Migraine

I've suffered with migraines for 40 years. Just visited a neuro for the first time. After 2 days on Prednisone, also 2 nights of little to no sleep. Does anyone have a tip or idea of something safe to take for sleep at night? Also, any stories of sleeplessness while taking Prednisone would be appreciated.

First off, hello and welcome, Chcuk!

I've not had Prednisone, but I have had a Medrol Dose Pak once, and the insomnia was horrid for the first half of the week. It wasn't pretty.

What your doctor might suggest to combat this steroid-induced insomnia is going to be highly individual, based on your history and your needs. There are also possible drug interactions with any other meds you are taking to consider.

I know when I picked up the dose pak, the pharmacist told me that if I took it as early in the day as possible, it might help some.

I'd say call your doctor and pharmacist.

Yeah, I had somewhat terrible insomnia the entire 10 days I was taking the prednisone, and I'm still a little messed up from it. My doctor had me take my two doses early in the day - with breakfast and lunch - to try to combat it. I second Droolie's suggestion to talk to your doc about it.

My personal history with meds and supplements to help my sleep is a long list of failures. The only things that have ever helped my insomnia are acupuncture and a relaxation CD, so I can't offer any personal experience other than that.

The best thing I found to do was not to try to sleep until I felt I was tired enough to do it. I read and knitted a lot over those 10 days.

Do talk to your doctor. And welcome to our forum!

Also, we had a thread about this not too long ago, which you may find helpful. You can find it HERE.

Hello, Chuck, welcome to the forum.

Hi Chuck! I just wanted wanted to add my welcome to the pile!

I experienced problems sleeping on Prednisone also, and Decadron. I found doing the basics, making sure I got some fresh air and exercise later in the evening like walking my dog helped. Also some herbal teas made for sleep aid. I also just tried not to get anxious about it. Good Luck!
blessings,
lisa

quote:

Originally posted by Lisa EBK:
I experienced problems sleeping on Prednisone also, and Decadron. I found doing the basics, making sure I got some fresh air and exercise later in the evening like walking my dog helped. Also some herbal teas made for sleep aid. I also just tried not to get anxious about it. Good Luck!
blessings,
lisa

Thanks, Lisa. I did just take a nice long walk, and feel like tonight I may sleep a little better. Have tried some herbal teas (Peppermint, probably should've been chamomile), and still no sleep. God Bless you, Chuck

Thanks for your warm welcomes! :-) All comments are welcome. Today being Tuesday (and I started the prednisone on Friday,) in sharing feelings and thoughts, Sunday is Father's Day, and also MY BIRHTDAY!! Of course, my thoughts are on having a good Father's Day with my 88 year old father, who has also been a migraine sufferer since childhood. His have somewhat subsided now, though, thank goodness!!