Levothyroxine for thyroid could it be affecting my sleep

[Italiangreyhound]

Can anyone offer advice? I am taking Levothyroxine (one a day) for possible thyroid problem and one of the side effects is that it can affect sleep. I've had real problems sleeping for the last 4 nights. Has anyone else had these tables, had this problem? Does it get better? Any tips for sleeping? Thanks.

[Italiangreyhound]

Please, I meant to say please!

[LadyGoneGaga]

When are you tsking it? You should take first thing in the morning. I know if I take it later in day it can affect my sleep.

[TigerseyeMum]

Take it 30 mins prior to breakfast for best effect, don't take it later in the day or it will keep you awake :)

Do you take anything like B vitamins? They can also kep you awake unless you take them in the mornings.

No cup of tea after 4pm either, and try milky porridge before bed. Thse are my top tips

[Italophil]

You may be taking too much. How much are you taking? I had this recently and sleep returned when I finally reduced the dose from 100mcg to 75mcg.

[Italiangreyhound]

Thanks for your answers TigerseyeMum and Italophil. I am meant to take it early but sometimes forget and take it nearer lunchtime! Is that bad!!?

I am taking whatever the doctor recommended, 25 microgramms.

All the best and thanks, just having my milky drink now!

[tyler80]

As thyroxine is a replacement hormone and not a drug there should be no side effects if the dosage is correct.

I actually take my thyroxine at night (there have been studies suggesting this is beneficial). I have no trouble sleeping. Taking it at night doesn't make a huge difference to how I feel, but it's hugely more convenient for me. I forget to take it less, no waiting around to eat breakfast etc.

[Italiangreyhound]

Thanks tyler80 I will ask the doctor about this. I have decided to speak to him some time. The packet I have said there may be possible side effects but before I had read it I was already wondering if this was the cause because although I stay up late I never had this kind of trouble sleeping before!

I will ask the doc about taking them at night.

Thanks again.

[starfishmummy]

I would have thought it is possible that it is they thyroid problem itself that is causing sleep problems rather than the medication. As tyler says it is a replacement hormone - and just replacing what your body should be producing itself.

I'm a bit surprised that this has been prescribed for "possible thyroid problems" have you had any blood tests at all?
It could also be that you are not yet on a correct dose - you should be having regular blood tests to see if the dosage is right and even when the dose is correct it can take a while for the effects to be felt.

[LadyGoneGaga]

Yes, but usually your body would be producing gradually throughout the day. Not just one big dose once aday. i know anecdotally from my experience if I take late in the day I cannot sleep. You have to experiment and find what works for you.

Might also because you are used to collapsing from exhaustion and now you are medicated and not so exhausted it takes a bit longer to sleep? Just a thought.

[Italiangreyhound]

starfishmummy and LadyGoneGaga thank you for all your help. It is better now.