Sleep question

So I have had 'episodes' of horrible insomnia that pop up out of no where! Last night was one of them! It's the falling asleep that is the problem for me. What I'm wondering is how can one no if it's the Lyme/ babesia causing it due to a herx or flare or if its hormones or if it's just ones mind? That has always puzzled me knowing what are symptoms and what are age related or other!

Thanks Girlie! I kind of hope it's a herx...then at least I'm sleepless for a somewhat positive reason...killing bugs!! I forgot how horrible it is to lie in bed and not sleep, since sleep hasn't been an issue (although nightmares have). The worst thing for me is then I get sleep anxiety which just sets one up for disaster!!

Girlie said...


It was causing me to wake up sweating..with some anxiety...also early morning wakings.

This was a symptom before I even knew I had lyme disease.

I had early morning awakening before I crashed and got full blown lyme as well. I had a period of time where I had night sweats too, but they went away. I always wondered if this was a sign of lyme before it really showed it's ugly head.

This all messes up out thyroid too. Not all, but many, and some dont know it. Low thyroid also makes insomnia.

I'm taking so many supplements in the evening: gaba, l-theanine,magnesium, taurine, lemon balm and melatonin!! I was sleeping ok for the last few months (except for intense dreams or nightmares) so I'm really hoping it's not going to be another stretch like I've had in the past,ugh!

Depending on how comfortable you are with the meds ... my LLMD has me doing ambien every night (which I feel fine about and not dependent on, just as long as she keeps okaying it and monitoring me). This is to fall asleep, and it's certainly not as effective as it is when you haven't taken it in a while; it can take me several hours to fall asleep still, but I *do* fall asleep by 3 or 4am, which I can't always say without ambien. I've also added low-dose Naltrexone to help me stay asleep. Without it, I will only be able to stay asleep for about 2-3 hours. Don't know if these are the right options for you, and very med-heavy, but that's my experience, fwiw

I seem to be sleeping better faster as treatment continues. I take all my supplemts with B vitamins by lunchtime- nothing in the evening. I’ll take Magnesium (L-threonate, “Neuro-mag”) and 1-2 mg of melatonin an hour or two before I want to go to bed. Waking up earlier, no matter how tired, can help too- sleeping in is too tempting and disrupts the cycle.

I do not drink any coffee at all, not any caffeine. I’ve become super sensitive to it. Also no sugars in the evening, not even fruit.

I used to have Ativan for anxiety and depression, and since getting off antidepressants, I’ve become super sensitive to them as well. Last time I took an Ativan I was a frozen spaced out zombie all day and said never again. I would much rather take a benedryl than an rx brain drug.

I know it’s said too much, but positive attitude can help- I say that only because I’m at a point in treatment where it’s now possible to start controlling my thoughts. I know early in, it wasn’t really in my power. My mind is clearing slowly now. So I think of many positive things as I go to bed and end the day on a less stressed and happy note- it’s good for the body and brain to de-stress.

I have to wear ear plugs every night, and sometimes an eye mask. Thinking of getting heavier curtains to block the street lamps.

All that said... I went almost a month with insomnia, even taking those steps. Just had to keep treating, get through it, and it resolves itself.

Yes, I remember being so exhausted and needing to rest but not actually falling asleep for a nap.