Chronic insomnia, aching legs

Anybody suffering from the following? I have chronic insomnia. I can only sleep with medication (Lendormin 25mg). If I try to sleep or take a nap without medication I cannot. Sometimes I'm just on the brink of falling asleep when I abruptly become fully alert and experience an uncomfortable feeling throughout my body, particularly the pit of my stomach. I also have very weak legs and aching leg muscles. Anybody know what I can do? The doctors I've seen don't.

[Suri123]

Hi Vectis, how are you doing? Can you post some details as your earlier sleep cycle pattern and how many hours you usually sleep compared to the present time? Have you got a sleep study done and are you under the care of sleep specialist or a neurologist? Is Lendormin been prescribed by a doctor and since when you are taking this medication? I feel you need to recheck with the doctor for the present status and discuss the drug dose update. If you are facing weakness only in leg muscles, it is better to get a electromyogram done and consult a neurologist for an evaluation. Keep physically more active and try for few sessions of physical and massage therapy. Update on doctor visit and share your thoughts. Take care.

[Vectis]

Hi, thank you for the prompt response. Before my present condition I used to be able to fall asleep quite soon after laying down and then have 6 to 7 hours uninterrupted sleep. I'm not under the care of anybody at present. The Lendormin was prescribed by a doctor; initially for 10 days and then for a further 14 days. I still have some of the second batch, but am actually only taking half a tablet a night. I had the same problem last winter (2006/7), when doctors in Japan (December 2006) and the UK (April 2007) could not make a diagnosis. In the UK I underwent electromyography and nerve conduction studies but there was no evidence of a pinched nerve or a nerve conduction problem. I'll do as you say and be more physically active. Thank you again.

[KatEyes]

Have you had a sleep study done? I had pain in my legs for years before being diagnosed with a limb movement disorder of sleep.

[Vectis]

Hi KatEyes. The pain in my legs has coincided with my insomnia, so the only sleep I'm getting is drug induced. If the pain continues after I'm able to sleep on my own accord I'll get a sleep study done, as you suggest. Thank you. How did they treat your limb movement disorder? Cheers, Vectis

[KatEyes]

If you happen to have a limb movement disorder, it can cause your sleep problems, and is sometimes misdiagnosed as insomnia. Some believe that their body seems to know that going to sleep is going to bring on misery, so it avoids it. There are any number of sleep disorders, and just the fact that you describe specific sensations when falling asleep seems to me to indicate something other than "just can't sleep".  Only a sleep study will let you know for sure. I take a dopamine agonist, but the potential side effects are serious enough that I wouldn't recommend it unless you have proof it will help you.

[Suri123]

Hi Vectis, thanks for your reply and the updates given. Well, you need to talk to your doctor regarding the review of medication as it was prescribed for a short time and also to get the sleep study done to assess the present condition. How frequently you are traveling the countries with day/night overlap, as your sleep pattern needs to get really adjusted. I would also suggest you to see the surgeon for an abdominal examination, as it seems unlikely the sleep disturbance that is causing you the discomfort in your stomach. Hope you will get better soon. Take care and share your thoughts.

[Vectis]

Thank you for your concern and interest. I don't think it's a limb movement disorder, my wife has never noticed anything unusual, but I'll look into having a sleep study done when I'm able to sleep without the drug. Again, thank you for your concern and I hope if you have any health problems that they are being resolved satisfactorily

[Vectis]

Thank you for your concern and interest. Regarding the stomach discomfort, it's part of a head-to-toe uncomfortable feeling that is usually strongest the abdomen and upper thorax, but I'll have an abdominal examination when I can. Again, thank you for your concern and I hope if you have any health problems that they are being resolved

[Suri123]

Hi Vectis, thanks for your reply and time to give the updates. Hope you are doing a lot better. Are you able to get a good sleeping now? It would be better to get checked up by a surgeon sooner than delay or ignore it as some of the positive findings may be missed out if you happen to get examined when you do not have symptoms. Do avoid a bulky and spicy meal. Take care and update on the sleep study or surgeon advice.