Posted by noa on June 30, 2000, at 15:49:49
In reply to Re: Noa, how YOU doin?, posted by Greg on June 30, 2000, at 15:14:04
Greg, until recently I had MAJOR sleep problems, because I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and because of the activating effects of the effexor (and before that paxil, prozac, etc.). But here goes---a list of things I do that I *believe* help me to sleep well:
1. I don't have any kids. This might be the most important factor, judging by my friends and family members who do have kids.
2. I use my CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, along with its attached humidifier every night (for my apnea).
3. I don't take lithium anymore (it made me get up to pee constantly).
4. I stopped my caffeine habit.
5. I lowered my effexor dose and raised my serzone dose (with doc approval, of course).
6. I try to keep very regular sleep hours (try is the operative word here. my results would be better if I actually achieved very regular hours more consistently). So, on weekends, I try to go to bed not much later than the usual, and get up and out of bed not much later than the usual.
7. I try not to take naps.
I almost never drink alcohol, and don't smoke, which I suspect helps, too.
I think my results would be even better if I kept more regular meal times, and didn't eat during the three hours prior to going to sleep. Before my apnea was treated, this was more of a problem, because I used to get horrible, I mean seeing my life flash before my eyes horrible, acid reflux, which would wake me up feeling like I was choking and checking out for good. Apparently, it was connected to my apnea, because it has vanished since I started using the CPAP.
poster:noa
thread:38451
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000630/msgs/38876.html