Sleep

Drugs

by AgentX86 - 2021-07-09 13:40:46

What drugs are you taking for your Afib.  Not only can Afib weaken you but many of the drugs used to treat it can have exactly this effect.  In particular beta-blockers (drugs ending in "lol", e.g. metoprolol) can make one lethargic.  Some are worse than others and affect some differently than others.  If this is the problem, a dosage change or a change to a similar drug may do the trick. This is a balancing act that may take you and your EP some time to get right.  We're all different and what works (or doesn't) for one may not for everyone.

There are a number of other drugs that Afib patients take that can do the same thing.  The idea of these drugs is to slow down the electrical signals across the heart, well, they also slow down the signals to the rest of the body.  Snipers often take metoprolol to calm their nerves and reduce shaking.  That's the job of a beta blocker.  Well, what do you want for something to help you sleep?

Probably the beta blocker

by TLee - 2021-07-09 19:18:09

I do take metoprolol. I was so happy that a-fib symptoms nearly disappeared when I started taking it, but it might be worth asking to try something else. I walk daily, but the fatigue is so bad that I sometimes feel like the walking dead, just putting one foot in front of the other! I try to eat right, haven't had alcohol for over a year, but I still have 2 cups of strong coffee to start my day (don't ask me to give that up!). This might be a case of finding that all-important balance. Maybe I can put up with the sleepiness if I feel better overall--I have a very comfortable room that is perfect for naps!

Metoprolol

by Gemita - 2021-07-09 19:59:46

TLee,

I have definitely heard many other members complain about the effects of Metoprolol, and how it keeps them sleeping for hours.  Perhaps I should swap my Bisoprolol for Metoprolol because the former doesn't always help me to sleep and I could certainly do with a few more hours.

Yes it is completely true that after AF it can take me hours to recover from an episode which may extend well into the next day, but can you sleep through AF.  I certainly cannot, however hard I try or need to sleep.  

A couple of thoughts.  Have you recently had a sleep study that could look into your depth of sleep.  You may not be reaching a level of sleep that is fully restorative.  Secondly beta blockers affect melatonin levels upsetting your sleep-wake cycle.  This is what my sleep consultant told me and although my Bisoprolol is excellent at keeping heart rate under control, it does mess with my sleep patterns.

I think on balance your problem lies somewhere between your AF and your beta blocker.  Your AF if it is regularly occurring will be exhausting your body with the erratic, irregular blood flow and the fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure.  Of course controlling AF is the first priority but not at any cost.  You could ask to try another beta blocker or even a calcium channel blocker like Diltiazem or Verapamil to see if they might suit you better.  I would also ask about Cymbalta.  That could well be the problem too.  How long have you been on it and have your symptoms (fatigue) worsened on it?  They can be powerful meds.  I took them for pain control and couldn't tolerate them.  Ask for lowest dose possible.

I think you are doing very well and I am not sure that i would do anything differently, and if you do try something else, tackle one tablet at a time so you will know which one is affecting you.  I send my best wishes

Coffee

by AgentX86 - 2021-07-09 20:36:53

(Caffienated) coffee was one of the first things I had to give up when I was diagnosed with AF. Caffiene drove my heart wild and counteracted anything metoprolol was doing for me.  A couple of years ago, the coffee company filling the machines a work switched decaf coffee for regular.  After drinking one cup, I thought about going home or even calling an ambulance.  My heart was racing/palpatating and I felt really ill.  I thiought my AF came back but that was wasn't possible.

For the last fourteen years I've been relegated to decaf  coffee.  There are a few good ones we've found but there aren't many really good ones and the coffee companies who do make them, make few varieties.  I guess there is little demand.

Sorry to say but you might just have to give up regular coffee.  Coffee is one of the worst culprits, 2-3 times more than tea and about 10 times the caffiene of a Coke.  It has as about as much caffiene as the caffiene laced "energy drinks".  It's no wonder people get hooked on it.  ;-)

Meds

by Mom Barton - 2021-07-09 21:20:34

I was just taken off of my fourth medication since receiving my PM in October. I also have Afib.  All of the medication made me feel tired, sometimes short of breath, and my palpatations are severe at times.  I sleep well at night I think,but after taking care of a few things in the a.m. I'm back lyling down on the couch.  I did have a sleep apena test and was tested mild.  However, they wanted me to have a c-pack.  I have used it for a couple of weeks.  However, I take it off at night without realizing it and find it lying in bed next to me.  I'm very confused if I should continue with this machine.  I will be speaking to an EP on Tuesday about my concerns.  Cardiologist has recommended an Ablasion.  Understand sometimes they can't do ablasions when you have a PM.  Any comments would be appreciated.

Ablation and PM

by AgentX86 - 2021-07-10 00:14:20

The difference may be that some EPs are more skilled than others and willing to deal with the leads.  You really need a highly skilled ablationist.  There is a huge difference between EPs in this area.  At least get an opinon from one of the best in the field.  At least you'll have the information you'll need to make the descision.

I am not surprised your tired!

by asully - 2021-07-10 02:16:51

Like others have said your meds combined with health conditions are likely messing with your ability to get restorative sleep plus causing drowsiness on top of it.  The cymbalta may be a very likely culprit especially if you have only just started it.  One thing to watch out for with antidepressants is actually a worsening of your depression, this can happen sometimes.  Are you feeling sleepy or are you feeling unmotivated?  If it's more of a motivation issue you may be having depression symptoms.  I also wanted to comment that my father has sever afib and he is ALWAYS tired, meds or no meds he has to nap several times a day and gets worn out very quickly.  My final thought is 9-10 hours is "normal" for many people, half my family is on the 9-10 hrs to feel good side including myself while the other half only needs 6-7 hrs.  I would not be concerned over 9-10 hours, but concerned if I was sleeping 11-12 and still drowsy.  I would judge it against what your personal normal sleep rhythm is not against anyone else's.

Sleepy

by TLee - 2021-07-10 22:00:00

I would describe what I feel as sleepy. I did, as one symptom of my depression, have the inclination to use my bed to escape from the world, but this is just a need or desire for sleep. I told my husband I feel like sleeping is my new hobby--I enjoy it & I'm getting very good at it! It is different for me, but I may have to accept it as my new normal. Thank goodness I am no longer working, and since it is just my husband & me at home it really doesn't matter if the house isn't cleaned top to bottom or if nap time cuts into dinner prep. I'm not saying I'll give up & sit in a rocking chair, but if I need to choose between a walk in a park or vaccuuming the carpets, well...

In case one of my meds is to blame, I'll give it a couple more months to see if I adjust. If I have to put up with feeling drowsy in order to have relief from more troubling symptoms, I guess it could be worse. After all, everyone needs a hobby!

Meds

by AgentX86 - 2021-07-10 22:45:27

There is no reason to "put up with it".  You and your doctor should be able to find meds, or a combination that won't cause you're lowered quality of life.  Sleeping through life shouldn't be acceptable.

sleeping

by new to pace.... - 2021-07-11 16:26:57

Sorry you are feeling the need to sleep. I find that certain foods that contain either Tryptohan( Almonds, Turkey, Chai Seeds, Bananas, all legumes,cocnut,collard greens, sunflower seeds, chicken, brocolli, cabbage and cauliflower) or Melatonin.  Cause me to fall asleep immediatley after eating them.  Feel legtharic almost drugged like.  

You might keep a food journal, write  down everything you eat for 5 days.  Along with any reactions. Then elminate those foods for at least a week  Puting them back in every 4 days. You could have food sensitivities.  In that case you mighy t want to find a Naturalpath Doctor who can get you food tests.  Alcat, Meridan valley, Genova are a few that i have used.  Much faster  taking the tests that doing the elimation diet.

  Found out after 60 years that bananas were the cause of my not being a morning person. Felt drugged and could not stay awake.  Once i slept it off was good the rest of the day.

hope this helps.  You are certainly welcome to private message me if you wish.  Or anyone else can also.

new to pace