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1. cathyh

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   31 Dec 2018

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   Hi everyone. I am on my 4th day of quitting smoking. I was a very heavy smoker (2 packs a day) and am using the patch and inhaler.
   
   The second day was the worst but I managed to get through it. The biggest problem I am having is sleep disturbances. I am having wicked and bizaar dreams that make me get up at 4:00 am and then all day I am so exhausted. I fall asleep sitting down. By 7:30 am, I want to have a nap hahaha
   
   Ha anyone else had this experience? How long will it last?
2. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   31 Dec 2018 in reply to cathyh

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   Hello Cathyh,
   
   Congratulations on your quit! I love that you quit on your birthday. What a great present for yourself!
   
   Many people feel the 2nd - 3rd day of quitting is the hardest, in regards to withdrawals. For most people, withdrawals are over after a week or so. Also using the nrt patch and inhaler is a great method for dealing with cravings and withdrawals, so you are doing the right thing.
   
   Sleep disturbance is a very common withdrawal symptom. Are you sleeping with the nrt patch on? If so, a suggestion to try would be, taking the patch off before bed and seeing if that helps? Please let me know what you think?
   
   Best wishes and have a very Happy New Year
   
   Renee
   
   

   Last modified on 31 Dec 2018 11:49 by renee, quitcoach
3. cathyh

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   31 Dec 2018 in reply to renee, quitcoach

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   Hi Renee,
   Yes, I have been sleeping with the patch on. I will try taking it off tonight and see if that helps. I never even thought of that.
   I turned 60 and decided that the best gift I could give myself is the gift of non-smoking. I had been a smoker for 46 years, so it is a major adjustment! But I am determined to beat it this time.
   Happy New Year to you too!
   
   Cathy
   
4. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   31 Dec 2018 in reply to cathyh

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   Happy Birthday to you Cathyh :)
   
   Please let me know if you find taking the nrt patch off at night before bed helpful.
   
   Renee

   Last modified on 31 Dec 2018 13:32 by renee, quitcoach
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   31 Dec 2018

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   Hi cathyh,
   
   First of all, congratulations on your four days of not smoking.  That is quite the accomplishment, so good for you!
   
   I quit cold turkey.  I remember that I could fall asleep okay.  I just couldn't stay asleep.  I woke up at least 3 times a night.  For me, that lasted about a month, but everyone is different.  It may not last as long for you.
   
   I think your weird dreams are because of the patch.  I remember a few of my friends said they had strange dreams when they quit using the patch.  They also said that it did help to take it off at night, so let's see if that helps you.
   
   The most important thing is to keep your quit no matter what it takes.  Any withdrawal symptoms you have will eventually go away.  It just takes time, so you have to be patient.  And be good to yourself.  This is not an easy journey, so remember to reward yourself along with way.
   
   I am rooting for you, cathyh.  Good luck, and Happy New Year!