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I know this is probably a medical question, but I am concerned. Lately my AH is twitching while he sleeps to the point that it keeps me awake. It seems to be shortly after consuming large quantities of alcohol and coming to bed. The tremors last only a second but I watch his body twitch and his hands clench and unclench. They come at about every 30 seconds to one minute at first, then taper off as the night goes on. I would say the on and off episode went on for an hour before it subsided enough for me to sleep. I wonder if this is just a normal part of his sleep or a symptom of the alcohol and I wonder if it is something to be concerned about. Not that I can do anything about it. He surely won't tell his doctor that after a week of drinking every night and two bottles of wine before bed his wife says he twitches uncontrollably.
Let it go?
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Bethany
"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be." Abe Lincoln
Bethany, it does sound like a medical question. Although. a bit different from what my AH experienced, -- and I am not a medical professional -- it sounds like it could be some type of seizures. Betty's advice is wise. It might also help you to have a plan on what to do if it becomes worse. If he won't go to his doctor, perhaps you could ask your doctor for general advice. This must be very hard for you. Is it interrupting your sleep? Rest is important, so please take care of yourself.
In this instances, I see no issue with telling him your observations. It is then up to him if he tells the doctor or not, so my sponsor tells me. When I have to share these things, I act as if it's a business meeting and I am just sharing the facts at hand. No suggestions, no complaining, etc.
I can tell you that for an unknown reason, I developed Restless Leg Syndrome around the time I started menopause. I am sober so it was not related to substances, and at times it was well beyond my legs, and would wake me up. At other times, I wasn't aware and my husband would tell me that I was keeping him awake jerking around during the night.
So, he may not be aware or he may not be aware how often it happens. Mine subsided on it's own after about 8 years - I still have occasional twitches while I am trying to sleep but I am no longer waking up because of it. I did mention it to my doctor and they found nothing wrong with me, yet did offer me medication to sleep as well as RLS meds, which I declined as I always do...
Even when a doctor knows your history, they often don't understand why I refuse as many medications as humanly possible. HTH!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thank you for your words. I will let him know what is happening, without judgement. It does disturb my sleep (he is REALLY good at that!) and I have to be up early for my job. The guest room bed was covered with stuff so I couldn't sleep there. My note to self today was to make sure the extra bed was clear of stuff and had clean linens at all times. That is another way to take care of me. We have been remodeling and that room has been the "catch all" room. But I will carve out some time this weekend to get it back in working order so I have a place to sleep on disruptive nights.
Thanks again for your logical suggestions and encouragement. You guys are the best.
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Bethany
"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be." Abe Lincoln
hi bethany66, my bf does that and he's been in recovery for 6 years. The first time i noticed it it was in his arms like muscle spasms i talked to him about it and he said he didn't notice it at all...now after being together for awhile i notice that when he is troubled he does it more then normal.
Welcome to MIP 88girlie - so glad you found us and glad you are joining us!
Congrats to your BF and his 6 years! Have a great day and keep coming back!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
