Insomnia following PM Surgery

Hi All, I'm age 66, a retired (male) psych RN. I got an on demand pacemaker on 12/9/11. My energy level increased a lot and the pacemaker made me feel great. Now I'm able to stay awake all day without having to take my usual afternoon nap (used to nap 2-4 hours!) In addition to the napping I overslept at night (hypersomnia) as much as 10-11 hours. Since the PM surgery I have become just the opposite: I get only 4-5 hours of sleep at night and then I wake up and can't get back to sleep! Sometimes I'll sleep a bit in the afternoon but usually not. My Dr gave me restoril 30mg (a "sleeping pill") but even that doesn't help very much - I still might wake up after 5 hours and feel pretty good and without the "sleep hangover" that usually accompanies the use of restoril. Five hours of sleep leaves me sleepy and isn't enough for me.
Has anybody else had this experience after PM surgery? Does it go away? Any suggestions? All ideas greatly appreciated & considered - thanks in advance. Bob

1 Comments

I think it's normal

by jobal - 2012-01-04 10:01:54

Hi Bob,

I have the same problem! I usually get 4-5 hours of sleep and then wake up feeling fully charged ( I am glad I have a T.V. in my room) but within 2-3 hours I am tired again but I try to last until the afternoon and have a 1-2 hour nap. I guess we just have to get used to what our body tells us? So your not alone!

jobal

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!