Nighttime Shivering

[preacherswife]

Just wondering if this is just me or what. When I go to bed at night, I am always EXTREMELY cold!!! No matter what the thermostat is set on, when I get in my bed, I shiver violently and uncontrollably for probably 10-15 minutes, sometimes more, before I start to feel warm and can relax. It's horrible, and it's getting worse. I'm not sweating at all when I do this; I just shiver. I'm wondering if I should mention this to my neurologist at my next appointment. Maybe it's just me....

[lloppyllama]

hmm that does sound a bit odd. I always have my fan on, because if i dont i get really really warm and sweat alot at night, however when i do have it on, i then in turn am quite cold some nights and will wake up shivering, but it isnt nearly as bad as what you have described. I guess it cant hurt to mention it to the neuro next time.

Good luck, hope it gets better soon, that would be annoying.

Mary

[delphicdragon]

Do you eat right before you go to bed? Many times for me I get this type of reaction after I eat. If I don't get warm, then various unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms start. I'm wondering if it's a similar mechanism, where blood flow is being rerouted, in your case back to your extremities, in my case to my abdomen to digest food. Just a thought. I'd mention it to the neurologist, hopefully he/she will be able to help you.

Sara

[doctorguest]

Shivering can be a manifestation of the autonomic dysfunction. There are medications - like Klonopin and Clonidine - that can help, and you should discuss this with your neurologist as you planned.

[MNsue]

When I am overly tired I will shake and get very cold. I have found that a heating pad on my chest when I am going to bed helps to warm me up and calm down my nervous system.

Florinif also helps to calm things down.

Good Luck. I hope you can find some relief.

Rhonda

[preacherswife]

A heating pad on your chest!!! What a good idea. I had always kind of put it under me, but that messes with a herniated disk in my back and makes my back feel worse. I'm going to have to try it on my chest! You're a genius!

[Mrs. Burschman]

In the winter, I take a hot-water bottle to bed. I like to lay on my stomach with it under my chest. Might be another option.

Amy

[maryfw]

I have slept with a heating pad for years. First for back pain and then because I am always cold and my husband needs a fan. Also when my chest hurts and feels like someone is sitting on it, I use the heating pad on my chest.

mary

[Darlene]

Before I was diagnosed with POTS I had chills frequently, but I had hot flashes too. I would be cold, shaking, needed tons of blankets, then a few hours later, burning up, sweating, throwing the covers off. Dysautonomia is a dysregulation of the nervous system, your nervous system controls things like body temperature. Your chills is probably just a side effect of your dyautonomia.

[Ernie]

Hi,

I use an electric blanket to warm up my bed.