I do not have severe cluster headaches - by your experiences they're quite mild, and also responsive to oxygen.  I don't take a preventative at the moment - I can't tolerate verapamil, topamax makes me too stupid and my doctor is reserving depakote because I already have some weight issues.  I do not wake up in the morning or in the night with clusters since I started taking melatonin.

But.

When my clusters are in season (this is my second cycle) I keep waking up at intervals during the night, generally on the half-hour.  My longest time span last night waas 90 minutes, and I gave up keeping track of how many times I woke up at my 13th waking.  

Seriously.  I woke up more than thirteen times las night.  This CANNOT be normal.  I had a sleep study for possible apnea three or four months ago and it was determined that while I woke myself up snoring sometimes (how embarassing), I did not have a major sleep disorder at the time.

Oh, and I take lunesta, which has worked for me in the past.  It doesn't seem to help me stay asleep.

Help?  This is really getting to me.

Im glad at least the melatonin is getting you some relief, we all got our own way to fall asleep, sheep counting, warm bath and milk, whatever. It is just a thought but maybe puff on some 02 right before bed, if you got sleep problems with snoreing or whatever it could help, so go puff on some 02 and get to bed. goodnite.. Coach bill

Be real careful mixing 2 sleep aids!!!  

BMoneeTheMoneeMan wrote on Jul 24^th, 2008 at 10:11pm:

Be real careful mixing 2 sleep aids!!!

Some good advice there.  I'd review the Lunesta + Melatonin with my Dr.  It could be that you are setting yourself up with this combination.

Having said that, I too frequently have nights where I wake up every hour or half hour.  Within one or two nights I'm so exhausted I sleep through most of the night.  Regardless, I'm up somewhere between 1:30 and 2:30 every night when in cycle.

Are you sleeping during the day at all?  This is tempting but can really play havoc with your schedule.  Try to keep your sleep cycle consistent.

Hope you get some rest soon Molly  [smiley=hug.gif]

-Dennis-

Have you tried lithium as a preventative?

I was about to suggest lithium.

As for sleeping, I had some success using Zyprexa as an abortive that seemed to work for more than just aborting 1 hit.   I also slept in a room with the lights on and a TV/radio going (my living room).  For me, my hits are always worse int he dark and quiet.

If your insurance is decent and you dont use imitrex or Maxalt, maybe migranol might help you get through the night.  Only problem is that you can only get 6 doses a month.  But hey, sleeping a few nights would be worth it.  I dont know if this stuff even works, but it was given to me by a headache specialist.

Whatever you do (prescription or over the counter), check with your Dr and pharmacist for interaction issues.

best of luck.  may you have pain free years ahead!!!

I left out the Lunesta last night and felt like I slept a lot better, though I still woke up some.  I was exhausted, though.  I'll try again tonight and see how it goes.

I'm a little worried about starting lithium.  I'm already on Abilify for slight bi-polarish tendicies and am very stable; I don't want to give that up.  I will discuss it with my doctor.

I do use Maxalt, so migranol is out.