Do your tics keep you awake? Tourette's is not generally linked with sleeping problems. However, I also have experienced trouble sleeping, and did spend a night at a sleep clinic (but they found nothing wrong).
Trouble sleeping is a listed possible side effect of Clonodine. I would try to balance your dosage more in the morning, or see if you can get away with taking less all together.
A few other general sleeping tips:
Stop watching TV/using the computer at least 1 hour before going to bed. The artificial light does not help prepare your body for sleep. Also get flux.
Spend 5-10 minutes stretching right before bed. This helps your body stay comfortable. Try it out, I bet you'll notice a difference right away. Stretch everything - legs, back, arms, neck, abs.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. You need to sweat every single day, no exceptions, no excuses. Every human should be doing this.
Stay hydrated throughout the day. Make a conscious effort to drink more water than you normally would. You should need to pee a lot. Go to the bathroom at least an hour before bed and only take small sips of water after that so you don't wake up during the night needing to pee.
When you do sleep, don't sleep for more than 9 hours. This used to be a huge problem for me. Some nights I wouldn't sleep at all, and others I could stay asleep for the whole day. You should be aiming for 7.5-9 hours. Anything more won't do you any good.
Try those out. I know exercise and stretching every day require a lot of self control and dedication, but healthy living often fixes other issues with your body. Give it a fair chance, try it for two weeks and then honestly reevaluate the situation. Good luck.
I got my impact gloves on Zoro. But it really depends on what kind you need. I needed to pad my palms and the outer edges of my hands, so I had to find a very specific pair. If you are guarding your knuckles, you'll need a different style than mine. It's important to look for soft padding, not hard. You are looking to reduce impact rather than just protect from skidding on pavement.
If you are looking for gloves to protect your knuckles specifically, these might be a good option. Padded knuckles but your fingers are still free. I found these with just a quick bit of searching, though, so there may be something more useful out there. Good luck.
Sorry to hear that lately you're having trouble with all sounds all the time. It can get like that for me on certain days, and I'll just have to have ear plugs in the whole day, otherwise sounds will cause my body to be all tense and filled with anxiety. I work in a cafe/deli, and it can get really noisy, but I can't wear earplugs there because I have to interact with the customers. As others have pointed out, it seems common for us with TS to also have auditory processing issues.
So, I definitely spend a lot of time using earplugs while I'm at home. I have a favorite kind that I've been using for the past 20 years because they are soft (i.e., not hard or stiff), so they are comfortable to wear for hours. Also, since I'm a ultra light sleeper, I sleep with them every night.
Amazon sells them in a box of 200 pairs...
https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Visibility-Disposable-Earplugs-200-Pairs/dp/B0007XJOLG/
This is the one that I use. And as silly as it may sound, certain other massagers which are typically used for NSFW purposes can be 'magical' for areas that are harder to get to.
I know this doesn't fall under the flavorless category, but I always hated gum with artificial flavorings and sugar. Those ingredients always caused me to get more headaches.
I tried out a few natural gums and I found this one to be great. I believe their website still offers sample sizes as well so you can try out all of their flavors:
Elkhonon Goldberg writes about ADHD meds unmasking an underlying TS in this book. Well worth checking out! You might even be able to read the relevant part of ch 6 in the Amazon preview.
Charles Mansueto talks about the difference between Tourettic OCD and psychological OCD here. You might see if it also applies.
Olanzapine is sometimes used to treat tics, but it is also known to induce or unmask them.
It makes me wonder if you might have a right-hemisphere Tourette which was unmasked by the medication. Clinical neuropsychologist Elkhonon Goldberg discusses this process in his book Creativity, page 116-117.
https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Jumbo-Foam-Polyhedral/dp/B003IHTZGW
Here you go!!! I hope this helps you :D
I recommend Bluetooth earphones especially the ones that have the rubbery insert. I use these and they barely ever fall out: https://www.amazon.de/T6-Headphones-Bluetooth-Earphones-Microphone-Black/dp/B07RGZ5NKS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1GOUF1VZHIQVW&keywords=tozo+ohrhörer&qid=1670333201&sprefix=tozo+earphones%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&smid=A19UKHWWQU92KM
I have a motor head jerking tic that can get pretty incense and they haven't fallen out. They have only fallen out when I am eating something bc of my jaw moving my ears.
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I hope this helps
Depending on your country, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09MWJH9CT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Might be a good option.
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For me, my work is very stressful at times, so using CBD helps calm my tics - doesn't impact work and just helps me feel calmer.
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I've since been taking Clonidine so I've not needed CBD in some time however I have some on standby just incase - Helps with sleep too so win win.
I have Tourette's syndrome and for as long as I can remember I've wanted to read a book about someone with my condition, where instead of the intrusive tics being used as some plot device, it is actually central to the story.
So I wrote one.
It's called The Final Flaw, it is a near future science fiction book exploring the importance of genetic differences and neurological diversity in a world where gene manipulation is the baseline. The book started as a way for me to work through my condition, but turned into something I am deeply proud of and I'm confident that other neurodivergent people will enjoy.
Thank you all for being such a positive encouraging group, I am endlessly grateful for communities like this one. Thank you to everyone here who participates and facilitates such an incredible place.
https://amazon.com/dp/B09Y4QBV13/ref=tmm\_pap\_swatch\_0?\_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
> Thanks so much for the support! You can only buy it on Amazon right now, here is the link for you: https://amazon.com/dp/B09Y4QBV13/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
> For TS to be diagnosed, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic must be present for at least 12 months.
https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/20-getting-diagnosed.html
>Both motor tics and vocal tics are present, although not necessarily at the same time
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350470
Not sure where you've heard that, but I've been told by my Neuropsychologist that you have to have both, plus many sources online state you need to experience both. Maybe the diagnosis criteria is regional?
But yes - that's great advice. I'd definitely encourage the OP to start documenting tics.
Good to hear that you already know about magnesium. Hopefully my above comment will help anyone who didn't know about it. By the way, after doing some research I learned that magnesium is poorly absorbed by the gut, and if you try to take a higher amount orally it will give you diarrhea. A better way to take it is trans-dermally (that means through the skin). When liquid magnesium is absorbed through the skin the body will take in as much as it needs, and it goes right into the blood stream. The more surface area that you apply it to the more you can absorb in the same amount of time. I leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off. I can actually feel my muscles loosen up shortly afterwards. For those that want to check it out, the pure liquid magnesium chloride that I use is from a pristine ancient sea bed 2000 feet below the ground in Europe. (As a disclaimer, I have no connection to the product):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXN4TNR/
Of course it makes sense that you had developed coping skills from the earlier days. Stay strong. You got this!
i found the technical reference I was looking for! Aparently, the prefered term is "blocking tic." Citation and text here: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=zDzuB4tR60cC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=%22blocking+tic%22&ots=-bl-e_Mvr5&sig=83GYd9TdBtH1rtCjVfu4yTEKNT8#v=onepage&q=%22blocking%20tic%22&f=false
Dementia Restraint Gloves - 2PCS, Control Mitts Safety Hand Glove, Restraint Mitts, Super Thick Sponge Filling, Gloves to Prevent Scratching for adults, Dementia Products for elderly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RY3MWHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KDEKERV7Q4E66ZH99EAF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We use these with dementia patients. They’re very soft and cushy but it’s also very obvious and not a good choice if it’s your dominant hand.
I know the feeling. I've nearly chucked my phone out the car window countless times. It's pretty much a matter of time at this point. I've been looking at something like this personally.
I got a little back massager online, it's one of the flat ones that has the rotating bits? it also comes with heat. i bought it after a particularly bad neck day and it has worked literal miracles for me!!
edit: here's a link! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5WHSBD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RG0T0T0B6C8K6WVXZMYR
Tbh, I'm going to suggest you massage the scalp and neck muscles, fairly deep. Arnica oil will help. I'm not anti med so ibuprofen will help . It's just not the best thing for your liver and kidneys long term.
You can massage yourself, have a family member/friend do it or buys massager off of Amazon for about $49 that will help alot. I will update with a link to the one I'm thinking about. Just make sure you get one that works in your country I'd you aren't in the US
Here’s a book that might help you figure out what’s causing the increase and ways to mitigate them
Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourette's: A Patient and Family Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/1556437471/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_1gw4FbCNDRP6B
I should also add that there are some books which may be suitable for grade 2 students. Your comment about arm flapping reminded me on this on. The author is a friend and was the president of our local chapter of Tourettes Canada for the last 15 years. There are plenty of others just google.
Scarf? Padded balaclava? A headguard for boxers? I’ve played enough CDDA to know that there are a wide variety of facial coverings that provide protection from blunt objects.
https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Jumbo-Foam-Polyhedral/dp/B003IHTZGW
Here you go :D hope this helps you out!
I’m grateful you’re safe. It sounds like you could benefit from therapy, if you have access to it. If you don’t, a book like this might benefit you. Good luck. Recognizing the problem is the first step.
Hopefully it is OK to post a link here. Try these - they are little rubber rolls to bite down on (supposed to be used with invisilign braces to seat them properly).
https://www.amazon.com/OrthoBands-AC-25WPP-Aligner-Chewies-Unscented/dp/B00GBHS91S
I’m in a similar situation, I have a tic we’re I tap my toe on the ground when I’m walking which always wears out the toe on the shoe allowing water and sand in. I also ‘click’ my heels together if that makes sense which also wears the shoe out much quicker than I’d like.
I bought a pair of these Nike running trainers almost 3 years ago now and they have been the most durable shoe I’ve ever bought! They have worked wonders for my two tics, so maybe they will help you? They do them in a few colours HERE although I’m sure you can grab the name and look for them in other shops too. My theory is that because they are athletic/running shoes they could be built to withstand a bit more than typical shoes.
In that case, take your barber some Trauma Shears. https://www.amazon.com/Surviveware-Bandage-Scissors-Medical-Military/dp/B071J31YNR
> My main question is, how do you guys deal with sleeping, are there any techniques you'd recommend?
Oh, my goodness, was it hard when I was young. So much tossing, turning, and ticcing. Things that have helped me:
If you are still looking for a good pair, these standard samsung earbuds have managed to stay in my ears through my jaw, neck and head tics. http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Stereo-Headset-Volume-Galaxy/dp/B00F9G20LM They grip the inside of my ear nicely and come with a few different sizes you can play around with. By far the best pair of earbuds I have ever used.
i have a diagnosed hearing loss but i jump like a motherfucker at most sudden loud noises. i think it's more an anxiety / highstrung issue for me than having super sensitive hearing. i think it might have to do with my childhood- loud noises usually meant my brother was about to jump out of the dark at me, or my asshole dad was home, etc etc.
i guess what i mean to say is, it might not be in your ears but instead in what you pay overmuch attention to.
*i did enjoy reading / somewhat self-identify with Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight by Sharon Heller (not a referal link). Check it out from the library.