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Post by tnthomas on May 22, 2019 21:00:25 GMT -5
Physical and mental wellness are inseparable, we all have challenges in our lives that require effort to maintain wellness as a whole. In some way I'd like to offer this thread as a place where wellness issues can be explored. For now, here is a meme that rings sooo true:
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Post by joymarty on May 23, 2019 13:09:09 GMT -5
I have found as I've gotten older, what I said years ago or yesterday is what I needed to say or do. It's good to sleep on stuff too before one opens thy mouth. Learning and letting stuff go.
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Post by butterfly on May 24, 2019 19:39:16 GMT -5
Physical and mental wellness are inseparable, we all have challenges in our lives that require effort to maintain wellness as a whole. In some way I'd like to offer this thread as a place where wellness issues can be explored. For now, here is a meme that rings sooo true: My brain too often plays this game with me especially at 3:00 AM.
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Post by Bob on May 26, 2019 10:01:16 GMT -5
My wife has this problem frequently, but most especially as we've hit our 60s. I've found that taking a 10 mg "extended release" dose of Melatonin has helped both of us sleep through the night, though it doesn't always work. Still, it does help with falling asleep and getting back to sleep after those middle of the night bathroom visits.
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Post by tnthomas on May 26, 2019 10:57:45 GMT -5
I had used a 5mg dose of Melatonin to sleep, after a treatment regimen of Interferon did some damage to my central nervous system.
I can fall asleep just fine these days, but after the 4AM bathroom call I'm "done". I continue to rest in bed until 6:30 or 7, and many times can pick up another hour of sleep.
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Post by formerlyme on May 26, 2019 11:23:04 GMT -5
I slept 'like a baby' until menopause. Ever since, I've been plagued with insomnia, which only got worse as I entered my 'senior' years. I can be in the happiest state of mind, without a worry, and my mind just won't go to sleep. I usually take 3 mg of Melatonin, and when desperate half a Zopiclone (3-3/4 mg). They help me get to sleep, but I invariably wake up, fully alert, in 1-1/2 to 2 hours, and have a devil of a time getting back to sleep before dawn.
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Post by tnthomas on May 26, 2019 18:01:30 GMT -5
I usually take 3 mg of Melatonin, and when desperate half a Zopiclone (3-3/4 mg) I used to use Ambien which is a "Z drug" and a chemical cousin of Zopiclone. My Dr. cut my prescription way down right after the publicized event where Kerry Kennedy crashed her car while under the influence of Ambien. It was about time anyway, I think your only supposed to take it no more than 8-12 weeks max, and at that time I'd been prescribed it for over 2 years. I switched to Melatonin, which by that time filled the bill.
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Post by formerlyme on May 26, 2019 18:21:56 GMT -5
I agree, tnthomas ...the hypnotic type sleeping pills like Ambien and Zopiclone can be tricky to use, and can be addictive if used regularly for long periods. I take just half the 7-1/2 mg dose of Zopiclone prescribed, never on a regular basis, and never if I have to go somewhere the next mornng.
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Post by tnthomas on May 26, 2019 18:39:21 GMT -5
I had used a 5mg dose of Melatonin to sleep, after a treatment regimen of Interferon did some damage to my central nervous system In addition to sleep problems I also have damage to my right optic nerve, which is permanent but not a major vision problem at this time. Also ended up with lasting heightened anxiety and borderline depression.
During one particularly trying time period dealing with a step-son addicted to Methamphetamine, I did try Celexa, made me drowsy but was effective, although I got tired of feeling "flat" like an empty shell and
decided to wean off it. With the step-son successfully dealt with and pulling his life back together I no longer felt the need for medical assistance.
However, the heightened anxiety persists, and rather than turn to my Dr. for answers I've found non-chemical solutions. Exercise of all types is a good way for a boost, gets the endorphins going,
heightens the sense of well being. Yoga, I love yoga and not only benefit from the relaxing aspect of mind+body focus, but I get much needed stretching and manipulation that my osteoarthritic body craves.
Mindfulness. Practicing Mindfulness helps bring clarity and calm, and I jokingly comment that mindfulness is much more pleasant to practice while driving than road rage.
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Post by butterfly on May 27, 2019 23:47:23 GMT -5
tnthomas, do you have to get into all kids of crazy positions with your yoga? There's no way I could do that.
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Post by tnthomas on May 28, 2019 10:58:59 GMT -5
No real crazy positions, generally the nice 'stretchy' moves which is why I go. The mindfulness practice is a big part of the class, and is very valuable.
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Post by joymarty on May 28, 2019 12:45:55 GMT -5
It's amazing what L Tryptophan and B6 (P5P) does to get one back to sleep after middle of night bathroom visits. I have my sleep combo which took some time to get it right and no way on the high dose of melatonin. The most I take is 1mg. Some nights 1/2mg and this stuff has to be taken a good hour before ready to hit the pillow.
I also take 500mg Inositol a good hour before hitting pillow. It's from the B family of vits, and most nights I get a good 9 hrs of dreamy sleep.
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Post by tnthomas on May 28, 2019 16:19:47 GMT -5
and most nights I get a good 9 hrs of dreamy sleep That would be most welcome, I rarely get over 5 hours of straight sleep, although I frequently pick up another hour or two, after the first wake-up. Thanks for the information, I shall be considering the supplements mentioned. I do have B-6 on hand, but am taking a B complex at the moment. What strength / dose would be typical for the L Tryptophan? Melatonin and me are good friends, I should get some more, is one of the very few supplements I've bought that have a noticeable affect.
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Post by joymarty on May 28, 2019 16:36:36 GMT -5
I buy 500mg caps of L Tryptophan and often spill some out of the cap as it's a bit too much some nights...other times I take the 500mg...it can make one more groggy but I guess too it depends on person's bodyweight. On the B6 and I buy the P5P most absorable version, I take 50mg. Again bodyweight counts. The less a person weighs the less one usually has to take. Did you say you took 10mg Melatonin...that's a tough one to understand.
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Post by tnthomas on May 28, 2019 17:08:46 GMT -5
Did you say you took 10mg Melatonin...that's a tough one to understand. No, I bought a bottle of 5mg Melatonin and started with dumping out some to make a 3mg dose. Later on I just took the whole 5mg caps and didn't worry about it.
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