Overcoming Insomnia

Insomnia has to be one of the most brutal symptoms of Lyme disease, and so many of us suffer from it.  Prior to 2011, when my Lyme disease appeared, I never EVER had a problem sleeping.  But it has been a struggle for 6 long years now.

Some Lyme sufferers can't sleep, while others sleep too much!  How bizarre is that?  All I can say to that is that Lyme messes with our brain chemistry - hormones, neurotransmitters, cortisol, etc. - and creates a problematic situation that is not easily resolved.  In addition, we might end up with thyroid or mitochondrial issues that can worsen our fatigue.

I encourage you to work with your doctor, naturopath, and LLMD to do whatever it takes to get you sleeping.  Sleep is crucial to healing.  I have had some success with the use of melatonin, 5-HTP, and zopiclone, but there are many more options out there.  Gabapentin was disastrous for me and it took me a very long time to wean off of it due to severe withdrawal symptoms.  Every person is an individual and what works for one may not work for another.  Experiment with various supplements, and if necessary, prescription medication.  But I highly recommend that you do this under the guidance of an experienced medical professional who can help you with dosing and drug interactions.

Here are a few resources to help you in your quest for a decent night's sleep:

1. ProHealth, "Five Supplements I Use to Cope With Insomnia"

2. Connie Strasheim, Beyond a Glass of Milk and a Hot Bath  (Kindle edition)

3. Dr. Marty Ross, Sleep in Lyme Disease  (Dr. Marty Ross' articles require a subscription to his online Lyme book, but it is well worth the money!  He provides an enormous amount of invaluable information on his website.)

2017 Highlights

Hello everyone!

I just thought I'd touch base as it's been a while.  2017 has been an interesting year in the Lyme world with more publicity for Lyme and some small, but positive steps with regard to advocacy.

Firstly, we saw the establishment of the G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab at the University of Guelph this year, with a $1.4 million grant from the government.  I had been waiting for this announcement for a couple of years.  The last I had heard, it was supposed to be in conjunction with the Humber River Hospital, but apparently that plan fell through.  I am glad to see this partnership established and look forward to hearing about their research. 

Secondly, we saw some baby steps towards progress in conversations between a particular Lyme advocacy group and the federal government.  Sue Faber and Jennifer Kravis call themselves LymeHope, and they had a very successful campaign to collect and deliver 2 700 letters from Lyme sufferers all over Canada to then Health Minister Jane Philpott.  Click on the LymeHope link to read more about their story and what is in store.  I was pleased to be one of the 2 700 people to tell my story to the Health Minister.  Thank you so much, Sue and Jennifer, for your tireless effort!

This year, we saw Lori Dennis, a psychotherapist from Toronto, promote her new book, Lyme Madness.  The book recounts her son's harrowing journey to heal from Lyme, but in addition, she does a fabulous job explaining the roadblocks we face in Canada with regard to our medical system.  All of your questions about the madness of this situation will be answered in her book.  Her book also includes dozens of accounts from Lyme sufferers in Canada.  I was so pleased to have my personal story included in her book.  This book is a fantastic read and I highly encourage everyone to get a copy!

I have spent some time updating a few things on my blog.  If you check out my Books tab above, I have added several new books to the list.  More is being written about Lyme every year it seems, and "famous" Lyme sufferers are coming out of the woodwork, with several publishing their Lyme stories.

I have also added an update to the My Lyme Story tab above.  If you scroll down to the end, there is some information about what's been going on with me the past couple of years.  Every day is a struggle, but through those struggles, I have come to better understand God's blessings in my life.

I'm praying for you all, and hoping for a better future for all of us Lyme sufferers in Canada.