Sleep disorder.

[Candlestick]

Anyone else here heard about or got any experience of coping with a sleep disorder called myoclonus ?

Basically its a condition that causes unpleasant 'starts and jumps' when dropping off to sleep.

Having been treated for anxiety recently my GP is satisfied the myoclonus will disappear once the anxiety is sorted.

At the moment though condition is getting very severe, It happens every night and usually a number of times before I eventually get to sleep. Some nights its so bad I get up and go back to bed a few hours later in the hope it will be easier next time.

Admittedly it isnt life threating, it is however very distressing and results in me feeling tired all the time.

Anyone else had it ? is there any medication that can lessen it or is it simply a case of wait till other anxieties improve ?

Thanks

Poor you, candlestick. Bumping for you.

Thanks Jalopy :-)

I guess the condition sounds very minor, but the only way I can describe it is its like receiving a huge electric shock whilst half asleep causing the whole body convulse and waken suddenly in a fit of terror.

At times it can be so severe I even go without sleep (even though I'm tired) for fear of it happening.

I think lots of people get this. I know I have done in the past but fortunately they are usually one offs. It must be very distressing for you. It's difficult to feel relaxed if you know that you are likely to have these muscle spasms at night.
Does it help to have a relaxing bath before bedtime. Perhaps a herbal sleep remedy or cocoa and listen to gentle music so that you can wind down. It's a viscious anxiety circle to break.
Be reassured though, it's quite common

I think you need referral to a sleep clinic for that. I was referred for restless legs syndrome, which they sorted. Part of restless legs is that jumping when you are dozing off.

It was treated by the use of Parkinsons drugs, which may help you, as I am sure the 2 are linked in some way (well not 100% sure)

I went to Papworth Hospital Sleep Clinic who were really good. I think there is one in London and one in Edinburgh as well. I would deffo pursue that- it sounds horrid