Pred Taper and Sleep (or lackthereof)

[Crohn-Magnon]

Well, I'm going through a Pred taper. Down to 10mg from 40mg.

One issue that has developed is insomnia. Only getting 4 hours a night and this is really starting to hurt.

I'm getting "sleep anxiety" before bed and wake up early in the morning, sometimes having strange dreams or an uncomfortable feeling like someone is in the room (which there isn't).

Is this normal for a pred taper? Also on Imuran 150mg.

Also, anyone have some suggestions for better sleep? I was on Ambien a couple months ago, but decided it wasn't helping and discontinued it. I was sleeping ok until recently.

I don't want to go back on a sleeping pill. I've taken Benedryll occasionally, but it has a weird effect of making me anxious and sleepy.

I thought about melatonin, but I read that it cause issues with Crohns. I'm in remission and want to stay so.

Suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Lisa]

Hi - I hope you tapered down maybe 10mg at a time to the current 10mg?.....as you get lower in your dosage, hopefully the sleep problems will start to abate too....

I sometimes take an over the counter sleep aid - but usually half the dose, just to help me chill out and get to sleep....I still wake up around 5am no matter what. I don't really like taking benadryl to help sleep, makes me feel really fuzzy in the morning.

Also - when you try to go to sleep, don't watch TV (actually can keep you awake longer!) - maybe have a sound machine/white noise to help your mind relax - we usually use one and if I'm home alone and forget to turn it on (hubby usually does it) I find myself lying there looking for the noise.....

 

[Lydia]

I always get the worse anxiety during the taper. Try taking benedryl or gravol at bedtime.

I take melatonin occasionally, with no issues.

 

[Crohn-Magnon]

Thanks for the advice.

I've noticed some higher anxiety as well. Wondering if it will get worse or better as I start dropping below 10 mg this coming week. ( 1 mg drop per week).

Guess time will tell.

 

[Mountaingem]

I get those same side effects-just when my colon feels better, then I can't sleep and have major anxiety. My doctor gives me a low dose of Valium, just enough so I can sleep and won't have panic attacks. Also have the doctor check your vitamin B levels; low b 12, low calcium, magnesium and potassium levels from prednisone can also cause the sleeplessness and anxiety.

I didn't know Melatonin could cause Crohn's issues; could you please give details?