Tips for Living with ALS

HELP FOR A PALS 

THE SECRETS OF GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

February 13, 2023

Suggestions collected from the local ALS Community

· Watch or listen to podcasts that help you relax

o Event Horizon on YouTube is an example

· Calm and quiet time for bedtime routine and sleep.

· Binaural beats with headphones-similar to what is used in massage rooms, but more precise. There is an app on the phone that has this. 

· White noise machine.

· Frame at the foot of the bed that holds the sheets and blankets up off of the toes.

· Lightweight bedding to alleviate the feeling of being pinned down. 

· Keeping the room temperature at a comfortable temp. Some sleep hot, but also want to avoid the chill. 

· Melatonin and Chamomile tea

*Use the following at the direction of your doctor or medical professional

· Sleep Aids

o Kirkland Sleep Aid or Tylenol PM

o Relaxium

o CBD gummies or tinctures

If there are still troubles sleeping patients have found that a Palliative Nurse who understands sleep issues can help to prescribe some stronger medications.  

o Oxy

o Lorazepam

o Methocarbamol 

o Hydroxyzine

o Promethazine

Help for PALS 

Dry Mouth

April 27, 2020

Suggestions Collected from Local ALS Community

Useful suggestions that came in:

· Keep a water bottle with the long flex-straw anchored next to the bed. A special bedside table with cupholder could be available through the loan locker.

· Use of mouth swabs to moisten the inside of the mouth and toungue

· Use a chin strap to keep the mouth closed while sleeping. 

· Sleeping reclined rather than laying flat

· Humidifier in the room where you sleep

Other helpful tips some used to find some comfort

· Swishing with Listerine

· Biotin rinse and gel

· Prescription med to increase saliva

· Sucking on a cough drop or sugar free hard candy 30 minutes before bed

· Yogurt and/or Coconut oil swished around in your mouth for about 15 minutes to coat your mouth

We are working to gather more Tip Suggestions