Sleeping is so hard
I am looking for solutions to sleep. I struggle so hard that my recent idea is to basically turn off my Phone, Computer and TV no later than 6 pm. I take my meds around 8pm however I am still struggling.
My COPD actually improved this past year however sleep did not.
I take Advair 250/50, ProAir, Spiriva and use my nebulizer 3 times per day. I see my pulmonary doc the 9th of next month however I'm looking for advice on how to go to sleep without laying awake til 3,4 or 5 sometimes 6 in the morning. Thank you for your support.
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I am not sure I have an answer for you. I can only make a few suggestions of things that have helped me. I don't really have sleeping problems normally. I do occasionally have a night I have problems falling asleep. One of the things I do during the day is some sort of exercise for at least an hour. Normally 3 days a week it is light dumbbell weightlifting for an hour. Other days it is walking, even if it is just around the house. I walk for an hour. And twice a week I clean. One day is house cleaning day and one day is an office I clean for a part time job. I routinely go to bed the same time every night and get up the same time every day. Once I am in bed, I have several mantras I say to myself over and over. This helps me relax. This also helps me clear out any extraneous thoughts that tend to keep me awake. In other words, quiet my mind. Once my mind is quieted, I work on just relaxing each body part one at a time and concentrate on controlled breathing. Next thing I know it is morning and time to get up. This works for me. It takes a lot of practice to get good at it. But well worth it. I don't believe in meds to help me sleep. When you see your pulmonologist, please talk to him/her about sleeping problems. They should be able to help you. Take care and God Bless.
That reminded me of doing the same routine every night. Start with your right little toe. Relax it. Go through all the toes, bottom of your foot, heel, ankle, all the muscles. Move up a little at a time. Knees, all the way, shoulders, I was always asleep before I finished.
I will see my pulmonary doctor on the 9th and I will definitely talk with her about my sleep issues. Thank you.
Here's my two cents' worth. I drink a cup of warm milk as I'm sitting quietly reading in my room before bed. That seems to be soothing, and gives me that warm tummy coziness that helps me sleep. My husband has also started drinking a glass before bed, and tells me it helps. Try that. Maybe it will be of benefit. I will also tell you that I sleep better since I started using O2. Before that I was waking up every hour or two.
I bought a head and foot adjustable bed. $400 from Amazon. I can fine tune comfortable. I went from sleeping 50% of the time in a recliner to a couple of adjustments for all night in my bed.
(except for getting up to pee.) 😉
My wife solved the getting up to pee problem. She cut a hole near the top of an empty gallon milk jug and I keep it on my side of the bed. If I need to go, it is a much closer trip than walking to the bathroom. Empty it in the mornings. That has worked out well.
Hi Robert, and thanks for chiming in here and sharing this solution to the issue. That is rather unique and it sounds like it works quite well for you. Keep up the good work! Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I will. I am an artist and haven't been active with it in awhile. I started painting again and I'm sleep better this week. It is very therapeutic. I'm partial immobile and do not get out much. However I get to begin physical therapy after 4 years of not finally. And I will tt my pulmonolgists Tuesday. I am excited because now after breaking my legs and feet from numerous falls I'm hopeful to be able to walk. For many many years I walked 3 to 7 miles a day would love to get back to being able to walk. Thank for your support.
It's so important to have things in life that give you joy, especially with COPD. I'm glad to hear you picked up painting again. It's so immersive and stimulating for the brain, which is good for overall wellbeing too. Be patient with yourself when you start therapy. Even the small goals are worth celebrating. We'll be here to cheer you on! -Melissa, copd.net team 
Wow. I am also an artist, but I converted over to other branches, long ago. Woodworking and machine shop metalworking, and machine restoration, as well as restoring cars. Of course I can no longer do any of that, so I do leatherwork and Native American beadwork now instead.
I also fall a lot, but I'm lucky so far. However, in my youth, and throughout my working life, I sustained many injuries from car wrecks, motorcycle racing, and industrial accidents. There are literally almost no bones anywhere in my body that have not been broken multiple times, from my head to my toes. But I have always fought my way back. Now, at 72, my left leg is an issue, my hips, my right shoulder, etc. But I am still on my feet. I know you will be too. Just do it. Adapt and overcome!
