Ankylosing spondylitis and sleep problems: Have you experienced this?

Do you wake up due to physical pain from the inactivity of sleeping, or just mentally wake up and end a sleep cycle (no pain).  

I used to take two Tylenol pM at 7pm, but now I take one Tylenol PM and one muscle relaxer that my neurologist proscribed.  I still start waking up a few times as morning gets closer (4:30am-ish) from pain in my neck, back, and chest, but I do get off to a good sleeping start in the 10pm -4am window. 

@AS1218 I have trouble with both of these. Pain is the usual culprit for keeping me awake, the the mind doesn't want to shut off too.  Warm Epsom salt baths help with pain and relaxation before bed. I sometimes do that in the middle of the night if I'm hurting and can't sleep. I add lavender oil or a blend with lavender to help me relax.  If you're in a state where it's legal, you might try a vape pen with a ratio of 5:1, 10:1 for example, of CBD:THC. While in Washington state I tried this at 5:1, and it worked great to relieve pain and help me sleep. Do start with only a hit or two to get used to it.  The bus tenders there believe the THC in low doses works as a vehicle to deliver the CBD faster to the body, as does caffeine in aspirin or Excedrin. 

Can't wait till we get medical MJ in my state. No side effects or what I call "the pharmaceutical hangover" from sleep meds, muscle relaxers, or tricyclic antidepressants that are used to aid sleep.  Good luck finding the right combo to help you sleep. I still find nothing works and stay up and read or catch up on Grey's Anatomy.  I take a pain pill, which that alone can help you stay asleep as you don't hurt, and 'watch' it off.  Sorry for the bad pun....

Thanks to everyone who answered. Still dealing with insomnia because of pain. I don't know what to do

Hmm...  do you do other things in your bed/bedroom?  Like work on a laptop or eat food?  What color is your sheets/comforter/walls?  
do you have an Alexa speaker by chance?  Do you use a humidifier?

Maybe you need a total sleep makeover.  I.e. no going in your room except for bedtime. New sheets and comforter in a soothing lighth blue shade. A humidifier with aromatherapy too ( I recommend the Tribest Humio from Amazon).  My routine is, I go up when it is bedtime. I say, “Alexa, play spa music!” And the music comes on. I fill the humidifier w water and the scented oils in the scent drawer.  I’m getting sleepy just thinking about it. And a new paid of soft cotton pajamas or nightgown. I like the Gillian O’Malley ones from target, but your call. Heating pad in the bed under you if you like that sort of thing. Then go in your bed. Dont put pressure on yourself to fall asleep. Pressure created stress. Just agree to go in there, no tv, and enjoy the fresh sheets and music in the dark (humidifier above does a small colored light show).  Lay in bed. Your room’s temp should be cool. 67-68 degrees F is ideal.  Oh, and if you have AS... a flat pillow. Soft. Not too much angle. I got one I liked at Bed Bath and Beyond, and spent $79 on it, but it was worth it. Just stretch and roll around in the bed if you cant fall asleep right away. But enjoy the space and start to create a new positive relaxing association with the room. I have also sometimes used the Brainwaves ap on my phone to do the “Dive quickly and Deeply” beats to get myself unconscious. Good luck!  

@DuchyCT Hello DuchCT, thank you for your comment and all the useful information. How did you find all this out? Do you have any resources to recommend?

Hello everyone, 

How are you today? Have you seen this older discussion? 

Have you ever experienced insomnia or other sleep issues with your AS? Do you have night pain ? How do you deal with it? Do you have any tips or tricks?
@Andreeag‍ @Dinvor‍ @stain2319‍ @zmgwedli‍ @brownie17‍ @EmilyJP‍ @Kmartin0728‍ @pnj0113‍ @SouthernBelle‍ @Oldhippy‍ @Mary1954‍ @Cinnesyn‍ @Shadora‍ @Dyllan‍ @MamaLisa1967‍ @Carlysm‍ @Justmichelle91466‍ 

Feel free to share with us here! 

Take care,
Courtney

My husband is in the severe range -3rd stage- AS. He is having more pain at night and can only sleep in 2 postitions. He also can't stay asleep. Has been taken Melatonin an hour before bedtime and has helped alot.