tremors during sleep

[bobito]

I'm a 60 year old men, in excellent health, except for experiencing tremors during sleep that wake me up and have difficulty going  back to sleep.  As I start to fall sleep again, I feel these "rumbleling" (tremors) around my upper body.  I immediately wake up again.  These tremors last for about 10-15 seconds after I wake up.  The first time I experienced this condition was exactly two years ago.  It lasted for about four days and it simply went away.  Except for minor incidents (by "minor" I mean I experience the tremors for about two nights and go away) with no major disruptions in my sleep patters.  Last week, however, I experienced another episode which does not seem to be going away.  The first two nights I simply could not go back to sleep at all.  My body wanted to go back to sleep, but, as I mentioned above, everytime I fell sleep the tremors woke me up.  I'm on my  9th day and there seems to be no sign of letting up. I went to see my doctor on the fourth day--He prescribed Zolpidem, which I have been taken since.  Interestingly enough, even under the influence of the sleeping pill, the tremor wake me up, but they are short-lived since I go back to sleep almost immediately.  My doctor said to take the medicine for about two weeks and essencially placed me on a "wait-and-see" mode.  My concern at this point is "how long can I possobly survived on this medicine.  Does any body "out there" know anything about this condition?  As you can immagine, it is extremely debilitating.  I'm, for my age, a very atheletic man who is the right things, no vices and bikes to work every day--About
twenty miles a day.  Married with two grown children.  My job is very stress-free and very enjoyable.  Any ideas?  Thank you very much.

[Suri123]

Hi, how are you? Can you give some more details as to which part or whole of upper body does involve in the tremors you suffer from? Do you correlate with the initiation of these episodes with any particular event? You might be having a rhythmic movement disorder, which more or less resembles the symptoms or even age related. Has your doctor done a sleep study? You need to continue the medication for couple of weeks as advised by your doctor and try to avoid trigger factors like alcohol, smoking and stress. It is better to consult a neurologist and get evaluated. Take care and updated on your thoughts and progress.

[bobito]

Thank you for your timely response.  My tremors are pretty much localized in my upper body; say, between my waist and my neck.  By the way, something I did not mention on my original description is that these tremors are not external.  As I pointed out, after they wake me up they last for about an extra 10-15 seconds and they disappeared completely.  During these 10-15 second period, I have asked my wife to place her hand on my stomach/chest so she can feel what I am experiencing.  She has never felt anything--This leads me to believe that they are totally interior in nature.  I Do not correlate the initiation of these tremors with any particular event/diet/state of mind?  I have not been able to determine what precipitates them.  I have changed my diet, my exercise routine to no avail.  I do have a bit of anxiety, but I truly believe it is as a result of the lack of sleep.  My wife thinks that I'm making things worse by turning all the clocks in the house (the ones that chime) off in order to avoid knowing the time so I don't panic by learning that I have ONLY a few hours left before I have to get up and get ready for work.  Again, she thinks I am creating a great deal of anxiety for myself.  Yes, I have a sleep study two years ago.  I did not experience the tremor that night.  The sleep specialist sent me to the cardiologist and they order a halter (24-hour monitoring of my heart functions) as well as a cardiogram--Everything turned out to be fine with my heart.  After all this, I went back to the sleep specialist and he simply stated that in further review of my sleep study, they determined that when I sleep I do not go into deeper stages of sleep, and he prescribed "Clonazepam."  By that time, my symptoms have gone away and I never took that medicine.  As I mentioned on my original symptom description, my symptoms disappeared after a few days (6-9 days), except for minor tremors once every three months or so, which do wake me up, but I seem to go back to sleep with no problem whatsoever.  I figured I can live with this "minor" inconvenience and not have to take any medicine.  But as I mentioned, this time is different.  The tremors don't let me go back to sleep, at all.  And that's when I "panic" and decided to see my doctor about about the problem.  He ordered some blood work to test the functions of some of my key glads.  I guess glands that in his opinion could be causing my problem if they are "malfunctioning."  He said my lab work came back perfect--No irregularities, whatsoever.  I mentioned to him about my sleep study and the medicine they had prescribed (Clonazepam)--He simply said:  "I hate to see you taking this type of medicine without knowing exactly what is going on with you--The side affects of this medicine could be more potentially harmful the problem you are experiencing."  I cannot think of what can be more problematic than not being able to sleep--But this is besides the point.  He also mentioned that he hated to order another sleep study based on the fact that I physically don't meet any of the criteria that will lead him to believe that I need one, i.e., obesity, smoking, heavy coffee drinker, heavy alcohol drinker--I'm 5' 9" and my weight is 150 lbs; I do not smoke or drink.  I pedal my bicycle to work every day.  Approximately a 20-mile round trip.  Stress, however, seem to be creeping up due to the fact that I am getting concern about my health due to lack of sleep.  My doctor did mentioned, as you did, that a neurological study might be appropriate, but he wants me to be on the sleeping pills for two weeks before we start talking about those options.  At any rate, I know you asked me a few questions/clarifications and I pretty much wrote a book for you.  I'm sorry about that.  I am simply excited about the fact that someone "out there"  has manifested some type of concern about my plight.  One more question, please.  You mentioned that I could have a "rhythmic disorder."  What is that?  Thank you again, whoever you are--You are a good person.

[Suri123]

Hi bobito, how are you? Thanks for your reply and time you spent in writing a lengthy details. Well, you can be patient for few more days and keep observing the progress of the jerks to see the effect of the drug you are presently taking. Stress is a major factor in triggering the symptoms and worsening the daily activities to sometimes even impossible. You can get a sleep study test done to know your present sleep pattern, which can also be discussed with your attending physician. Rhythmic movements occur during the stage just prior to falling asleep and typically increase along with stress levels. These are most common among very young children. Commonly seen in children but can affect any one, and usually slowly disappears but if presents a danger or the activity persists for long time, it is better to consult an Neurophysician soon to get an evaluation and also to rule out any other possibilities. Take care and keep updating us of your doctor advise.

[KatEyes]

Your post is interesting as my son-in-law recently described almost identical symptoms that left him afraid to go to sleep for a while. He's only had a couple more mild episodes. My daughter said his tremblings/vibrations are not visible by observation - they are internal.

I've had similar sensations but not while asleep. I blamed them on low blood sugar but never really knew for sure. I have rythmic movements in my legs while asleep, but they feel like contractions or jerks when they wake me up.

Sorry, no answers. But I'll be watching to see if someone else comes up with something.

[MYJC]

I have the same thing happen to me sporadically, probably a few times a  week. As I'm drifting off to sleep I suddenly get "tremors" in my upper body that wake me up. If I try to go back to sleep there's a good chance it'll happen again. But if I put my hand on my chest I find that my heart's not beating all that fast, which makes me think it might be muscle twitches, possibly in my neck or chest. In any case I"m still trying to figure it out.

I've found that it's more likely to happen if I go to bed unusually early or late (or if I nap), and that a few glasses of wine seem to make it less likely to happen.

BTW I'm a 22-year old male of average height and weight with no real medical history.

[Suri123]

Hi bobito, how are you? Hope you are feeling better now? Are your tremors under control now and letting you to have a normal sleep? At your age, as discussed early also stress seems to be a trigger factor due to less activity and sleep deprivation. You need to get evaluated by a neurologist and get investigated. Have you checked your blood sugar and blood pressure? Even an EMG study would be helpful. Taking too many medicines also is not advisable so seek medical advise by a neurologist. Try to go for a morning-evening walk or regular stretches and body massages occasionally. Take warm shower and sleep early. Listening to your favorite music or reading book in a comforting room can put you to sleep. Do update on your progress and any visit to doctor. Take care.

[bobito]

Hi, Suri--Thank you for asking--Actually I'm doing a little better--Allow me to explain why.  First of all, I would like to tell you that I took your advise--I talked to my doctor last week and asked (again) about a sleep study.  She agreed to it--I'm now in the process of scheduling a sleep study.  Most probably I will have one within the next three weeks--Secondly, I raised the issue of a consultation with a neurologist--She agreed to this, as well.  She said, however, to wait and see what the sleep study reveals, and then she will referred me to a neurologist--Again, this neurological study will depend on the sleep study results.  At that time, I also shared with her the fact that Ambien was not keeping me sleep.  The tremors will wake me up about three hours after taking the medicine and I could not go back to sleep.  She decided to change my prescription to Restoril.  She said to take it as needed.  Well, this medicine most definitely worked, but the side affects were simply horrible.  I took it for two days and the day after I felt as if I had been on a 5-day drinking binge.  In other words, a very nasty hangover.  I told my wife that I was simply stoping the medicine and "John Wayne" my situation--For the last two days I have not taking any medicine at all.  The first night, without medicine, I managed to sleep for a total of five hours.  The tremor were there, all right, but I guess I did not allow them to intimidate me as much as they had in the past.  Therefore, I did not stayed awake worrying about them.  Last night I slept about seven hours.  The tremors woke me up a couple of times, but I simply "ignored" them and I manged to go back to sleep.  As you can imagine, I'm very happy to know that I can sleep without the aid of the medicine--I'm looking forward to tonight to see how well I am going to sleep.  About my blood pressure, it is fine--On the average 114/70.  My resting pulse on the average is 52 Bpm.   I think this is due to the fact that I bike to work every day.  At any rate, thank you very much for your advise--Your advise is what armed me with enough gumption to go back to the doctor and asked for the sleep study and the neurological evaluation.  At any rate, my anxiety has decreased considerably due to the fact that I have actually slept without any aid from medication.  I'm somewhat proud of this, which in turn makes me happy.  I will love to share with you the results of my upcoming test.  Please, enjoy your weekend.

[Suri123]

Hi bobito, Thanks again for your reply. It is indeed your determination to do without medication what has proved fruitful. Good that you are able to get some sleep without need to medicine and also satisfactory sleep. You need to continue the same for some more days and if sleeping comfortably without pills, give it up as body has tremendous capacity to revert to normalcy. Do keep yourself bit physically active and get the sleep study test and discuss with your doctor. Now that you are doing better, do follow the healthy sleep tips as discussed above and update on your progress. Take care.

[Crystal_blue_girl]

I also have been having tremers right when im about to fall asleep.I'll wake up and my WHOLE body will be shaking for about 10 sec. but it doesnt hurt......Its kind of freaking me out!! also this does not relate to tremers....Sometimes I wake up screaming when I dont even dream.I was wondering if there might be a connection.I do have depression and im bi polar and I have severe ocd and anxiety and im on alot of med.But i've been on all these meds for about 9 mounths and these tremers just started 2 mounths ago.So I dont know if the meds might be to blame.Any info would be helpful thanks

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
I was so glad to read your detailed description of the night tremors because this has been going on for about a month and a half for me and continues to get progressively worse.  Your description is IDENTICAL to what I have experienced.  I was recently diagnosed with Celiac's Disease which is a gluten intolerance so I wondered if this could be diet related.  I am 41 and otherwise have always been healthy.  I am not overweight, I have a very healthy diet and I exercise.  I am going to the Dr. tomorrow and plan to take your description with me because I could not have said it better myself.  I feel like I am going to come unglued if I can't get an answer and a good night's rest.  Please keep me posted on your test results and tests which your physician recommends.  I am desperate for some answers and hopefully a solution.  Thanks for your posting.  My husband found it and it brought a lot perspective.  I am sorry for your situation but am glad you shared this so I would not feel like the only one to ever have had this.  I have not been able to find out a whole lot about this which leaves me even more anxious about the situation.  Any ideas would be most appreciated.  dwc589

[Suri123]

Hi Bobito, hope you are feeling better now? Hi, Crystal_blue_girl, how are you doing? Can you provide some more details regarding the jerks you are going through - how often they occur and is it a continuous one or keeps repeating in an on and off pattern? Has any one observed whether these jerks you mention does continue even after you fall asleep? Is there anything that you do or it stops on its own? Usually, hypnic - sleep jerks or twitches are normal and can occur while you tend to fall asleep or when you try to wake up from sleep. You might also probably be suffering from severe stress and anxiety, which can also be a trigger factor. Also you might probably be having Rhythmic movement disorder. These can also be due to the side effect of the medicines you take. Avoid smoking, excessive coffee/tea and alcohol. So, it is better to consult a neurologist and sleep specialist for further evaluation. Take care and update on your progress.

[bobito]

I just sent you a comment or two, but come to find out, the message did not take.  I will try again.  At the risk of being fatherly, I beg you not to come "unglued."  As I mentioned on my previous editorials, I have been experiencing this problem, off  and on, for about two years.  I used to become unglued.  I used to stare at the ceiling for hours, "listening" to my wife and my dogs, yes my dogs, sleeping so deeply and I felt benignly jealous.  I used to jump out of bed with a tremendous urge to scream:  "NOT FAIR!"  This did not help much.  In fact, it did not help at all.  It made matters much worse.  What I realized at one point was that the tremors themselves were only part of the equation to keep me awake.  The other part of the equation was the anxiety that was generated when the tremors appeared.  What has helped me tremendously is to think of nice, colorful events (I know it sounds corny) while I'm waiting to fall sleep.  When the tremors arrive, I simply try (I know it is very hard to do) to not panic.  By not panicking, fifty per cent of my problem is resolved.  I have found out that the tremors cannot intimidate me as much as they used to.  They are not really that "good" at keeping me awake without the assistance of the anxiety they create.  Anxiety gone, tremors are much, much weaker!   Besides this acceptance (not coming unglued), I have started to implement other practices to help me sleep without any medication.  I take a hot shower before going to bed, eat dinner at least three hours before going to bed.  Go to bed between 0930 and 1000.  This helps me in the following manner:  If I have been awake for three hours after going to bed, and I went to bed at 0930, I know I still have enough night hours left to get some sleep.  This reduces my anxiety level tremendously while I'm awake.  On the other hand, if I go to sleep at, say, midnight, and I don't fall sleep for three hours, there are not too many night hours left; thus, increasing my anxiety exponentially.  So I you can see, I have become a true believer that the self-induced anxiety is, to a great extent, as much of a culprit as my tremors.  I mentioned medication before. I'd like to address it again.  If I have not slept decently for two days or so, I do take a sleeping pill.  The anxiety created by that much lack of sleep cannot be overridden by pleasant thoughts.  I need to force my self to sleep--The pill does the trick.  Once I recapture my natural sleep patterns, I put the pills away and tried what I explained above.  So far it has worked for me nicely.  I have a sleep study scheduled in forty-five days.  I guess there are a lot of people in need in this department--I could not schedule it any earlier.  In the interim, my doctor, in conjunction with the resident neurologist gave me a battery of in-office test to determine whether I needed further neurological evaluation, i.e., brain scan or whatever.  They determined that there is nothing wrong with me neurologically.  This does not rule out further neurological evaluation.  All it means is that I can "afford" to wait for the results of the sleep study before taking any further steps in the neurological arena.  Is your sleep study taking place before mine?  I have faith that if we all keep up with informing each other on our conditions and improvements, we will all conquer this malady.  It is not the end of the world (here I go being fatherly again).  Allow me to share with you what my son said to me yesterday (he is a radiologist):  "Dad, we all bear a cross, FORTUNATELY yours is made of balsa wood when compared to the "things" I see everyday in my practice."  Whether he said this because he is sick and tired of hearing my sleeping complains or because he wants to make a philosophical point, is irrelevant.  The fact is that it made me realize that our problem is not "terminal."  There is lots of potential help out there which will become more readily available as soon as this studies and evaluation shed more light on it.  Hope you feel better after seeing your doctor and knowing that your sleep study has been scheduled--In short HELP IN ON ITS WAY.   I will definitely share with you the results of my study.  Let's hope all of us experiencing this malady keep on talking to each other.  This most definitely has a soothing affect--Every little bit helps.  Bobito

[Crystal_blue_girl]

Hi,Suri    Okay so you asked how often do they occur-They are on and of so in other words it doesnt happen everytime im asleep.Maybe like every other night.And like I said before it lasts like 10 sec. with no pause in between.You asked has anyone seen me have these in my sleep the answer is no cuz I sleep alone but I did wake my cat up once when I woke up with rapid movement in my arms they went all the way up and all the way down like three times and stoped which is a first and not one of my "normal" tremers. And they do stop on there own.Its strange its like when its happening I cant concentrate on anything so I cant even will it to stop.I read what you said about stress and anxiety and how that might be a factor but Ive had that from a verrrry early age so why would these things be happening now....Still confussed-Crystal

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Thank you so much for all of the information which you shared regarding the tremors.  It has meant more than you know to find another person out there that can relate to this unnerving issue.  YOU are a good person for sharing this!  It has given me the hope I need at this time.  I am exhausted as I write this as my nights get worse each night it seems.  I had high hopes that I was going to have all kinds of good news to report to you because I made a trip to Whole Foods and bought all of these products that I was sure were going to impact this condition but to no avail...  I have a sleep study scheduled for Tues. Night and an appointment with an integrative health Dr. on Thurs.  Have you ever thought that this could be a brain tumor?  I feel preasure in my head but can't decide if it is just because my rhythms are so off right now and I am so tired.    I am an otherwise upbeat positive person and I certainly do not want this to take away my joy for life and living.  I will say that my perspective becomes so destorted with little or no sleep.   I have been doing some research on different nutrients and the effect on our bodies if we are deficient in them.  There are definitely some links but I have yet to figure this one out.
I will keep you posted as all of this unfolds.  Hopefully good news is waiting around the corner.  Best Wishes and THANK YOU!  dwc589

[Suri123]

Hi, Crystal_blue_girl, thanks for your reply and how are you? I suggest you need to get examined and investigated properly by a neurologist as your body jerks still continuing. Although it is strange, there might be possible rythmic movements causing you the jerks. It would be better if any of your family members can observe you for the jerks in sleep. There can also be sleep deprivation and stress might worsen this further. Relax and try to go to sleep as early as possible. You can also get a sleep study done. Take care and share your thoughts.

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--I'd like to share the following opinions with you in reference to some of the points you have made.  First of all, I doubt very much, in my own humble opinion, that a brain tumor could be the culprit in our situation.  I think other body faculties would be affected as well, besides causing the tremors if a tumor was "involved."  When I don't sleep I get head discomforts, which I most definitely attribute to the lack of sleep.  I have learned in the last two years that lack of sleep can disturb the natural "rhythm" of my body as well as my mind to the point that I cannot reason things out as accurately as should be expected from a "normal" person.  This is all transitory--It all comes back as soon as I get some rest.  The following are my thoughts of what can possibly be causing our problem.  I have drawn these conclusions after gathering as much empirical data as possible.  This data comes from medical consultations, reading and simple gut feelings.  Thought #1:  Our problem can be caused by diet.  I just have this strong feeling that we are eating something that our brain simply does not appreciate.  In response to this I have started a journal of everything I eat every day.  Hopefully, when I get bad tremors I can go back to my journal and maybe, just maybe, there is a correlation between the two.  Thought #2:  Allergies--I am starting to realize that the worst of my problems manifest themselves during the spring time and early fall.  I am not taking any medication for allergies, for I have learned that those medications, among other things, can cause tremors and insomnia--something, for obvious reasons, I want to stay as far away as possible.  If my upcoming sleep study will fail to reveal any obvious conditions, I will talk to an allergist.  Thought #3:  Exertion.  As I have mentioned in my previous editorials, I ride my bicycle to work everyday (twenty miles round trip).  And many a time, I go riding with my buddies during the weekend--Sometimes for up to 100 miles in one weekend.  I'm sixty years and I think by body is asking me to slow down.  Well, I'm going to listen to my body--As of yesterday, I going to cut back my exercise routine by half.  This decision could not have come at a worse time, considering the price of fuel.  I'm going to ride my bike to work only three times a week.  I'll see how my body reacts to this.  Thought #4:  Plain anxiety.  I did mention this before, but I would like to readdress it.  The tremors wake us up, but I really believe that what keeps us awake is the anxiety we experience as a result of the tremors.  What has helped me tremendously is going to bed with the mindset that I’m going to be awakened by the tremors.  When the tremors “arrive,” I was expecting them.  In other words, they are not as much of a surprise any longer.  Again, this has helped me a great deal since it has reduced the amount of anxiety that is caused by the “unexpected’ tremors.  I’m pretty sure your sleep study will reveal a great deal.  I only wish mine was scheduled on Tuesday, as well.  Mine is not going to take place for another 40 days or so. Thought #5.  I think we could be experiencing some type of epileptic seizure, which only manifest itself when the brain is the sleeping mode.  The sleep study will clear this one up.  Just think how colorful things will be once your sleep study is conducted, and the answers start to pour in.  Just a few more days--hang in there, my friend—Good luck—Please keep in touch.  Bobito.

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Thank you so much for all of your thoughts on this.  You definitely have a way of putting things into perspective for me as I am loosing my perspective with the lack of sleep.  This weekend  I tried an Ambion tablet for the first time ever...(I am very anti-drug as I can see you are also) It was not the control release just the regular.  My husband had them from work for international flights.  I went to bed at 8:30 because I was so exhausted and I awakened from my drug induced sleep at 12:45 a.m.  I then could not go back to sleep until 6:00 a.m and slept until 8:50... I think I am so afraid of having the tremors that my body has decided not to sleep at all...  Yesterday my husband and children were starting a garden and I decided to read in the hammock thinking how relaxing would that be to be surrounded by your family happily at work and the birds chirping etc...I was able to rest but never could go to sleep.  I have been awake for most of the night F,S,and S.  This morning my mom found an interesting report on www.adrenalfatigue.org/sleep_disorders.php which could be enlightening.  it souns like cortisol levels could be to blame.  Do you feel a little hungrey when you awaken with the tremors?  I am feeling hungry for the first time ever in the night.  Do you ever feel like you have an electric generater in your upper body as you try to go back to sleep?  The interesting link in this equation is that I usually feel peaceful when I go to bed but my body is way more agitated when I awaken which makes me think this could be blood sugar related.  Try to pull up that article and see what you think about some of the points made.  If you can't get it via the link I sent then try www.adrenalfatigue.org and then type in "sleep disorders."  Maybe we're onto something yet.  Your levels of bike riding I would think would be a very healthy thing for you but maybe because you exert so much in the day you need to supply your body with a healthy protein,  high quality fat and unrefined carbs as a small bedtime snack to see your body through the night.  It is in the article.   Hopefully we can have victory over these crazy tremors sooner than later.  Have a happy day!  dwc589

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--How are you?  Did you have your sleep study last night?  I read your last post with great enthusiasm.  Yes, I do experience some hunger, but not when the tremors wake me up, but just before I go to bed.  Based on your recommendation, I'm going to eat a little something prior to bed.  Who knows,  just as you said, maybe we are onto something here.  Yes, I do feel like a miniature electric generator (very lucidly described) sits on my chest after I'm awakened.  This "generator" stays on for about 10-15 seconds, then it shuts off completely.  This happens every time the tremors wake me up. At any rate, thank you very much for recommending the article.  In fact, I might buy the book that the article is extracted from.  I'll keep you advised on this one.  Hope things are better with you--Keep in touch--Don't forget to share with us the latest on your sleep study.  I'm pretty sure a number of us are extremely interested to hear about it.  By the by, when I need to take a sleeping pill, I take "Restoril"--This one has the least number of negative side affects of all the pills I have been prescribed.  I read about it on the Web and found out that the U.S. Air Force prescribes this one to its pilots when they are afflicted by disturbances in their circadian rhythm.  I figure it must be pretty safe if the Air Force allows the pilots to use it--I hope!  Have a happy day. Remember to be happier everyday that goes by, for it means we are that one day closer to the day we are cured of this malady.  Bobito

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
I'm not sure what happened to my earlier posting  as I wrote quite a bit earlier today and it has now vanished...  as I said earlier so sorry for the delay in my response to you.  My week was quite trying.  On the night of  my scheduled sleep study my husband had to take our 11 year old daughter to the ER with chest pains.  I had taken her to the doctor the previous week and we thought it was reflux causing her heart to burn but on Tues she had the pain in PE which was concerning.  She is 40th percentile in her weight and very active so again no outward signs of problems.  Right before I went was asked to turn off my phone for the study to begin I found out that there was something showing up on her tests and that they would have to stay for further testing... That has all turned out fine we think now but can you imagine sleeping under those circumstances?  Especially since I was coming off my weekend of insomnia.  So the study was a bit of a disaster.  I slept for 45 min. the first half of the night and 30 minutes the second half of the night.  I have not yet gotten the results but wonder what will be concluded on almost no sleep.  Now I am taking Lorazapam which is an anti anxiety med. hopefully just for a week or so to get me back into a relax mode as I truly can not function on so little sleep.  It has helped to relax me but I am beginning to feel the tremors again.  I will meet with my integrative health doctor for the evaluation of my screening on Thurs. and I still would like to have a MRI to make sure all is well with my brain.  I just can not imagine what is causing this.  I will keep you up to date with my sleep study and other results as I receive them.  I can't tell you how much I have appreciated all of your thoughts and encouragement through this.  I look so forward to your sleep study to hopefully learn something for both of us.  So sorry to let us down on that one!  Keep me posted on any new findings!  Have a good night!  dwc589

[bobito]

No, I cannot imagine being able to sleep under the conditions you have shared with me (your daughter's condition)--Even a human being with perfect sleeping patters could not have possibly slept under those conditions.  I take my hat off to you for the tremendous resilience and character you have demonstrated in bearing such an incredibly heavy "load" and still manage to move forward.  But as you can see, your daughter is going to be fine and you, in turn, will also be just fine once your study is analyzed.  Obviously, I am not in any shape or form an authority in sleep studies, but based on some readings I have done, there is no need for a long period of sleep in order to interpret one's condition during a sleep study--I can only guess that the fact that you managed to sleep for some period, it is enough for the electronic equipment (all the probes attached to you) to detect any anomalies in your sleep/awake modes.  You seem somewhat preoccupied with the existence of a brain tumor--for whatever is worth to you, I really don't think so.  I have gone that route as well.  I sincerely believe that when we are deprived of as much sleep as we have, we have a tendency to mentally wonder into tangents that are simply self-created because we are angry--Yes, angry!  Besides anxiety, we also feel anger at the fact that the rest of the world is "fine" and we are the only ones afflicted with a malady.  That's how we see the world around us--Everyone is just fine--Why are we the "only" ones with a problem?  Well, I must admit, nature is heartless but it (nature) has not set its cross hairs on just us.  Nature has its "guns" trained on everybody; it so happens that most people don't want to talk about how their lives really are or they simply are not lucky enough to find other people who endure the same system "malfunctions" so they talk to each other and find some solace in sharing.  We have found that solace and therefore we are better off than a lot of people in this world.  I took your advice and follow some of the steps in the article you recommended I read.  I have eaten a spoonful of peanut butter just before I go to bed.  Honestly, it has helped me.  It could be just coincidence (or the placebo affect kicking in), but I have been able to sleep about five hours a night for the last four days.  Could all this be purely psychological?--It could be, but I am going to continue eating my peanut butter until it ceases to be effective.  The tremors are mild, but I have still managed to sleep.  My only regret is knowing that I have yet to reciprocate this advise by helping you in some way.  I also have lost some of my postings.  I wonder where they go after you hit the "Post Comment" button.  I guess the same place where white goes when snow melts.  In order to remedy this situation, I have started to type my comments on a WORD document and then copy it into this site.  It has worked nicely--I have yet to lose another one.  Looking forward to hearing from you.  Warm regards, Bobito

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--How are you?  Has your sleep study been "decipher?"  I' m feeling a bit better.  Still some shaken by the tremors, but I have gotten a little better at tolerating them.  Let us know how you are coming along.  Bobito

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Sorry for the delayed response.  I have been preoccupied with myself and

my crazy sleep patterns as well as my daughter who is still having chest

pains.  I have been trying all sorts of things since we last spoke but

still have not found an answer for us.  I feel that my sleep study was

inconclusive since I never had the tremors during the night.  Because I

had insomnia it was just labeled "anxioty." I just am not thoroughly

convinced by this diagnosis when the study was incomplete.  Have you

found anything new that works for you in dealing with this.  With your

son's medical background does he have any ideas or theories?  I did talk

to a neighbor that had the night tremors three years ago and found that

it was hormonal. She was 41 at the time as am I now so I am now going to

investigate this avenue as well...not sure that helps you at all but I

would think that men undergo hormonal changes as well, we just don't

hear as much about them. How many more days until your sleep study?  I

am counting the days with you.  I wish I could have offered more insight

with mine.  The one interesting tid bit of info regarding the anxioty

theory is that I have been taking the Ativan also called lorazapam to

help me sleep and I still have the tremors on that "anti-anxioty" drug.

This puzzles me. I would think that the tremors would be non-existent on

the drug if it was indeed anxioty. I am able to fall back to sleep more

readily than without the med but the fact remains that the tremors are

still there.  By the way I did check the Adrennal Fatigue book out of

the library and it does not seem like the answer to the puzzle either.  

I love hearing your insight on things so keep me posted on your latest

discoveries.  I will try to be more prompt with my response.  I am so

thankful to have this dialogue since two heads are definitely better

than one!  Have a wonderful day and be sure to smile about all the GOOD!!!

Your friend, dwc589

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--very nice hearing from you.  I was getting a bit concerned about your status.  Well, let me start with my sleep study.  It was supposed to take place next week, but that clinic discovered that I had been scheduled for a sleep study without an “interview” with a sleep specialist.  Thus, they gave an immediate appointment with the sleep specialist.  He reviewed my records and listened to my situation and determined that my problem was not a sleep problem.  He figured that if I’m able to fall sleep, which I am, and the tremors wake me up, which they do, it is a tremor problem that is causing my sleep problems.  It is not a sleep problem.  He feels that it is a heart problem of some sort that is causing the tremors.  I explained to him that I have had multiple cardiograms and 24-hour halters and they have revealed nothing but a very healthy heart.  He added that what I needed to have was what is called an “event monitor” to be carried for two weeks.  He said this is the only way to “smoke” out heart irregularities that escape the cardiograms and the 24-hour halters.  And that’s where my situation stands as of right now.  On Monday I’m going to the clinic to be fitted with one of those apparatus.  As far as my children are concerned, actually I have two and both are doctors.  One is a radiologist and the other one is a dermatologist.  To be honest with you, they don’t help that much.  The radiologist is extremely stoic and, consequently, very indifferent to compassion and kind advise.  The dermatologist, on the other hand, is very compassionate and goes out of his way to make me feel better with his “opinions”.  Bottom line:  All they really have is OPINIONS—In fact, my wife feels that they simply don’t know and, therefore, I should not ask them about it anymore—All that means, she added, is more opinions for me to have to psychologically and emotionally deal with.    One thing the dermatologist did about six months ago was to have a friend of his (a sleep specialist) called me and asked me about my situation.  His OPINION:  To have a sleep study administered.  I have decided to follow my wife’s advice.   At any rate, I have been able to sleep a little better—The tremors still there, but not as intense.  I have gone through this phase before—They may increase in intensity anytime.  I’m going for the event monitor—Who knows, it might reveal something of substance.  Needless to say, I feel pretty bad about your daughter—Neither you nor your daughter deserve this.  I’m pretty sure things will get better for all of us.  You mentioned about hormones—Yes, that’s all been checked.  Everything is fine in that department.  Thank your for bringing it up.  I will keep you advised if anything of substance develops—Most definitely, I will share with you the results of the event monitor.  Your friend, Bobito.

[Suri123]

Hi bobito, how are you doing? Hope you might be feeling better these days? Are you getting good sleep now or still you do have the jerks at night? Chronic fatigue and night muscle cramps can worsen it. Do keep physically active and physical therapy might be helpful. Also a gentle massage would soothe the aching muscles and give comfort to you. Hope to hear from you. Take care and share your thoughts.

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Again sorry for the delay.  Life just keeps happening at a fast pace whether I sleep or not!!  Here is my latest and I'll be looking forward to hearing yours.  Well, first of all I must say that  I was so sad and discouraged by your news of no sleep study.  I did not realize how much hope I had put in you having that study.  However, I was inspired by the idea of seeing a cardiologist.  So since we have talked believe it or not, I have had hormone testing, a nuclear stress test, a 24 hour heart monitor, a ct scan of my abdomen and brain, and an echogram of my heart... I will get results of all of this on Tues.  I will let you know what I find out.  This Doc. was also very interested that my tremors only occur after 3:30 am.  Is this the case for yours or are they happening all night?  He is wondering about Hypoglycemia thinking that maybe my blood sugur hits a low at that time.  He seems intrigued with the case so pray he can come up with some answers.  Hope your week has gone well and that your spring has been as pretty and rejuvenating as ours has been.  I look forward to hearing from you!  Your friend,  dwc589

[dwc589]

Hi again Bobito :),
I meant to tell you that my daughter has been wearing the event monitor for two weeks and has to wear it until Thursday.  She can harldy wait to remove it  although it has not been that bad.  I think her issue is more of a GI issue since she hasn't been quite right since she had a stomach virus about six weeks ago.  She did have a racing heart the one night but also a lot of heart burn.  She is about to start swim team practice so I'm wondering how this will agree with her.   She is a much better ballerina than a swimmer so I am anticipating great amounts of intake of chlorinated water as she ramps up.  I am still taking the Ativan to sleep and am consistantly having the tremors after 3:30am as I mentioned earlier.  The Ativan has been an excellent choice to help me sleep well and not freak out when the tremors occur.  Also it does not make you sleepy at all the next day.  I would like to only take this for a while longer on a nightly basis but as far as a sleep aid with none of the drugged sleep feeling it has been good.  Keep in mind it is an anti-anxioty med not a true sleep aid but it really does work.  My goal is to use it only now and then like I used to take a tylenol pm now and then.  I look forward to hearing how the event monitor is working out for you.  Keep me posted on your progress!  Hope this finds you doing really well!
If you are like me you are relieved that you are at least doing something (by wearing the heart monitor) that could lead to a solution to this disruption in your otherwise enjoyable life.  Have a happy day and find time to stop and smell the flowers!  dwc589

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Now I'm getting a little concerned about you!  Hope all is going well for you as you wear the event monitor.  I am anxious to know how that goes.  My latest is this...I had no issues with my heart, hormones, or abdomen.  He did not test my brain which I thought he had.  He did detect irregularities in my heart while resting (this showed up with the 24 hour heart moniter) and my levels of epinephrin (not sure how to spell this) were high. So he is trying a Beta Blocker with me.  In the literature from the Mayo Clinic it states that this can help with some tremors.  I am also taking 400mg of Magnesium at night before bed.  I started this on May 20th so it is too soon to tell if it is working.  With the event monitor do you have to press the button when you have a tremor?  It seems like that would wake you up for sure.  Keep my posted!  Hope your day is a nice one!  dwc589

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Just checking on you.  I am hoping that no news is good news.  I am anxious to hear from you!  Keep me posted on your progress!  dwc589

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--I'm sorry I have not been too responsive lately--My wife and I decided to take a few days off.  Let me start by telling you that I went through the whole heart event process (seven days)--I returned the monitor the day before I went on vacation and I am going to make an appointment with the cardiologist tomorrow to discuss the results.  The monitor was a rather painless procedure--I had to call the clinic after every five events, they were "downloaded" telephonically, the monitor was then zeroed out.  I called again after another five events.  Pretty neat little devise, I thought.  Every time I had a "waking up" tremor, I simply pressed a button and it recorded my heart activity for about a minute or so.  As I mentioned above, after every five of them I called them in.  By the by, I slept very nicely on my vacation time.  I truly believe that the reason I managed to sleep so well, even with the tremors, is because I did not have to stress about having to get up at any giving time.  The morale of the story:  "Retirement"!  It is interesting that your doctor prescribed Beta Blockers for you.  This medicine helped me sister tremendously with her problem with "stage fright."  She had to give public presentations routinely--Her stage fright level became so pronounced that she had to seek medical attention.  It will be very interesting to find out what the event monitor revealed.  I will definitely keep you advised as these developments unfold.  It seems that you have been getting some good sleep--What a great thing--Believe me, we are now on our way to "recovery."  Little by little we'll beat this malady.  I always feel that lack of sleep is equivalent to lack of food.  You simply cannot function without them.  It was very nice hearing from you and your good news.  Hopefully, I will have good news for you in a few days.  Have a very pleasant week, your friend, bobito.

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--I sent you a note yesterday, but I forgot to answer one of your questions; which in my view is crucial.  You asked me whether I wake up around 3:00 AM.  My answer is most definitely YES.  Every single morning, whether I have taken a sleeping pill or naturally sleeping, I wake up at that time.  I stayed up for an hour or so and fall back to sleep, normally.  Is this signifincant?  I see you have falling into the same pattern.  In revewing your research, are there any commonalities which might be of help?  Hope to hear from you--Your friend, bobito

[Suri123]

Hi bobito, Hope you are feeling better now? Are your tremors under control now and letting you to have a normal sleep? Have you checked your blood sugar and blood pressure? Even an EMG study would be helpful. Taking too many medicines also is not advisable, so seek medical advise by a neurologist. Try to go for a morning-evening walk or regular stretches and body massages occasionally. Take warm shower and sleep early. Listening to your favorite music or reading book in a comforting room can put you to sleep. Do update on your progress and any visit to doctor. Take care.

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
It was so good to hear from you!  I am anxious to hear what the cardiologist has to say.  I still do not have a glowing report to share with you although things are somewhat improving.  I am sleeping MUCH better and had one night completely free of tremors.  One night, however, I was able to sleep in a little bit and the tremors had not occured in the night but between 6:15 and 7:15 I was dozing and had my worst tremors on record...These extended throughout my entire body including my legs and brain.  I must say this really saddened me after I was feeling like I was on the mend.  The last three nights have been pretty good although tremors on a much milder scale have been taking place each night.  It seems that they are occuring later in the night like closer to 5:00.  I have only been on the Toprol for a week and six days so I think it is too soon to tell if this is the answer.  There is no doubt that in most cases I am better off on the med for now.  Tomorrow I am also having a CT scan of my brain.  I will keep you filled in as I have new news.  Have a great day!   dwc589

[bobito]

It is great hearing from you, dwc.--I'm feeling somewhat demoralized about my event monitor results.  The clinic called me yesterday and told me that something mechanically had gone wrong with the equipment and that I had to do it all over again.  Apparently, when the cardiologist went to "read" the results, he found nothing but blank returns.  I don't know exactly how the system works, but I'm inclined to believe that it was operator's error (me).  I must have done something wrong for it to not register much of anything.  I will go back to the clinic on Friday to be fitted again for seven days.  I'll most definitely keep you posted.  Well, just like you, I had been sleeping very nicely until last night.  The tremors were not that strong, but for some reason I just could not go back to sleep after they manifested themselves (3:00 AM).  I had been able to sleep somewhat in the past after the tremors.  And just as you said, I was feeling pretty confident that the tremor were simply going away--No such luck--They are back. Not any stronger, I must admit, but they are most definitely back.  The only positive aspect of this whole new cycle is that I have been down that path before so, psychologically, it is a bit easier to tolerate it.  I have been keeping a journal of every daily activity, to include amount of exercise, types and amounts of food, and any other routine worthwhile documenting.  So far, I cannot find any correlation between the tremors and my daily activities.  At any rate, we are getting "there" little by little.  I'm pretty confident that we will able to "smoke out" the culprit of this dysfunction in the very near future.  I'll honest with you, I don't care how serious this turns out be.  I just want answers and, consequently, the proper treatment.  How is your daughter doing?  Again, it was very nice hearing from you.  You said that you had nothing positive to report--It does not matter.  The fact that you are still seeking and fighting is in itself great news.  Your fried, bobito.

[bobito]

Hi, dwc, long time no hear--Hope things are well with you.  How did your CT scan turn out?  I'm pretty sure everything is fine in that "department."  As I mentioned on my previous posting, my first heart event monitor was inconclusive.  I just finished my second one--The cardiologist will take a look at it in the near future and will call me to arrange for a visit to discuss the rusults.  I'll keep you posted.  I would love to hear from you.  Have a beautiful day--bobito

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--How are you?  I'm still waiting for the results of my event monitor.  My doctor (cardiologist) has been on some kind of medical fellowship and won't be back until the 22nd of  this month--I was given an appointment to see him on the 23rd.  I'm a bit concerned about you--I have not heard from you since you had your scan.  How did that go?  Do you think (if the event monitor does not reveal anything of substance) that I should request to be administered a brain scan?  Please, I need your help on this one.  My sleeping patterns are just going all over the map--I have not gotten much sleep lately.  Hope to hear from you.  Have a great day.  Bobito

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
Again so sorry for the delay.  My children are out of school and home for the summer which is wonderful and very fun but super busy!  It is almost like we need to exchange phone numbers as I do way better picking up the phone than writing it all out.  I was so sad to hear that you are not doing as well.  Hopefully I may have some answers for you.  I was actually waiting to have all results back before I wrote back.  I went to the Dr. today and the brain scan is perfectly normal!!!  So no worries there.  Today was also the follow up on how I was doing on the Toprol.  I have been on the Toprol (Beta blocker) for almost one month now and this is really helping.  The tremors are not completely gone but they are mild like a fan running instead of a jack hammer or generator.  If I take the Toprol with the Ativan I have no side effects and NO tremors!!!!  The toprol will hopefully smoke out the tremors entirely eventually but for now the Ativan has been a life saver for good rest with no side effects.  The Ativan can even be taken in the middle of the night if needed if you are having trouble falling back to sleep and you will wake up feeling fine in the am.  My nurse practitioner friend said that the reason she likes it so much is it does relax your body to sleep but you do not feel groggy like you have had a sleep aid.  I keep trying to not use it every night but my doctor said it is fine for the short term and eventully I will not need it.  He said that it is far more impt. to refresh your body with a good night's rest.  The other piece of info is that my Doc said that the man that created Toprol won the Nobel prize.  He said this is an excellent drug with very limited side effects and exactly what I need to be taking.  I am only taking 25 mg which is the smallest dose.  If I continue to have tremors he will up that dose a bit.  I really respect this doc and feel this may be your answer.... My doc is an internest and cardiologist that also specializes in sleep disorders.   Hopefully this will give you something to go from.  Today when I questioned still having some tremors there was absolutely no doubt in his mind that I am on the right med just do I need to take a little higher dose.  We chose to stay with the 25 mg for now hoping that will work out fine.  Thank you for asking about my daughter.  She had an endoscopy a week ago and they did find an ulcer.  Basically she had a stomach virus a couple of months ago and her stomach was never right after that.  We went on a cruise right before the virus and she even tried escargo!  The Heart issue was mainly just heart burn.  She is on Prevacid for 3 months.    Hopefully, my info will help in your search for answers.  I know that I am feeling improvement.  He also said that I must stay extremely active.  I've been thinking of adding yoga to my routine as well.  Keep me posted!  Hope some of this helps.  Your friend, dwc589

[dwc589]

Hi bobito,
One more thing and then I am off to go to a swim meet.  My doc also has me taking 400mg of magnesium before bed and today he said that I should take 1000 mcg of Vit. B12.  I will take this in the am.  Hope this helps!  Dana ~ aka dwc589

[bobito]

Hi, dwc--At the risk of sounding maudlin, I must tell you it was just great hearing from you--I was starting to get worried.  I am so happy that your brain and other faculties are functioning perfectly.  I had my appointment with my doctor to discuss my event monitor results.  You guessed it!  My heart is perfectly normal.  He simply stated that there is absolutely no relationship between the tremors and my heart.  What does that mean?, I asked.  Well, very simply stated:  "Back to square one."  I asked him about "Beta-Blockers".  His answer was no!  The reason he gave me is that this med will drop my blood pressure.  This is not advisable since my B.P. is already very low.  As I mentioned to you before, I found out that my sister takes Beta-Blockers for her stage fright problems.  She tells me that her blood pressure has dropped substantially.  My doctor is absolutely correct on this one.  If I take a medicine that drops my blood pressure substantially, I would be in a rather serious health situation.  I told him about my problem with side affects from the sleeping pills and that being the major reason I much rather not sleep than take a medicine that makes me feel as if I had just come out of three-day drunk.  He prescribed a different type of sleeping pill--Lunesta.  I have not tried it yet, so I'm not familiar with its efficacy or with its side affects.  You mentioned that you have been diagnosed as having hypoglycemia.  I wonder, when you can find some free time in the future, to elaborate on that, to include what has been helping you in that department.  I honestly think that I might be afflicted with this condition.  Sometimes I get very shaky, very hungry, sweaty, anxious, etc.  If I eat something sweet, it seems to alleviate my problem.  I was reading about the fact that hypoglycemia can also cause tremors.  As I mentioned previously, all my blood/urine work has shown absolutely no irregularities--And believe me, they have taken plenty of blood from me since I started to complain about the tremors.  At any rate, I have been sleeping pretty well for the last few days--The tremors are there, all right, they are not as strong.  I hate to sound pessimistic, but I know it is a matter of time before they start shaking me like a pair of maracas--After three years, I know what to expect.  I'm going on a family SCUBA vacation for ten days.  My two sons, their respective wives and my wife decided to live a little!  Again, it was wonderful hearing from you again.  We should be happy--we have something to look forward to--A cure.  Think of how many people don't have anything to look forward in their lives.  Have a wonderful, beautiful day.  As always, I will let you if anything develops.  Your friend, bobito

[YABob]

Dear bobito and dwc589, your message exchange was really fascinating reading for me. I hope you are both feeling better. By the way, YABob means Yet Another Bob.

I started having night tremors a few weeks ago. You both described my situation very well. I am 52 and generally in good health. After about a week of this, I saw my primary care physician. I told him about several things in my life that may be related to it: 1. I've recently moved into a new office building at work. We're on the top floor under the air conditioners and you can feel everything vibrating. E.g., a full cup of water has wavelets. 2. I've almost certainly got Gastro Esophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD) which can cause esophogeal spasms. I'm taking prilosec for that and have cut out most of my favorite foods and drinks (coffee, red wine, tomatoes, ...). 3. I have tinnitus (ringing in the ears, a feeling of clogged up ears) and last but not least, 4. I am under a great deal of stress, I have a 14 year old son who is disabled and I just sent him off to sleep-away camp, it is his first time away from us.

So that is my background, my doctor told me that he thought my problem was the combination of stress and the vibrating office building. He told me that he has other patients who work in vibrating environments who continue to feel vibrations at home. Well, no doubt I'm stressed but I haven't been going to the office much these last two weeks and I still get this while I'm falling asleep and sometimes it wakes my up at around 3 or 4AM (as it just did).

I took 2.5mg of valium two nights ago. It helped me fall asleep but I was still awakened by tremors and I felt groggy all day yesterday. Last night I took 1.25mg of valium. I woke up at 4AM with tremors again (and googled my way to your exchange).

So I think I might want to ask my doctor to refer me to a sleep specialist.

Anyway, thank you for the very helpful information.

Best Wishes,

YABob

[questions606]

Bobito and DWC589,
Thanks so much for posting your experiences. Please don't stop.  I just found your posts and I've been suffering since June 1.  I went to bed fine and woke up feeling like my blood sugar was low. I was shaking internally, a really fine tremor in my arms, legs and head. I woke up and had some orange juice but it didn't help. Since then, I've only had 3 nights of uninterrupted sleep. The tremors are strongest in the back of my head.  I feel them as I am falling to sleep and as I am about to awake.  The muscles in my calves are also tight. My blood work shows a slightly overactive thyroid, and an ultrasound shows that the thyroid has several colloidal nodules on it. A neurologist says that my neck and shoulder muscles feel like "wood," so I started physical therapy after a brain MRI came back normal. I still need to have an EEG. I have missed a menstrual period, but I am not pregnant. Another message board referenced menopause as a possibility (hormonal changes). An endocrinologist gave me a beta blocker, but a cardiologist told me to stop taking it because my blood pressure is already low. On Tuesday I will wear a 24-hr heart monitor and have an ultrasound of my heart.  No doubt this is in some way all caused by stress.  I have recently gone through a very stressful period in my life. All I want now is to get back to normal. I bought some magnesium, but I have trouble swallowing the tablets, and I felt nauseated after taking 250 mg. Please keep sharing.
  

[Cspoon]

I am going through a tough time with internal tremors as I begin to doze off, and panic/fear/sadness in the pitt of my stomach at the same time.. It's a sad feeling as well as scary.
I went to the doctors, and she did extensive blood work, an ekg and an echocardiogram... All of which were normal.
I was glad about that, of course, but I keep feeling lousy and I can't help but wonder what could be wrong with me.   My brain doesn't stop thinking of this - it's so strange.
I guess I need to see about seeing a neurologist next.  I feel that my primary care just kind of brushed it off as Anxiety, which it very well may be, but I tend to think that they're missing something.
I'm new here, I just had to post on this thread because it's good to hear from people who are dealing with this weird stuff.
For the record, I am 42  years old and about 125 pounds, my blood pressure fluctuates, but it's still within normal range....
I'm at a loss because I've always had GREAT blood pressure readings - oh, and about 10 years ago, I learned that I have a small AVM in the right temporal lobe of my brain - which the doc at that time said was something I was born with, and should not be causing my myoclonic twitches ( which I got suddenly all those years ago, and was the reason for my visit. )
UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pleased to meet you all....... I enjoyed reading your posts..

:)

[questions606]

Nice to meet you cspoon,
Maybe if we all post our findings with the various doctors that we see, we can find some commonalities that will help us find better health, rest, and peace of mind. I will continue to post here in the hope that we can all help and support each other.

[YABob]

Dear all. I hope you are all doing better. I started paying very close attention to my symptoms and realized that the tremor seemed to coincide with blood flow. This made me think of my heart and after a little poking around, I found a condition called sinus tachycardia. The symptoms fit mine to a T -except- I don't see anything about sinus tachycardia that suggests that it occurs in a somnolent state.

Anyway, I am going to check this out and I thought I'd bring it to your attention just in case it might be helpful.

[MJIthewriter]

I'm not sure if this is related or not, but I get something where I feel like my body is vibrating. I'm 25 and normal weight for my height. With me I think it's a type of sleep paralysis, because I am unable to move during an event and it's definitely all internal. I notice that I'll get more ringing in my ears with a sound like I am yawning with my mouth closed.

I find it odd because I don't often find Sleep paralysis described like this. Usually it's described something similar but with intense fear... I used to get the fear, but seem to have lost it over time... I get more annoyed than anything, because it doesn't go away if I try to sleep through it.  So far what I have found to work is to wake up completely. I mean actually sit up, go to the bathroom, or something. Stay awake for about 5-30 minutes and go back to sleep.  Otherwise if I just lay down with my eyes open, then I'll jump right back into the REM sleep fully awake...

Another atypical thing I've observed with myself is that I seem to get it at a different level- deeper into the REM, because I may switch back and forth between being fully awake w/vibrations and unable to move to having a lucid dream in a dream setting... It's like being transported between my bedroom and the dream setting... Odd... I guess there's a lot more to sleep paralysis than the experts are aware of?

That being said I don't always find it bad. One time I had an interesting dream with one of the characters I write about in one of my stories.

[MJIthewriter]

I think part of being an artist/writer makes me more prone to strange dream experiances. Some of them are quite interesting...  I think I've had sleep paralysis at just about all levels of REM...but I don't know... I just remember being in a dream I was having SP in my dream... O_o  Oh well at least the vibrant sunset in the dream made it worth it...

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito and all,
So sorry to hear about all of the strange events in each of your sleep patterns.  Bobito and I both know how unsettling this can be and relate to your frustration.  Bobito, I spoke with a sleep specialist the other day and he too had never heard of the tremors that we are both experiencing.  He recommended that I do another sleep study since the first was inconclusive.  I may do this but I must say that the more I learn about this the more I am almost convinced that it is anxiety.  I will say that the Ativan does make it so much easier to rest.  And wake feeling fully rested.  It makes me think that I should try a very low dose of Paxil for a while to see if this helps.  I hope you had a great vacation.  We just had a wonderful and restful week at the beach.  R and R sure doesn't hurt!  I look forward to hearing how you did on your trip.  My tremors were still very much apart of my nights which disappointed me to say the least.  As far as the hypoglycemia goes.  "Hypoglycemia for Dummies" had some really good info on this condition.   I now am thinking that it is not the issue, however.  Let's keep searching and fighting!  dwc589

[Nyxie63]

Hi!  I've found this discussion to be fascinating.  Hope you don't mind my popping in.

I'm another sleep tremor-er.  Going back through my blogs, they seem to have started in May of last year, although they've only really started bothering me as of May of this year.

I've had everything from the internal oscillation, to tremors in my right hand waking me up, to what I thought was a full-blown seizure.  All 4 limbs plus my jaw were tremoring on that one.   Also get electrical shocks through my body at night, one event of sleep paralysis and one event of sleepwalking that I know of.  No feeling of fear while any of this has been going on.  It's been more of an eerie calm and a fascination as to what my body's doing at the time.  Gotta admit tho - the hand tremor waking me up thing is really annoying.

I also have "reverse insomnia" (go to sleep just fine but wake up at obscene hours of the morning), often start dreaming before I'm fully asleep, and very vivid dreams almost every night, often unpleasant and/or violent.

I've done the 24-hour holter monitor study - nothing of note.  Also had a stress test, EKGs, CT scans, MRI.  Nuthin.  Currently scheduled for an EEG on the 24th and will be scheduled for a sleep study soon.

Umm.... anyhoo...... HI!

[Nyxie63]

re: nocturnal sinus tachycardia - Have you looked into sleep apnea?  I think I've read about a connection there somewhere.

[questions606]

Nyxie, let us know how your EEG goes. I'm supposed to have one, too, but I'm pretty tired of bouncing from doctor to doctor. I'm still waiting for results from tests done three weeks ago. As I've read over the posts looking for a thread that might link our symptoms, stress is the only one that may be a common factor. This makes me wonder if adrenal fatigue might be one of the culprits.

I read online that magnesium can help tremors, but it upsets my stomach. I purchased some magnesium oil--supposedly it can have a relaxing effect (similar, but stronger than epsom salt). I'll let you know if it helps the muscle spasms.

One test result that I received does show a B2 and B12 deficiency. I just started sublingual B12 and B complex. Has anyone else noticed a vitamin/mineral deficiency?

[questions606]

What about ANA testing...for antibodies that attack the immune system? Has anyone been down this route?  My endocrinologist suggested testing for ANAs and then seeing a rheumatologist if necessary.

[Nyxie63]

Good questions. :)

I do have adrenal fatigue, although it's probably more from physical than emotional stressors.  I have other health stuff going on and adrenal fatigue is common among those with chronic health issues as well as those undergoing chronic emotional/mental stress.  I'm not on hydrocortisone.  Instead, I chose to support my adrenals through supplements, particularly B5.  

I did have mineral/vitamin deficiencies (iron, vit D, and all the Bs), although those are pretty well taken care of now.  I supplement with just about everything, including all the Bs, magnesium, and calcium.  I take magnesium malate, which doesn't seem to bother my stomach at all.  Let me know how the magnesium oil works for you.  Btw, if you're going to supplement with oral magnesium (not sure about the oil), you also need to add in a calcium supplement but take it at a different time of day.  I usually do the magnesium at lunch and the calcium at bedtime when it's better absorbed.

Just a note regarding B12.  If you have peripheral neuropathy (parasthesias) from your B12 deficiency, they may get worse before they get better.  Nobody told me this when I started supplementing with B12.  Had about 2 weeks where the tingling got really bad (particularly at night) and then all of a sudden everything was so much better.  It took about 4 months of supplementing with 5000mcg before this all happened, so don't get discouraged.  You might also want to take a small amount of folate with the B12 as it helps your body use the B12.

Had ANAs done back in March.  All negative.  Had thyroid antibodies tested.  Those were negative as well.

Will let you know how the EEG goes.  q606, let us know when you get your test results in too, ok?  And let us know how the magnesium's working for you.

And keep questioning.  It's the only way we're going to figure this thing out. :)

[questions606]

Thanks for the supplement tips.  I, too, had a Vitamin D deficiency, but it's better now. Oh, I forgot--my B5 and choline are also low.  Interesting...

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
I'm not sure when you will be returning from your trip but you will see we have many new fellow tremorers!!  I feel bad for us all.  :(  However half the battle is to stay on the possitive side and continue to count the blessings in each day.  Here is my latest...For three nights I took the generic Toprol and went right back into my sleepless pattern.   I went to the Doc. and now I am back on the reg Toprol and Ativan and I have a 24hr monitor scheduled for next week and a sleep study scheduled for Aug. 29th.  A friend said that her mom had almost identical issues for 10 years and it was finally diagnosed as Atrial Fibrillation.  My doc seriously doubts that this is the case for me since it was not picked up on all the tests but is still looking.  Nyxie63, you mentioned the noctunal sinus tachycardia.  I am interested in learning more about this because my Doc definitely believes that this is some form of Tachycardia.  Have a great day to all; find simple pleasures and take some deep breaths!  dwc589

[questions606]

DWC,
I have mitral valve prolapse. My cardiologist gave me Toprol, and the pharmacy filled the prescription with a generic, which does not help at all. Inderal, however, is a beta blocker that I took previously (prescribed by an endocrinologist) that worked wonders. I took 20 mg of Inderal and 1/2 of the Toprol 25 mg. At any time did you experience success with Toprol in stopping the tremors?

[dwc589]

Hi questions,
That is so interesting that the generic Toprol did not work for you either.  I feel like I am feeling more like myself again after a week of getting that out of my system.  I do think the Toprol is helping.  I will not give it full credit, however,  until I can be off the ativan entirely.   I feel like I am definitely making steps towards improvement.

How did your 24 hr. heart monitor results come back?  I am wearing one now.  The big question is will I have the tremors while wearing so that the info will show up as an irregularity.  Let me know what you learned from yours.

I found a great magnesium.  It is at Whole Foods or health food stores.  It is made by "Bluebonnet" and it is called "Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate."  I take one Tbsp first thing in the morning and one Tbsp b/f bed.  This is an excellent product that I would highly recommend.

Have a great day.  dwc

[dwc589]

Hi Yabob,
Love the name!!!  Just wanted to know how you are doing with the vibrating office.  What floor are you on???  Maybe as your body adjusts it will improve.  My Doc is feeling like time is a great healer as well.  Just wanted to check on you!

Have a great day.  dwc589

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
I have missed hearing from you!  If you have not been checking our blog you will be amazed at all of our new posts.  I'm getting a little concerned that I haven't heard from you in a while.  I am hoping that no news is great news!  A little aside to the friend I was telling you about earlier with the atrial fibrilation...she had OUR symptoms for 10 years before the doc finally figured this out to be the problem.  I want to learn more about this experience from her.  Hope you are having a great day!  Your friend, dwc589

[questions606]

Hi dwc589,
The monitor results were "fine." I reported the times that I had tremors while wearing the monitor, but they don't seem to show up like palpitations (the ultrasound revealed the mitral valve prolapse). According to the cardiologist, there is no leaking and "nothing serious."

However, he did say that many doctors don't educate patients about the autonomic nervous system--specifically how the parasympathetic system is responsible for constrictions within the body and can dominate the dilating functions that tend to relax us (sympathetic system). In some people, certain illnesses can cause the two parts of the system to function out of balance versus in harmony. In my case, he suspects one of three factors: mitral valve prolapse, hyperthyroidism, or perimenopause. I'm awaiting the results of blood work to see which one might be the culprit. He even recognized that I have a Type A personality, which is typical of mitral valve prolapse patients due to the effect of the adrenalin we generate for multi-tasking, organizing, and caring for others. He assured me that I am not a hypochondriac and admitted that, though all doctors learn about these fundamental principles in medical school, they tend to attribute our syptoms (symptoms) to excessive worry, anxiety or depression, when, in fact, the symptoms are often what cause or exacerbate stress, anxiety and depression (going from doctor to doctor, looking for answers, withdrawing from telling loved ones that you don't feel well, etc.). Though my heart is fine, I am thankful for my recent visit to my cardiologist; he says that beta blockers can help and at least gave me some information that gives me peace and hope.

Thanks for the magnesium info. I can't wait to try it. I've been on the brand 25 mg. Toprol for 2 days (taking 1/2 pill due to low heart rate). How long does it take to see improvement? Unlike Inderol, Toprol should stay in the my system longer, but I don't feel any improvement yet.

[bobito]

Hi, wcd, I’m back!—My family and I decided to take a ten-day SCUBA vacation.  Once this vacation was over, my wife and I felt that we needed a vacation by ourselves and, thus, we opted to spend three weeks in a forest cabin.  It was simply wonderful—Naturally, we love our sons and their families, but after ten days of catering towards them, we felt the need to simply “relax” with capital “R”.  At any rate, I see we have quite a response to our postings.  This is music to my ears, for there is something to be said about “strength” in numbers.  I can see how little by little we are getting closer to a beneficial approach to our problem.  Talking about our problem—When we first started our family vacation, I was sleeping wonderfully.  The reason being was the fact that my children love some of that Napa Valley wine and I decided to taste some (maybe a little too much) after their excruciating “arm-twisting.”  The interesting aspect of this new remedy is that after a few nights I started to realize that I progressively needed more wine to acquire the same affects—That is being able to ignore the tremors.  Needless to say, my stomach started to complain, not to mention the fact that I had to pass on a couple of wonderful dives due to the fact that I was not feeling that well.  In short, this is most definitely not a panacea for our problem.  I would not recommend it to anyone.  It can actually be downright destructive.  Thank you very much for recommending the “Hypoglycemia for Dummies”.  I honestly felt that I had that problem until I talked to my doctor over the phone and he mentioned that all my lab work done over the past two years (the most recent being six week old), did not indicate any problems in the area.  I have been taking a spoonful of peanut butter mixed with a little bit of jam just before I go to bed.  Honestly, I must tell you I have been sleeping great.  That being said, however, as I have stated in my past postings, I have had this problem for three years now.  During these three years, my tremors have disappeared for periods of up to three months.  I hate to think about it, perhaps, the peanut butter has nothing to do with it.  It is simply another lull in the tremor cycle.  Who knows!  I just simply have to wait and see.  It is wonderful that some of the late posting have piqued your interest.  Again, I envision our problem to be resolved by someone who serendipitously has come up with a remedy.  One more thing which I find rather interestingly—My wife pointed out to me that she has noticed that my problem is intensified during spring time.  I never gave much thought about this correlation.  Tomorrow, I am going to personally check my medical records to see whether indeed such relationship exists.  Would not it be wonderful if all I suffer from is some kind of tree pollen?  I will keep you updated. Thank you very much for your concern about my silence.  It is very nice to learn that some wonderful human being “out there” cares.  I should be more responsive in the future.  Your friend, bobito.

[Nyxie63]

Just an update.  Had the EEG.  It was normal.

Scheduled for a sleep study in two weeks (Sept 11-12).  It'll be a polysomnogram with MSLT.

Will post again when I get the results.

[Nyxie63]

Sleep study was done and I got the results back (finally!).  Problem is, it didn't show anything.  I even had the wake-n-shakes a couple of times during the study itself and they weren't detected!!!!!  So I'm no closer to an answer than I was before the study.

The neuro has rx'd Provigil to help with the daytime drowsiness (fell asleep during the MSLT in under 7 minutes for all 4 nap periods).  He's hoping this'll help with the tremors.  If it doesn't, he'll be referring me to a sleep specialist.

Phooey!

[JoeCub]

I've read all the posts today for the first time, and it is like you've been writing about my own nightmare. For months now it happens almost every night either when I am about to enter REM or it wakes me up. It is a subtle but clear electric shock mainly in the back of my neck, though other parts or my body can be randomly shaken too. It lasts just seconds but it is the nastiest, unpleasant sensation I've ever experienced, and after the occurrence I can no go back to sleep even when I feel totally and awkwardly deprived of rest.
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea three years ago but after beginning a BI-PAP therapy I recovered my sleep for almost two years. Now this tremors like awakenings are worse than sleep apnea. I already visited a neurologist and he has found nothing abnormal. He diagnosed me with stress which I guess is something they use every time they don't know what to do. But what I am experiencing is not stress at all.

[dwc589]

Happy New Year!!!

I have disappeared for a while so hopefully you will check this because I have some info that may be of help to you.  I'll try to check more frequently so that if you have any questions reguarding what I am about to tell you I will be able to answer.  To take you back in time I dropped the ball on our blog because school started and life became increadibly busy and I started to feel better!!!  By October I was still taking the beta blocker but required no help to sleep or stay asleep and I had NO tremors!!!!! Yippee!!!
This was the case until the 16th of Dec. when my husband changed the PUR water filter on our Kenmore refrigerater.  For two nights I had horrible tremors again and so we discussed what was different.  This was the only change....  The next day I drank only tap water and have not had any problem since... Maybe we have an intolerance to the charcoal in the filter.   The filter was new around the time that the tremors began back in March and it had worn off I suppose by Oct. and so I was feeling no effects.  The minute it was replaced the same symptoms reappeared.  Let me know what you think about this new finding and if you can trace any of this to your symptoms back to your water filter.  I hope you are doing well and look so forward to hearing from you.

Your long lost friend,
dwc589

[bobito]

My dearest friend, it was most certainly a pleasure to hear from you.  Not only hearing from you saying “hi,” but most importantly hearing from you with such great news—You have found the source of your malady, and not only found the cause of it, but you can also immediately remedy it by avoiding drinking water that filters through your carbon system.  I’m absolutely sure that everyone reading your editorial is elated by such great news.  I hate to say it, but I am going to say it anyway:  “I told you so.”  Little by little all of us will find what causes our problem and how to battle it.  It just fills my heart with joy to learn that one of us has reached the “summit.”  I’m pretty sure I speak for all of us:  “Congratulations.”   As far as my situation is concerned, it has been in remission for the last four months.  I have been sleeping very nicely—Zero tremors!  Just wonderful.  But as I have pointed to you earlier in our discussions, I have experienced these lulls in past years, for them to recur at a moment’s notice.  That being said, I think I’m closer to figuring out what’s going on with me.  My wife pointed out to me that in the past she thinks that my problem seems to go away during winter and resurrect during spring time.  I collected some empirical data and, by golly, she seems to be on the mark.  Consequently, I think my problem is related to some kind of allergy (spring allergy).  I’m anxiously waiting for the next season to see whether my suspicions are valid.  If that’s the case, and I hope so, my next appointment will be with an allergist.   By the by, I checked all my water systems, and we don’t have any kind of filtering systems—Darn it!  I’m sorry I have been somewhat elusive for the last few months.  I have been traveling.  One of my sons has volunteered some of his time to an organization called Doctors Without Borders.  It was fun going to spend the holidays with him; at least part of the holidays.  We stayed in the capital while he worked in the “field.”  Anyway, I’m back.  Again, I’m soooooo happy for you and your family.  Warm regards, and happy New Year.  Bobito.  

[MimaK]

Hi everybody,

This morning was another morning which made me wake up from the same tremors as the three of you have been having. I am 41 year old woman mother of 2 own and one adopted children with wonderful loving husband and even my loving and caring mom lives with us. My chidren are 23 daughter, 19 daughter and 12 son.  I am working from home today and after coming back from the neurologist yesterday, who told me he is stumped by my symptoms and needs some more time to research this, I decided to do my own research. I googled my problem and I found your blogging.  I couldn’t stop reading it as Bobito and dwc589 were describing exactly what I feel every night for 11 months already and it is always after 3:30 A.M. and it is exactly the same. I was in a hospital for two days this month and they were having my heart on monitors and I had to beep the doctors when the tremors occurred. The problem is that they last only 10-20 seconds, as you all said, and by the time  the nurse practitioner came to check my  heart and to feel the tremors, they were gone. He felt only my stomach grumbling. I am also a healthy person, but I had a hyperactive thyroid 7 years ago and I had to take radioactive iodine in 2003 after a severe side effects of the  PTU medication, which caused a horrible immune system crash. I recovered quickly and I have been on Synthroid 0.75mcg  since then. My thyroid had not given me any problems and all of my latest blood work shows normal thyroid results.

In the past month, the doctors found out that I have a Mitral Valve Prolapse and they put me on Propranolol 10 mg 3 times a day as I was having palpitations and I was feeling like I will faint. I had to call 911 in the beginning of January as I couldn’t breathe and I almost fainted.

So far, I find that besides Bobito, the three of us have heart problem and we take Propranolol or Toprol. Question606 has exactly the same 3 problems I have – MVP, Thyroid, and Acid Reflux ( I also have gastritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Yesterday, I missed my medication at noon and in the evening I was feeling palpitations, which means that the Propranolol is helping with my heart, but not with my tremors during the night. My physician is clueless what it may be the cause of the tremors and she keeps prescribing me different sleeping pills – Xonox, Diazepam(Valuim), the latest version of Ambien, etc. The  sleeping medications help me sleep for few hours, but as you all said, I wake up and then the tremors are even more often than if I hadn’t taken the sleeping medication. They get worst during the second night after I start taking sleeping medications. I found that sleeping medications definitely affect my tremors and make them worse. I have tried not to take them for several weeks and until my body gets rid of the leftovers from the sleeping medications, the tremors are more often.

I even asked my neurologist if the tremors could be as a result of sleeping medications and stopping them suddenly, as I have been taking Diazepam for awhile in 2007 and then I stopped it in the Fall of 2007.  He and my physician are certain that my tremors can’t be caused by that. In the description of the sleeping medications it says that sudden stop of this medication could cause seizures, but the sleep study and my neurologist think that my tremors are definitely not seizures even though it may feel like they are. BTW, my sleep study couldn’t catch the tremors either even though I had them in the morning and I was keeping my eyes closed for the longest possible for them to be able to catch them, but nothing came up on the sleep study. My husband and my mom were able to feel my tremors few times, but as you all said, they are very light and they go away very fast by the time you completely wake up. But they kind of force you to wake up…  

I have many friends who are doctors and they also have suggested a possibility of Hypoglycemia and I tried drinking soda or sweet juice during the night with no results at all. My sugar level on my blood tests are fine.

This week my physician prescribed me anti-anxiety medication as she thought that I may have an Anxiety. But I agree with Bobito, I am only anxious because I can’t sleep and because of the thought that my body is desperate for sleep, but it forces me to wake up as the tremors stop only if I open my eyes and am I completely alert. My neurologist said that if he can’t come up with any possible diagnosis, he will send me to do another  sleep study at Johns Hopkins and to see a sleep specialist, but I am sure the end result will be the same as what Bobito had experienced – this is not a sleep disorder as you don’t have problem falling asleep and sleeping. The tremors are what are waking me up.  I am so thankful that you have shared what you have been going through, as this will save me so much time, doctor’s visits and money to do numerous test and come to the same conclusion as your doctors have come. I am so happy that the MRI and CT scans don’t show anything, as I was very worried about a brain tumor too.

I am not sure what to do next. My heart monitor for 30 days is due back on Feb. 17th. I have a very good cardiologist and I will print your blog and give it to him to see if he can come up with something better. He also will have enough data on my heart as well.

I am wondering if I should take the anti-anxiety medication, or I should stay on the Propranolol only. I am not sure if dwc589 has stopped the anti-anxiety medication and if she still doesn’t have the tremors.
BTW, the Propranolol has the least effect on the blood pressure. I also have a low blood pressure, but I am find with Propranolol.

This morning, as I had very strong tremors, I was able to observe them more. The surprising thing was when I turned to sleep on my right side while I was having them, the tremors got stronger. Then as I was feeling and touching my chest, I touched my back and realized that the tremors are stronger on the back. Can you please try to turn while you are having the tremors and see if you will be able to touch your back and check if the tremors are stronger in the lower back compare to the front side of your body. I am curious to find out. I am sure with our group effort and sharing our experiences and test results, we would be able to come up with the cause of these wired tremors. I am exhausted of not being able to sleep without interruptions and dream of one night sleep without tremors. I have been having them every night  for 11 months. It is killing me. I have a full time job, busy schedule and a family to take care for. I can’t afford to be not functioning properly…

Regards,
MK

[dwc589]

Well, Bobito, it sounds like we have met another kind soul out there that is unfortunately dealing with our same issue.  MimaK, I am so sorry to hear about this taking over your life (because I know it does) and i am glad that our blog has helped to give you info of what we have tried and that it has also given you a feeling that you are not alone in this.  I have not met a dr. yet that has really heard of this I even spoke with a sleep specialist regarding this issue.  So the worst thing that I have found is that it is unchartered territory.  The first question that I want to ask you, since you mentioned that you have IBS, is have you ever taken the drug Reglan????  The reason I ask is that a friend of mine has had the rare side effect of tremors from taking this drug.  If you google rare drug side effects for this drug you will find a whole host of horrible side effects all of which she has experieced.  I have not taken this drug before but found this out about her when i was talking about my tremors.  I have been an open book about this b/c I always want to see if I can find others that have experienced this.  The thing that stumps me is why do they only occur after 3:30am.  Is this a drop in cortisol?  Not sure of that answer.

Back to me.  My water therory has not proven to be totally true.  Recently I have started having the tremors again.  :(  However, I will say that the miracle drug for me has been Ativan.  I don't have a problem getting to sleep so I don't need it then but when I experience my routine wake up at 4 am i have been taking 1/4 of a tablet and going back to sleep.  I may still have some tremors but this masks it enough for me to keep sleeping.  If I know they will be severe I will take 1/2 of a tablet.  It used to freak me out to take any medication but now I am so thankful that there is something out there that works in this situation.  I then can get up at 6:45 feeling like I have had a decent rest and not have my day ahead destroyed from lack of rest or a feeling of being drugged.  It is a miracle for me.  I would try this before I tried a reg anxioty med.  The nice thing is that there are times that I don't have to take any at all. There was a two month span in Oct. and Nov. that I rarely took it.  I long for those days again but am happy that something can help me with out me feeling so groggy and out of sorts.

I want to do more research on the water therory because water is so key.  The Seven Pillars of Health is one book I read regarding the importance of WATER-lots of it for our bodies.  Plus I am taking Calcium Magnesium Citrate by Blubonnet.  This is liquid and easily assimilated and absorbed.  Both of these minerals are so important.  I have heard that niacin is another good one to take but have not tried it.  I am also keeping a food and drink log which includes how my night went, how much med was needed, amount of exercise per day.... Just looking for any link I can find.  

My heart goes out to you that you are dealing with this but maybe together we can all find something that is the root cause of this and a cure.  Please keep us posted on new developments.  dwc

[KatEyes]

Hi to those following this thread. I had not since I don't have tremors, though a family member does have tremors and sleep paralysis. Myself, I have OSA, RLS, and PLMD. Oh, and I have had times of feeling a vibration through my feet, enough that I thought either there had been a minor earthquake or someone was jackhammering in the floor below me.

It's late and past my bedtime, so forgive me for not addressing each post by name. Just some general input here...

Stopping some meds abruptly when it is advised to wean off can cause unexpected side effects. Just because a doctor hasn't seen it present in exactly this manor doesn't mean much. I went off a dopamine agonist abruptly and it caused a neurological problem. My neuro wasn't real pleased with that bozo move on my part. But I now have synesthesia, a condition where the senses somehow get crossed up.  Just saying, just because doctors don't know doesn't necessarily mean it's not so.

About sleep studies... The data reported is on what happens while the patient sleeps. Little to no atention is given to awake time other than if something obvious showed up with the heartbeat or with the brain as in a seizure. Since I have limb movement issues and what was concerning me was what they did while I was awake enough to be aware of them, I wanted to discuss that with the doctor (2 different studies, 2 doctors). Neither had any data reported of those episodes, as they were not while I was technically asleep. At my request, one doctor reviewed the test in its entirety and what I spoke of was there, but still never made it to a report. Getting a doctor willing to go that extra mile may take more than a notion.

I understand the frustrations of having things wrong that there are no easy answers for. I wish each of you the best.

[llb2009]

I just found this forum after searching for this same sleep tremor issue for about 6mths now! I have found info that seems  its not a medical problem at all. It has to do with ur "CHAKRAS" which is very new to me. Ive never been into eastern meds but if u look up "KUNDALINI RISING" symptoms...it may answer something. Its happening to me & ive investigated it more on that route because I relate to the symptoms & was lead there 1st. Something to do with ur lowest chakra rising up thru ur spine to the higher chakra. It creates an internal electrical vibration. I dont know how to stop it other than ive read it will pass but please investigate it being a phoneminon more than a medical issue? Alot of ppl are experiencing this & it hasnt been determined by medical research what it is. Another route maybe?

[MimaK]

Hi all,

It took me a long time to respond, but I have been doing some research, tests and being a mother of three, working full-time while not having a normal sleep could definitely explain why time is the highest deficit in my life (after sleep though)…

First,

Dear Bobito and dwc589,

Thank you very much  for your responses and support! I know we are all in this situation together and I am sure we will find the answers. It seems like Bobito hasn’t had his tremors for several months now, which is great. I hope they never come back to him. Dwc589, I am sorry to hear that your tremors are back, but this confirms that they are not realted to an anxiety or depression as your medication hasn't helped to get rid of them. Just to be able not to feel them that much, but they are still there.  

Dear lld2009,

I have heard about the chakras and I have read about them. You could be right about it. I will try to check with people who have more experience with them. I know people all over the world whose main hobby is working on the chakras and rising their Kundalini through the spine.
From what I have read, the reason may be because there is a problem in the spine and the Kundalini can’t get through it normally which may cause the tremors, but there is still either anatomical or physiological reason.

Anyway, I will share with all of you where I am now with my reasearch and tests, and we can discuss it together and try to find our answers.
I had a MRI with contrast done on my spine and apparently I have a herniated disk at L4-5. Also, they found something like a cyst on my thoracic spine at T4-5 levels. It could be another herniation or a cyst with fluid in my spine cord.  I have two very good neurologists and I go to both of them to see what each of them would suggest.
This Friday, I have a MRI on my brain and then 24 hour EEG of my brain (it is like a halter monitor for the heart, but it is on your brain and it records everything for 24 hours). It is great where the technology has gone nowadays…)

I was able to find out for sure that the epicenter of my tremors is in my spine. I had few cases when they were so strong that I could touch my back and sense where they were the strongest. For sure, they are coming from the spine and affect the entire trunk. I can’t sleep any other way but laying down on my back as if I turn on a left or right side, they become more frequent and stronger. I don’t have backache anywhere. I knew I had a disk problem, but I didn’t know I have herniation. I still don’t think this herniation is the reason for the tremors. Something in the spine must have been happening after laying down for a longer period of time (explaining why they are never before 2-3 A.M. or during the day when taking a nap). It is also somehow connected with the brain as it is not in a awaken state, but always during sleep or coming out of sleeping state. As soon as I am completely awake, they are gone. I never ever have them during the day or while I am awake and as far as I read your comments, it is the same for you.

I tried taking Vitamin B complex before I go to bed and inserting a pillow under my knees while sleeping. This definitely helped for more than a week. My “real” tremors almost stopped. It looks like I have very complicated situation, because I also have vibrations from my heart during sleep which I feel very often, but I easily distinguish from the “real” tremors. My heart doctor wants me to wear another halter monitor for another month, but to have it on me during the night. Which will be another obstacle to have a normal sleep, but in the name of the science I will survive one more month…) He thinks I have some type of heart fibrillations, which I believe is the case but not every night ( one or two nights a week). It varies. These vibrations don’t have anything to deal with my real tremors…

I still can’t explain how Vitamin B complex could help, or if it helped only in combination with the pillow and also several layers of blankets and soft covers under my sheets, which allow my back to have a soft support.  
My real tremors got back two nights ago being the strongest ever, after I was sitting on a chair and my daughter sitting in my lap for 10-15 minutes (she is 19 years old back from college for the spring break and she is 118 lbs). It looks like it was too much pressure on my spine and probably in the upper part of my back where I have this unknown formation with fluid. The chair had a hard back and I must have pressed it very hard.

One of my neurologists told me that this formation could be causing the tremors as it is related to the upper nerves going around the rips. This formation could be as a result of scoliosis (which is a curve in the spine if you don’t keep your back and shoulders straight). In all cases, it is a rare case, but it could be a probably cause of the tremors.  He also is suspecting aorta aneurism, which may not be the case, but who knows.

The good part is that I have very good doctors (neurologists and heart doctor) and they all take it very seriously. We are all waiting on the results of the brain MRI and the EEG. None of them relies on the sleep studies as they understand that is not a sleep disorder. One of them prescribed me very minimal dose antidepressant, which I haven’t taken yet as Vitamin B complex was working. BTW, I have iron deficiency anemia, but there is Vitamin B deficiency anemia, but I am not sure if I have it or not. In any situation, Vitamin B complex supports the nerve system and it helps. You can try it and also you can check for back problems. This could also explain if the tremors are related to the chakras, as a herniation or spine formations could block the energy flow.

I don’t think it is related to allergies or the water we drink. I was in Bulgaria in October for more than 2 weeks and I drunk mineral and regular pure mountain water there. It was great, but it didn’t affect my tremors at all. I even brought some bottles with mineral water here as I love the taste and it is much better than the highly chlorinated water here, but it didn’t help with my tremors. I wish this was the solution though…)

I will let you know as soon as I have some more results. I am still debating if I should take the antidepressant as I am definitely not depressed, but tired and exhausted without a normal sleep. I am still the same positive person as I have always been and I believe we will be able to untie this Gordian knot...:))

Talk to you soon!

Mima  

[llb2009]

Thank u for responding. I defenitatly believe for me that it is not a med issuse as much as it is an "INTERNAL DEEP CLEANSING" more related to eastern philosophy & the Kundalini rising (which is new to me). I have every single side effect & reason to belive this including intuition. But Im open to ANYTHING that may change this. Please do let me know what ur test results are as it will be intreseting for me to know if i should do the same. Ive read that taking anti-depressants will prolong the rising of kundalini...if thats what it is? I dont want to interfer with the others medical experiences by sujjesting something else is happening here, im only talking about my experiences just incase :)


PS im now also experiencing daily, excess electricity in my body & earringing along with hightened senses..all part of an "awakening" process of the coinciousness ive read....maybe 2012 is coming ?? (lol)

If u want to email me personally please do...***@****   (email linda bates)

[bobito]

Dwc589,
First of all, I must tell you that I have responded to all your messages, but somehow when I hit the “send” icon the message seems to disappear.  I asked my wife to look into the matter, and see if there is anything she can do about it.  She simply stated that she did not know what was happening.  I asked her where she thought all those messages had gone, she replied:  “The same place where white goes when the snow melts”.  Not much help there. Anyhow, I was terribly sad to find out that the filter in your water was not the cause of the problem.  The quest continues for all of us.  Well, spring has finally arrived with full force.  Everything is blooming and I’m bracing myself for what it might bring in the area of tremors.  As I have mentioned in the past, I strongly believe that allergies are causing my tremors.  I know I have blamed other culprits in the past, but this time I’m most certain than ever.  I have gone through the whole winter without a single incident—Looking back at my episodes, they (tremors) seemed to have been most active during the spring and early fall.  At any rate, it does not hurt anything to believe that a cure is at hand, with the exception of some disappointment.  My doctor has, at my insistence, prescribed an allergy medicine, “Zyrtec.”   I have been taking it for the last two weeks.  And guess what,  NO TREMORS YET.  Not a single one.  I have been sleeping six to seven hours at night, and to my surprise, I have found myself napping in the afternoon for about twenty minutes.  I have not been able to nap for the last three years.  Oh! Dwc589, I am just elated.  You just cannot imagine how happy I am at the prospects.  My wife tells me not to get too excited about it because if this does not work, my disappointment will be that much greater.  Well, I tell her that I might as well enjoy it while it lasts.   To all of you out there, please do not give up.  Giving up is not a cure for anything—Many a time I read your situations (conditions) and it mortifies me not to be able to provide any suggestions/advise that could possibly alleviate some of the conditions.  For example, I read about the young lady who could not sleep whenever she had to get up early next day.  On weekends, however, she slept well.  All I could provide in the area of advise was to say that her lack of sleep was most probably cause by anxiety.  Perhaps a good visit to a good doctor who could guide her to relaxing exercise would help.  I never did send her my advice.  I felt she had received plenty of advice.  I was wrong on that.  I should have acknowledged her request for help.  Some times just hearing from someone is just as good therapy as anything.  I experience this therapeurical affect when I hear from dwc509—dwc509 it is always simply great hearing from you.  You were “my first” and I’ll always have a warm place in my heart for you. At any rate, I will keep you advised of my situation.    Your friend, bobito.

[bobito]

Hi, again, dwc.  We have not heard from you in a while.  I must tell you I am somewhat concerned about your welfare since I learned that your tremors had not been caused by the carbon in your water filter.  Any new developments?  As for me, as I mentioned on my last posting, I'm "on top of the world."  Spring is here in full force and I have not had any tremors.  The next three to four months are going to be full of anxiety and, hopefully, positive expectations.  I must admit, going to bed every night is a psychological burden.  I fear this is the night when the tremors are going to manifest themselves again and, therefore, my theory of allergies being the culprit down  the drain.  Please, let us know how you are doing.  Your friend, bobito.

[dwc589]

Hi Bobito,
It was so great to hear from you and to know that you are doing so well.  All I can say is keep hoping and don't let your worries take over.  Keep celebrating NO TREMORS and try not to focus on when and if they might be back.  If they do come back I would HIGHLY recommend Ativan to be taken at 4:00 a.m. or when you wake up with the tremors starting.  (only 1/4 of a tablet) It is not a cure but at least it can allow you to rest through the tremors.  I have had a great five nights with no tremors!!!!  I have no idea what I am doing differently but I love the sleep (A full 8 hours!!)  Keep me posted on the allergy med.  I will be so curious to see how this works.  It sure seems like a strong possibility.
Your tremor buddy  : ) dwc589

[llb2009]

Hi everyone! Seems this is happening to alot of people & everyones med tests shows up with nothing. Im thinking its not medicle at all. Ive been taking a benidryl & a muscle relaxer before bed. It doesnt stop the tremors but I get a full nite sleep :) I have been now having ecess electricty & vibrations thru the days off & on too! Kinda like a power surge. It gets worse if I give it attention. It seems to slow if I get outside in nature & ground myself. Atleast Ive found something for sleeping.

[er98ah]

Hi everyone, I am a healthy 29 yr old male.  Finding this site has been a mixed blessing.  I read the stories on here and they are very similiar to mine.  From reading people's experiences on here, I feel that there isn't a specific diagnosis or cure for what we have.  I can feel for everyone on here and the frustrations they have gone through looking for a solution and finding a cure.

I started having vertigo about three weeks ago.  The combination of having vertigo and work (financial industry) has caused me a lot of stress lately.  All week I have been experiencing tremors when I let my body relax and try to go to sleep.  The more tired and relax I get, the harder the tremors attack.  It as if they are trying their best from allowing me to fall asleep.  I have sleep an average of two hours a night since Monday.  I find it extremely hard to function but I got to get back to work tomorrow and try to live a productive life whether or not I get sleep at night.

I have another appointment with my family doctor tomorrow.  I doubt that he will telling me anything enlightening.  I just hope that he gives me something to allow me to finally get some rest.  I am soo exhausted....

[llb2009]

I have found a benidryl & a muscle relaxer b4 bed has been the only thing to allow me to sleep w/out dreams all nite. The tremors are still there but i dont wake till morning :) This is happening to alot of ppl that are finding no medical results. Some even say that it may be something to do with 2012 & a magnet force in the atmosphere?? IDK but it is really odd that its happening to so many! I have no med ins so I hesitate to go in as I have a feeling that I know what it is & not of a med nature at all. PLEASE let me know if u find out otherwise ok.
THX & good luck...linda

[er98ah]

amazing.  I took benedryl last night and I actually fell asleep.  I woke up at 5:00 am and had the tremors but I got over six hours of sleep.  that is more than i had gotten all week combined!!!

[llb2009]

Exactly the same for me & glad u slept some :) but it also helps me i I take a mild muscle relaxer to. I dont like tooo many sleep aids becuz I dont want to wake up groggy. Please let me know how ur med test go as I cant afford medical. I think ull find ur ok tho as far as it being a medical condition...but please still check to be sure.

Are u doing any meditating or practicing anything new or anything upsetting in ur life & how long have u had the tremors? Mine started in feb & havent stopped but I started having besare things besides this  for awhile. Thyv stopped then the tremors started. sometimes I also feel I have extra electricity & power surges untill I go outside & get grounded! I have talked to ppl outside this forum with the same experiences. It even happens during a nap!

[er98ah]

I have to tell you that going through that experience was very challenging.  I think the lack of sleep and the tremors had me going a bit crazy.  Leading up to it I had a bad case of vertigo and a lot of pressure at work.  

I am not going to pursue this any further.  I feel the more I think about it, the worst it will become.  My symptoms have already been improving in the last couple of days.

I think that the combination of stress and vertigo caused the problem.  I could def be wrong though.  It's hard not to think about it but I will try my best.  

I just feel blessed for so many things right now.  It made me realize a lot and make an effort to stop taking things for granted.  I feel blessed to have a great family, friends, coworkers, a place to sleep at night, etc..
I hope everyone the best and I will check the blog if I can be of help to anyone.  

[llb2009]

OK then...it was the same for me, the more I investigated the worse it got. When I didnt focus on it my sanity came back even tho I still tremor. I was lead to investigate eastern philosity, (which I really know nothing about) but that it could be the bodys main energy centers,the CHAKRAS aligning...if u feel any physcological & electrical issues later...then check out the symptoms of KUNDALINI RISING. I have had all the symptoms of that & its a good thing if thats it. But its scary no dought! Well let me know in the future if u find it to be a medical issue that I should investigate ok. Tell then, sleep well & take care! Linda

[rockyksmom2123]

Is there anything to report? It's been a while since you posted and I'm curious as to how your tremors are doing?

[rockyksmom2123]

Hello,
I'm a 43 year old woman who has been having the "wake and shakes" for about 2 months straight.  it happens whether I'm taking a nap or during regular sleep.  I had a prior bout of problems getting off a short term use of Lexapro and Ativan (low doses for 2 months) and thought my shakes were a sort of "withdrawal" and expected them to go away.   Then I had insomnia for a few weeks, and finally started a new medication to help me sleep.  It is called Remerol, and it works wonders for you with sleep problems.  However, I still get the inner trembling every time I'm waking up.  If I got completely conscious it will stop, but in that in between sleep and awake...it's always there.  I can't tell if it's palpable to anyone but me...I hold me hand up to see if it is shaking, but it's not.  It's all internal.  Every doctor I've told has looked at me like I'm a freak...no one has said, "Oh, ...that is called ______"  ....I see on line that others have had this condition, and while it makes me happy to know I'm not alone, I just wish I could figure out what has caused it and how to make it go away.  From reading your posts I know all of you are as confused and frustrated as I am, but I wanted to add my story...there's strength in numbers.  
Thanks for listening....

[Pandd15]

Hi,
I noticed you two haven't been on here lately so I can only pray that you have had success in conquering this.  I have read many of your post, when I first read them I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry so I did both.  I never knew there were other people that were experiencing the same thing I have been for the last 4 or 5 years; I have tried to explain it to doctors without success but with the description you have provided I am now able to describe to them what I'm experiencing.  As you can imagine I have not had a good nights sleep in quit some time and have felt so many times as though I couldn't go on.  My days are spent trying to stay awake and my nights are spent trying to stay asleep.  How ironic is that?   I won't go into all of my past but I will say that I was diagnosed with stare seizures about a year and a half ago.  I had a very difficult time while trying to find a medication that worked for me yet didn't cause awful side effects.  I am now taking Lamictal which seems to work fine until I go with a couple of nights without any sleep.  I have been asked could these inner tremors be seizures but they are only in my torso area which is totally different from the sensation my seizures.
I also was diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea when in the supine position which is also ironic because I usually have these tremors while laying on my side and when I have one I feel compelled to move to my back.  Even the sleep I do get feels like I'm not really asleep, my mind is constantly busy. I keep praying that one day I'll have a normal nights sleep but it just never happens.  I'm sorry I said I wouldn't go into a lot of history but I did.  I hope to hear from you two but I also hope I don't and that maybe you have found success in your search for a cure for this.
Take care and thanks for reading this.

[bobito]

Dear Pandd15/dwc589-----I have read your posting with a bit of sadness—Sadness to learn that one more person is suffering from this mysterious malady.  I often wander how many more OF US exist out there, who are presently suffering like the rest of us, and how many exist out there who have suffered, but have found some type of a cure.  I truly believe that for every human body dysfunction there is a cure OUT THERE, either via a medical professional who knows about it, or an obscure medicine that, even though is prescribed for other problems, carries the healing power for ours.  I think that after all the personal research on our part, and all the myriad visits to our health providers, it is difficult to find that drug that can be classified as the “silver bullet.”  This is, for the most part, a matter of money—Pharmaceutical companies will never invest money in R&D in a drug that cure a sickness that is not afflicting millions of people, such as AIDS, diabetes, etc., etc.  Which leaves us the hope of what I outlined above—Either finding someone who has found the “silver bullet” or find that one doctor that have stumbled upon this and have successfully cure it.  This last option I’m pretty much giving up on.  I don’t think I can take more battery of tests—Sleeping studies, visits to the neurologists, cardiologists, psychologist, on and on.  Not to mention the number of drugs that have accomplished absolutely nothing, but harm other “normal” systems in my body.  This is not to say that doctors are not helping—They all are.  They have it in their hearts, they are trying everything in their power to help us, they just simply don’t know.  I went to the doctor a month ago for an unrelated minor issue, he read my records before meeting me—One of the first things he asked me was:  “How is that tremor problem coming along?”  I simply stated:  “They are gone.”  This is not to say that we should not share this with our doctors, I just have had enough. On a more personal note, I thought allergies were the culprit.  Not so—I did not have allergies this year, but I sure had the tremors.  My symptoms seem to disappear for a couple of months and, just when least expected, huge tremors arrive with a vengeance. I have been trying to keep a journal of my daily routine and diet to see if there is any correlation that might trigger the tremors.  I have been doing this for three/four years—So far I have not been able to determine any correlation.  One thing I can tell you for sure, I’m less and less intimidated by them.  This helps me tremendously psychologically.  I used to go to bed with this tremendous fear of when I would be “jolted” and spend the rest of the night awake waiting.”  Not any more!  Since I’m not intimidated any longer, I sleep very nicely when “they” don’t show up.  When they show up; well, so let it be.  At least I don’t spend potentially good sleeping nights wondering when they will show.  Does that make sense?  As I said before, there is help on the way—I have this strong feeling that someone will read our posting and say: “I can help these people!” It could be a doctor or just someone who has had it and found relieve.  I know he/she is out there.  We need to smoke them out—How?  Easy—Let’s keeping on talking to each other.  Strength in numbers is most definitely effective.  By the way Pandd15, I have done my share of laughing and crying as well.  Fortunately, now a days I do a little more laughing than crying.  Believe me you will see that the more time that goes by, more tears turn into laughter.   TO dwc589:  How are you?.  I love to hear from you, even if it is just a “Hi, I’m fine.”  This will fill my heart with joy—Happiness to all of you who read this—bobito.

[Pandd15]

Thanks for your reply, in this case misery doesn't necessarily love company.  I hope one day we can all find the "silver bullet"
My tremors are like yours, they come and go and right now I've been without them for a 4 or 5 days but unfortunately my sleep isn't any better without them.  If I  could just get a normal nights sleep.  
I'm hoping that if I can keep my faith God will come to my rescue.  

[dwc589]

Hello friends,
First of all, Pandd15...so sorry to hear of your ongoing struggle.  The lack of sleep or interupted sleep can make you feel like you are loosing your mind for sure.  The tremors definitely intensify everything and make you feel even more out of control.... I'm glad you stumbled onto our site because it DEFINITELY helps to know there are others out there that understand what you are going through.  Bobito as you could read in the above blog was the voice of reason for me and helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life.  I have said this before but, THANK YOU, Bobito!!!!!  I, like Bobito, have tried many things but now I am working on my diet and just maintaining balance in my life.  My mother has been having sleep issues and is meeting with a nutritionist to create the right chemistry in her body.  Watching the number of carbs seems to be a big thing as the carbs turn to sugar which is a poison to your body.  LOTS of veges and protein seems to be the name of the game- avoid sugar!  I have had a wonderful summer with very few if any tremors.  I keep a record of them.  I feel like my body is back in balance where it felt hopelessly out of balance before.  I still take the Toprol and rarely need an Ativan to sleep.  I have it if I need it which is comforting but I have not refilled my 1 month supply in 5 months!   I would  highly recommend getting this prescription so that you could take this either before bed or when the tremors wake you.  1/4 of a tablet (at 3 or 4 a.m.) would often do the trick for me and I would be able to sleep through the tremors.  It really helped me out of a difficult sleep deprived spot in my life.  There where nights that I would have to take a whole tablet before bed.  My Dr. encouraged me to take the med and sooner or later I would no longer need.  This theory has been true.  Now if I am all keyed up right before bed I will take a " Source Naturals" timed release 3mg Melatonin.  Spend time in the sun, getting fresh air and smelling the flowers...in other words make time to feed your soul. "Eat, Pray, Love" was an enjoyable read to remember the importance of balance in your life.  I don't necessarily agree with everything in the book but loved the read.  It seemed peaceful and thought provoking.  It is in all the book stores, target, etc!   The author's name is Elizabeth Gilbert.  It really was helpful to me so maybe have a nice cold drink and find a comfy chair and enjoy!

Bobito, I too love hearing from you!!!  It is always a bright spot in my day!  Keep in touch!  dwc589  

[NaninCan]

Thank you for this thread.  I am another sufferer.  Thank you for describing it so well.  I also have jerks as I fall asleep but the tremors are certainly the more troubling aspect.   I have a sleep clinic on Monday and am praying for answers.  I also have a CT Scan and EEG scheduled. I read this whole page and hoped for an explanation by the time I got to the bottom. I'm sorry for everyone that such is not the case.  This all started for me after an inner ear inflammation (labyrinthitis).  I had sleep issues before that but nothing so debilitating.  Praying for healing.... I'm a 32 year old mom of four little boys.  I just can't afford to feel this way all the time!  

[ovo]

I am glad I found this forum. I thought I was alone. I don't think I have the same disorder you all do. But I still experience the same frustrations.

I suffer from two things. An essential head tremor diagnosed over forty years ago when I was fifteen. And injuries from a car accident ten years later where my spine was compressed after I was ejected into the top of my car.

They say essential tremors don't seem to bother people during sleep, but after injury it does seem to matter. My upper two vertebrae rotated in opposite directions and I tore or strained a lot of muscles in my head, neck, shoulders and upper back. There is so much movement in that area of the body that we never think about. But when it's injured, you are very aware of how much it matters. Especially when you lay down to rest. Think of it like a suspension bridge on your upper back. Think about all the movement in your back. Those strap muscles hold the upper part of our bodies together and allow us a great range of movement. When they don't work right or are in pain, the consequences are usually noticed.

I still have chronic pain due to those head, neck and back injuries. The tremor just makes it impossible to sleep. For almost thirty years I have battled sleep deprivation because of all this.

If my head didn't shake when I lay down I could probably deal with everything else. But it does. Along with the head tremor my upper back, can spasm badly if I am really having trouble. Perscriptive drugs are too hard for me to handle. I've pretty much tried it all over the years.

So far the best thing is melatonin and herbal sleep remedies that knock me out for a while during the night. After I wake up the aches and pains bother me the second I come to.

It's very difficult to live this way. I've considered sleeping in a hard cervical collar to at least take care of the shake. That may be my next option.

I've almost always slept on a couch so I can prop half of my body against the back of it. Laying flat spreads out my shoulders and my head shakes. I've thought how nice it would be to sleep in one of those body baskets they use for rescues at sea. Lined with memory foam. I would love to have such a narrow bed that could cradle my shoulders and arms to my body. And keep my spine in perfect alignment to take pressure off my neck and back. I would also need a cervical neck support collar or pillow. That would probably be the most comfortable I could imagine.

It got to the point a couple decades ago where it was just easier to stay awake most of the night. Sometimes I do get a good night's sleep, but not too often.

I'm sorry anyone else has to go through this. I hope my story isn't too depressing. I'm thinking of building my own "cradle" to sleep in.

I am going to a pain clinic next to see what they can do.

EM

[ljhomes]

Reading about these tremors has not produced a solution for me but has caused me to wonder ever more.  I am a 61 yo male, in good health,  I have a couple of heart stents and have been diagnosed as "prone to internal scarring" and "statin allergic."  (I stopped taking statins about a month ago so I know those were not the cause of my strange symptoms.)  Out of the blue, usually at rest, I feel this internal shivering in my body, sometimes in the upper chest, often in arms and/or legs.  This does not happen during the day when the adrenalin is working, only when I am resting, sleeping (I wake up from the shaking) and it is always internal - no one else notices.  I have never been a "cold" person, The only thing I can think of is that I began taking Plavix, a blood thinner, about 3 months ago.  My BP in the AM is around 120/70 and pulse around 50-52.  I have an old hernia "knot" that has been bothering me but MD says no hernia.  No fever, no night sweats, no typical chills.  I am dumbfounded...any ideas?

[ioh00000]

I have struggled with sever sleep disorders fro over 9 years now.  I have been to hell, I have to say.  Once I went for 3 months at a time with virtually no deep sleep, and no more than a total of 1-2 hours  of severe broken sleep.  I have periodic limb movement disorder, restless legs syndrome, some dystonia-type reactions occasionally (seems a reaction to some meds), svere hypnic jerks (especially related to med changes, etc..), and I have 24/7 non-stop internal tremor (which sometimes feels like buzzing, rumbling, electricity, etc..)  Most of the time, feels EXACTLY like high speed vibrations.  It's non-stop.  Worse, it seems, in the middle of night and early morning hours (until I get out of bed), but still continues non-stop.  These tremors have gone on for over 3 years without ever stopping for a day (let alone an hour).  Before that, felt more like electrical activity, shooting in all directions, in my legs, for years.  I always feel like I am plugged into an electrical socket.  Nowadays I get around 3 hours of less disturbed sleep a few nights a week, which is a miracle for me.  But, overall, my sleep is disturbed throughout it all (except for some of these 3 hour periods).  Anyone else have it non-stop?  Anyone heard anything from doctors about this?  Totally neurological, but of course since the docs have no clue, they attribute it to anxiety.  Garbage.  Feel free to email me people, too.

[ioh00000]

I meant to add that 90% of the internal tremor and sensations are in my left leg, and 10% in my right leg.  Also have it in lower back.  If I mess up on my meds (which is rare), I have it 10000% all over.