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Real members of myPBCteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I am exhausted and can't sleep

A myPBCteam Member asked a question 💭
United kingdom yorkshire
September 7
 · 
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A myPBCteam Member

Have many nights with nervous leg syndrome. I do find in the days I work I am more restless

September 7
myPBCteam

Feeling exhausted but unable to sleep is incredibly common with PBC — and it's genuinely frustrating. Over half of people with PBC experience sleep disorders, compared to about 18% of the general population. You are definitely not alone in this.

There are a few reasons sleep can be so difficult with PBC:

- Itchy skin that Show Full Answer

Feeling exhausted but unable to sleep is incredibly common with PBC — and it's genuinely frustrating. Over half of people with PBC experience sleep disorders, compared to about 18% of the general population. You are definitely not alone in this.

There are a few reasons sleep can be so difficult with PBC:

- Itchy skin that flares up at night
- Worrying about health, which keeps the mind racing
- Poor sleep quality that then worsens daytime fatigue — a tough cycle to break Here are some strategies that may help:

- Light therapy — 45 minutes of bright light (10,000 lux box) each morning may help regulate your sleep-wake cycle
- Short naps — A 10–20 minute power nap before 3 p.m. can help without disrupting nighttime sleep. As one myPBCteam member shared, "I got a 20-minute power nap, and that helps"
- Review your medications — Some, like antihistamines for itching, can cause daytime grogginess. Taking them closer to bedtime may help
- Reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep hygiene
- Exercise regularly — It sounds counterintuitive, but it genuinely boosts energy and improves sleep quality

It's worth talking to your doctor about your fatigue and sleep issues, as they can check for things like nutrient deficiencies or thyroid imbalances that could be making things worse.

September 7
A myPBCteam Member

So sorry you’re experiencing such bad symptoms. Praying it will get better soon.

September 7
A myPBCteam Member

I resigned from my teaching position of 19+ years, I was a PreK Teacher, I held on all long as I could but my symptoms have gotten that bad so I am applying for disability because my symptoms are soo horrible, I sweat all night when I am able do sleep along with all the other symptoms, then I’m up using the restroom all night. I think I even yellowed some. This disease is soo difficult to deal with, and I have multiple autoimmune diseases since diagnosed with PBC.

September 7

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