Website design By BotEap.comOne of the most debilitating symptoms when it comes to Graves’ disease is the inability of those diagnosed to obtain adequate sleep, both in duration, quality and quantity. The reason behind this particular symptom is that the body’s overall metabolism has already increased dramatically due to excess thyroid hormone in the body. This leads to a subjective feeling of increased energy and physical drive. The person with Graves’ disease often feels like they can accomplish many things, regularly starting many projects at once and working until completely exhausted. Under normal conditions, this should lead to a deep and rejuvenating sleep and the individual can expect to wake up refreshed and rested. That’s not the case for people with Graves’ disease because they can’t just “flip” the switch as easily, they have trouble initiating sleep, staying asleep, or going through the 5 stages of the sleep cycle.

Website design By BotEap.comClinical picture of sleep problems associated with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism

Website design By BotEap.comSome of the main complaints are unrefreshing sleep, waking up multiple times a night, and trouble getting back to sleep. Some people regularly sleep less than 2 or 3 hours a night and wake up even more tired. Sleep disturbance and accompanying daytime exhaustion cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of life. As a result of these repeated patterns of sleep disturbance, people may feel irritable, fatigued, and exhausted during the day, often unable to concentrate at work, driving, or social activities. They have decreased motivation to perform different tasks, reduced performance at work or school, may experience daytime sleepiness. Diagnosed people may also have problems with attention, concentration, or memory during the day. Patients with Graves’ disease find themselves in a vicious cycle: they can’t get enough sleep, they are exhausted and overwhelmed. However, there are some methods and sleep aids that can break that cycle.

Website design By BotEap.comGeneral recommendations for treating insomnia due to Graves’ disease

Website design By BotEap.comFirst, patients should continue the treatment medication prescribed by their doctors for Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism. Secondly, it is recommended to maintain a stable sleep-wake cycle, that is, going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning, regardless of whether it is a weekend or not. It is advisable to avoid alcohol before bed, because alcohol is often associated with problems in the sleep schedule. Properly ventilated rooms and premises are also important to provide a deep and restful sleep. Watching television and working on computers an hour before bed can also interfere with the quality and quantity of sleep.

Website design By BotEap.comsleep aids

Website design By BotEap.comThere are some over-the-counter sleep aids and natural remedies that can help you start and maintain good sleep. The following aids can be found at any health food store:

Website design By BotEap.com1. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is connected to and controls sleep cycles. The production of this hormone usually increases at night and decreases in the morning, but this process can be affected by abnormal circumstances: night shifts, jet lag, seasonal affective disorder, etc. Take as prescribed on the label.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Chamomile tea – has a calming effect on the nervous system and has no contraindications.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Lemon balm tea: It has a relaxing effect and is used to treat anxiety and stress. It is also known to reduce the overproduction of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Website design By BotEap.com4. Lavender – Use as an aromatherapy oil or mist.

Website design By BotEap.com5. Valerian Roots – This is another powerful herb for promoting a good night’s sleep. Avoid taking during the day because it has strong sedative properties and can act as a tranquilizer.

Website design By BotEap.com6. Heat the milk with a tablespoon of honey. Take at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

Website design By BotEap.com7. Magnesium- Calms the nerves and relaxes the muscles, thus helping the body prepare for sleep. Magnesium depletion is related to stress; consequently, taken as a supplement, it has a positive effect on sleep.

Website design By BotEap.comAdditional sleep techniques and recommendations for sleep problems associated with Graves’ disease

Website design By BotEap.com1. Doctors also often recommend deep breathing and relaxation techniques to promote good sleep.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Use bubble baths with soft music and candles to relax before going to sleep.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Massage therapy also helps the body to relax physically and mentally.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Meditation: Doctors find this easy and free method to calm “minds and thoughts on the go”, to help with awareness, relaxation and concentration.

Website design By BotEap.com5. Walking and physical exercise: Both can help establish a healthy sleep pattern, so practice regularly.