Poll Beware of pills, doctors caution

NateS wrote:

Chevie wrote:

NateS wrote: I get up, fix myself a hot cocoa as a special treat, sip it while I read for a little while and then go back to bed and soon thereafter fall asleep.
Best wishes, Nate

Do you brush your teeth after all that sugar?

As best as I can recall, yes. But of course, it did make me very sleepy, so I can't swear to it.

Nate

Nate,

Which brand do you use? Unfortunately, drinking hot cocoa has never worked for me to get back to sleep although it sure tasted good.

49er

49er wrote:

NateS wrote:

Chevie wrote:

NateS wrote: I get up, fix myself a hot cocoa as a special treat, sip it while I read for a little while and then go back to bed and soon thereafter fall asleep.
Best wishes, Nate

Do you brush your teeth after all that sugar?

As best as I can recall, yes. But of course, it did make me very sleepy, so I can't swear to it.

Nate

Nate,

Which brand do you use? Unfortunately, drinking hot cocoa has never worked for me to get back to sleep although it sure tasted good.

49er

Right now, Ghiradelli:

http://www.amazon.com/Ghiradelli-Hot-Ch ... cr_pr_pb_t

But in the past, Hershey's worked fine, too.

I don't make a nightly habit of it. It is a once in a while thing, on those rare occasions when I just can't seem to fall back to sleep. I associate it with pleasant memories of my childhood, when my Mom or Grandmother would make me a cup of hot cocoa (probably Hershey's) on a cold wintry day. So maybe it is just psychological. But it works. It seems to have a soothing and calming effect.

Best wishes, Nate

PS - If you are very sensitive to the caffeine, you might consider the white variety, which I believe is totally caffeine-free:

http://www.amazon.com/Ghirardelli-Choco ... 052&sr=1-7

Right now, Ghiradelli:

http://www.amazon.com/Ghiradelli-Hot-Ch ... cr_pr_pb_t

But in the past, Hershey's worked fine, too.

I don't make a nightly habit of it. It is a once in a while thing, on those rare occasions when I just can't seem to fall back to sleep. I associate it with pleasant memories of my childhood, when my Mom or Grandmother would make me a cup of hot cocoa (probably Hershey's) on a cold wintry day. So maybe it is just psychological. But it works. It seems to have a soothing and calming effect.

Best wishes, Nate

PS - If you are very sensitive to the caffeine, you might consider the white variety, which I believe is totally caffeine-free:

http://www.amazon.com/Ghirardelli-Choco ... 052&sr=1-7

Thanks Nate, I will give that a shot.

49er

I've been taking a PM pain reliever the pass few days due to a shoulder injury that is making it hard to sleep. I've noticed that my centrals are way up (between 3-7 ahi) the days that I've used them. I wonder if the sleeping aids have anything to do with this?

Yes, CNS depressants (sleep aids) suppress the breathing reflex, causing centrals.
Sleep aids need to be taken with caution, using the smallest amount for the needed effect,
and under the supervision of a physician.

chunkyfrog wrote:Yes, CNS depressants (sleep aids) suppress the breathing reflex, causing centrals.
Sleep aids need to be taken with caution, using the smallest amount for the needed effect,
and under the supervision of a physician.

Hi chunkyfrog,

In your research, have you found that all sleep aids have this side effect? I really would like to have something to take on a PRN basis but if I have struck out so far with ambien and lunesta causing centrals, I wonder if I am going to experience the same side effects with similar type medications. I know, discuss with doctor but knowledge of side effects doesn't seem to be in area of expertise.

49er

49er,
You may find something pertaining to your question in this old thread: https://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=68121
My research indicates that most "sleep aids" have the potential to negatively affect sleep architecture and many are quite addictive. Unfortunately for you, I think Zolpedim is among the least offensive.
Jay
P.S. Try a cup of Celestial "Sleepytime" herbal tea, maybe with a little cream and sweetener, in the evening and see what you think.