Transformed Migraine Related to Sleep Problems

Reconciling sleep issues with your daily habits and body's needs can be terribly hard to get through. I know, I've been doing it for 16 years now. But the important thing is to get yourself set up before bedtime with things you might need, like the sleep mask, heating/cool pad, a good book, your medications, and anything else you think you'll need to help you. These things aren't crutches, but they do take time, and making time for sleep is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. No one is better off if you're not sleeping. It can affect everyone in the household, including your children, especially if you're not functioning up to par. I urge everyone to re-asses the habits they are indulging in before bedtime and question what those habits are specifically doing for you if not preparing your highly-strung, sensitive brain for sleep. Specific sleep-preparing habits isn't just for you, either, it needs to be for everyone in the household. I know my husband is doing his best to make sure he sets a good example! And as for kids, well, I think that no matter what, children in today's world will best benefit from a good sleep-preparation schedule more than anyone else.