Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Restless Sleep With Nightmares, Dry Mouth And Tinnitus Upon Waking Up?
Question: Restless nights with nightmares and ringing in the ears upon waking. dry mouth.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Sleep issues are a common problem in the elderly. That is because of disruptions in the circadian rhythm and melatonin levels. Other issues such as anxiety or chronic pain due to other conditions may contribute as well. The difficulty is that medication used often like diphenhydramine or sedatives cause dizziness as you describe as well.
So I would be cautious with prescription medication and try first melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone secreted during sleep. Apart from improving sleep duration and quality several studies have demonstrated it helps in better awakenings. There are over the counter preparations containing also magnesium and zinc which have shown good efficacy in my patients, with virtually no side effects as they are natural products.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Sleep issues are a common problem in the elderly. That is because of disruptions in the circadian rhythm and melatonin levels. Other issues such as anxiety or chronic pain due to other conditions may contribute as well. The difficulty is that medication used often like diphenhydramine or sedatives cause dizziness as you describe as well.
So I would be cautious with prescription medication and try first melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone secreted during sleep. Apart from improving sleep duration and quality several studies have demonstrated it helps in better awakenings. There are over the counter preparations containing also magnesium and zinc which have shown good efficacy in my patients, with virtually no side effects as they are natural products.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I HAVE ALREADY TRIED MELATONIN WHICH DID NOT WORK WELL. hOW MUCH ZINC OR MAGNESIUM IS IT SAFE TO TAKE? I WILL TRY IT. WILL IT HELP WITH THE RESTLESS LEGS that come at night also?
melatonin was not successful for me. How much zinc and magnesium would you suggest? Will it help the restless legs that also keep me up?
melatonin was not successful for me. How much zinc and magnesium would you suggest? Will it help the restless legs that also keep me up?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Restless legs syndrome is an issue which should be addressed as it can be an important contributor to the sleep issues. It is managed through lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, caffeine or other stimulants before sleep, avoiding napping during the day, regular sleeping hours, but often medication becomes necessary. First line medication are dopa agonist drugs like pramipexole or ropinirole, if they fail there are other options like clonazepam, gabapentin etc.
Some blood tests are also needed for conditions like iron deficiency anemia and metabolic abnormalities. That is because at times restless legs syndrome is due to iron deficiency.
The magnesium and zinc content in their melatonin combined product I mentioned is 225mg of magnesium and 11.25mg of zinc. However there are many different supplements in the market, combined also with other supplements, there is not one fixed dose as they are natural products.
If you have restless legs syndrome though that takes priority as your sleep issues can be secondary to that.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Restless legs syndrome is an issue which should be addressed as it can be an important contributor to the sleep issues. It is managed through lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, caffeine or other stimulants before sleep, avoiding napping during the day, regular sleeping hours, but often medication becomes necessary. First line medication are dopa agonist drugs like pramipexole or ropinirole, if they fail there are other options like clonazepam, gabapentin etc.
Some blood tests are also needed for conditions like iron deficiency anemia and metabolic abnormalities. That is because at times restless legs syndrome is due to iron deficiency.
The magnesium and zinc content in their melatonin combined product I mentioned is 225mg of magnesium and 11.25mg of zinc. However there are many different supplements in the market, combined also with other supplements, there is not one fixed dose as they are natural products.
If you have restless legs syndrome though that takes priority as your sleep issues can be secondary to that.
I hope to have been of help.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
