Can’t Sleep with Liver Disease
Advanced liver disease can create problems with your dream time! Without enough sleep, it is hard to battle fatigue, achiness, and brain fog. I had hepatic encephalopathy from Hepatitis C and my sleeping was messed up for years. I took sleeping pills and they made me even more groggy during the day. Here is help from someone who has been there.
When you can’t sleep with liver disease
Day Sleeper – Reverse Sleep Pattern, or RSP can be common during the later stages of cirrhosis. You may feel drowsy and worn out all day, signaling your body to sleep….. wherever it can. That can be inconvenient when on the job, in the middle of a conversation, or while driving. Seriously, it can be a signal of the onset of hepatic encephalopathy.
Eyes Wide Open – The whole world is shutting down for the night and you’re buzzing… wide awake. You may feel nervous or anxious because you know that sleep is necessary. It can kick in a night of excessive worry. When your body is so so very tired – but your brain is flitting around like a firefly – it’s no fun. Go have some fun and watch my youtube or listen to soundcloud to chill out.
Who Cares? I Do
Chat About It – Your family may wonder why you want to lay around all day. Boost their awareness by showing them this blog. Let them know you’re not lazy, you are learning some tips for getting a good nights sleep. Ask for support – and a little mercy! If you have feelings of embarrassment, be kind to yourself. You’re not the only one going through it – many of us suffer from RSP.
Round the Clock – Because our circadian rhythms get disrupted, our body doesn’t get the signal to sleep at the right time. You can end up taking several naps a day. You may end up sleeping off and on all day and night. But – you only get a few hours sleep at a time. This does not allow your body (and brain) the longer period of sleep it needs for restoration.
Talk to Doc – An important conversation to have with your doctor is about your sleep patterns. Tell them you can’t sleep with liver disease, and how often you feel like napping, or actually sleep during the day. Try using an app on your phone to count your actual sleep hours. It will record how often you turn over and get up. I actually showed my graph to my doctor. She prescribed something to help me relax and stay asleep. Melatonin is an option, and magnesium can help with leg cramps as well as relaxation. There are prescription meds like Ambien and Lunesta also.
Try This First
- Start a bedtime routine.
- Turn off the television and your cell phone.
- Avoid caffeine after 5 PM.
- Get your exercise in early so your heart rate will be low.
- Soak in a warm tub.
- Turn on my yoga youtube or soundcloud meditation.
- Take a magnesium supplement.
Once you begin to pamper yourself by setting up a night time ritual, the stress can begin to slow down. By turning off the tv and phone, you are less likely to hear any bad news. You’re also less likely to get in an argument. Cutting caffeine early can help and so does a warm bath. Try using candles…. Watching my youtubes or meditations are a way to stretch and relax. They also may bore you so much that you nod off. The magnesium will help you relax and with a leg cramp!
Dream sweet dear friends who can’t sleep with liver disease, I hope this helps. Xo Karen
5 thoughts on “Can’t Sleep with Liver Disease”
My worst thing is my ammonia levels and diet What can I eat and what can I not eat
Hi there and thank you for stopping. Are you taking lactulose? What about a daily dose of magnesium and B12? Of course, diet is so important. It’s mostly about less red meat and using beans or protein drinks and grains for protein.
Are you drinking a protein shake at all? Even the bottled ones from the pharmacy can help. So many times when ammonia is high, we end up with low nutrition. Eat some turkey or chicken several times a day. Try to cook low or no sodium versions.
If you like to read, order my book or email me. Much love and thanks,
xo Karen
diet what can I eat so my ammonia level stays low
Hello and it’s easy to eat small meals with some nut butter and whole grain bread. Also beef or chicken broth with LOW sodium can work. Cook some vegetables in that.
It’s about keeping your protein levels high enough to help you heal. So small meals every few hours are easier on your liver. Also, taking lactulose or xifaxin is helpful.
Sending love and hugs,
Been there,
xo Karen
Hay girl, I noticed that you are on the “not sleeping so good” blog. It’s crazy how high ammonia levels make us groggy during the day, but we can’t sleep at night.
Anyway, I suggest that you eat plant based protein several times a day. That way you are eater smaller amounts and your ammonia level won’t be so high. Also, try cooking some veggie soup using bone broth. If you get the low sodium kind, it will help prevent ascites.
Keep me posted love,
xo Karen
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