sleep deprived

[i1113atlas]

I have my 2nd St. Jude's valve. I am taking sleeping pills and still have trouble sleeping. Some nights I sleep 4 hours; some nights, none. I have a sleep apnea machine, but doesn't seem to help. I end up sitting up in a chair all night, because this seem to be the only place I can sleep at all. Is anyone having sleep issues??????

 

[JimL]

Sleep issues after surgery are very normal; I was surprised to find out how many people cited three hours as the average amount of sleep they got. Since it is difficult to lay down until the sternum heals, many sleep in a recliner for a while. I slept sitting up on a couch for quite a while. The only help I can give is that I took a pain pill before sleep for quite a while, which seemed to help. That and naps during the day.

 

[Duffey]

I had sleep issues and ended up sleeping in a recliner for a week to 10 days. Jim's recommendation to take naps is one I heartily endorse. He gave me the same advice, and it worked!
Good luck!

 

[Fundy]

Have you tried taking a muscle relaxant before sleeping? I started taking flexeril after returning to work as I had tight muscle problems for years before surgery and felt I would use a little help post-surgery. Once I get to sleep, I sleep well. Even after waking from a 8 hour sleep I still feel as though I could nap again for hours. From what I gather from surfing the web message boards on flexeril users, is that this is a common occurrence.

So maybe flexeril can help you get a longer sleep maybe.

 

[i1113atlas]

I had my aortic valve replacement 5 years ago. This is my 2nd valve in 12 years. I still can't sleep through the night eventhough I take resterol 30ml and lorazapam. I'm wondering if anyone has sleep issues even after so many years and drug use. I use a sleep apnea machine in bed and often end up in a chair to try to sleep.

 

[tom in MO]

I had my surgery a few weeks ago and have the same problem. I also have sleep apnea, but no machine. I was diagnosed with apnea right before my heart problem and since I did not have any symptoms, did not seek treatment. I did not need one to get a nights sleep. I've done better now that I can roll over and sleep on my stomach, but still wake up about 4 times a night and don't get more than 3 continuous hours, but I can go back to sleep. I find that music helps and the repetition of the rosary.

If your sleep apnea machine worked in the past, you may need some adjustments since your surgery. Also, narcotic pain killers can make sleep apnea worse, has your sleep doctor checked out your current meds? I too nap and it helps also.

 

[Eva]

I had my aortic valve replacement 5 years ago. This is my 2nd valve in 12 years. I still can't sleep through the night eventhough I take resterol 30ml and lorazapam. I'm wondering if anyone has sleep issues even after so many years and drug use. I use a sleep apnea machine in bed and often end up in a chair to try to sleep.

It is very important to use the CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea. My heart showed so many irregularities in the sleep study during the couple of hours I was sleeping without the machine, which were completely gone after the use of the CPAP.

Try to take the Lorazepam early evening to relax you and prepare you to sleep. Sleeping pills will be more effective if taken after a couple of hours of your dinner. If I drink any coffee after 11 am or eat chocolates in the evenings, I won't be able to sleep.

Check with you doctor to switch you to Zolpidem (generic of Ambien). I personally did not like Resterol.

 

[Ovie]

First 2 weeks after surgery I didn't know what sleep was, I was getting 3 hours total, either waking up in pain, or sweats, bad dreams. It's quite normal, it'll pass in time.