[SueTheSkeptic]

Does anyone have any suggestions for natural or homeopathic sleep aids that work? I have tried all the typical prescription sleep aids like Ambien and Lunesta and they are no longer effective, obviously as I am writing this at 1230 a.m.!

Thanks, Sue

[graciegirl]

I have had trouble sleeping through the night as long as I can remember. I have never taken anything for it. I am up and down, I snack and drink milk and pop. I watch TV with earphones. I read. Sometimes I take long warm showers.

Now that I don't HAVE to get up and go to work...it is much easier.

I sympathize with you. I think all you can do is just stay up until you fall asleep and stay busy while you are up or do some boring repetitive activity like knitting. I imagine it takes time for the dependency on sleep drugs to completly leave you. Good luck. I would stay away from taking anything, even homopathic things. But that is just me.

[jebartle]

Here it is 1:35 and I too have that problem BUT I go to bed way TOO early ane when I exhaust myself and stay up later, I will get a decent nights sleep....Obviously I didn't do that last night....Good luck!

[jblum315]

Taking Lunesta for years. if I stay up late and take it I can sleep for 5 hours, sometimes 6. If I skip it I wake up for good after 3 hours. No trouble going to sleep, just trouble staying asleep.

[l2ridehd]

I like the red wine cure. Take one half bottle before bedtime and sleep through the night. Must be all those good for you antioxidants.

[De Lis]

You're right, Grace, not having a specific time to get up for work has made a hugh difference in my stress level. Now, I look forward to finding enough physical activities to get a decent nights sleep.

[Jim Straz]

Originally Posted by SueTheSkeptic

Does anyone have any suggestions for natural or homeopathic sleep aids that work? I have tried all the typical prescription sleep aids like Ambien and Lunesta and they are no longer effective, obviously as I am writing this at 1230 a.m.!

Thanks, Sue

You could hook up with a Sicilian who could tell you bedtime stories!

[quirky3]

Sue, when you have a few minutes, you can look up melatonin or valerian online. They are natural types of sleep aides.

[getdul981]

The best thing you can do is not fret about it. If you are sleepy, go to sleep. If you aren't sleepy, get up and watch TV or read or do some other activity that usually makes you sleepy until you do get sleepy. Some nights I don't sleep but 3 or 4 hours, but usually take a nap during the day. Other nights I'll sleep 5 or 6. The main thing is DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT!!!!

[Tracker]

I have had two surgeries that have disrupted my sleep. I have used hypnosis and meds (no longer on meds) and done some reading on the topic. One book you might find helpful is Peter Hauri's "No More Sleepless Nights." Marion County and Lake County libraries have it. There is also a workbook they published that I think is in Lake County's system.

As you can see from the replies, you aren't alone. Good luck!

[HelenLCSW]

I use a combination of CBT and mindfulness training with patients and they are usually sleeping well within three weeks without meds.

[In awe of TV]

I too am a very light, poor sleeper. I was in the habit of taking a handful of melatonin before bedtime and even that wasn't working and I don't think it was very good for me either.

What did help me tremendously, and I'm off the melatonin completely, is an exercise of deep breathing. While you are relaxing in bed, very slowly inhale until your lungs are full, hold it for a few seconds and very very slowly exhale until your lungs are empty. Do this about 5-10 times until you are completely relaxed. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I repeat the exercise and fall to sleep quickly.

It's so frustrating to not be able to stay asleep. I really hope this technique helps, it won't hurt to try it. Peace.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by HelenLCSW

I use a combination of CBT and mindfulness training with patients and they are usually sleeping well within three weeks without meds.

Pardon my ignorance but what is CBT?

[Pat_RI]

I'm taking cognitive behavioral therapy to block.

[graciegirl]

I think........that many women were on "duty" so many nights raising children. First feeding them and then calming their fears and then wondering when they were coming home and if they were coming home. Sweetie traveled a lot during that process so I was on guard and it was my command.

I have a mind that likes to mull things over and if I don't really talk to myself I can worry myself crazy. I adore HGTV. I know so much about house hunting now, after watching it late at night...and I am grateful when it is a repeat and a little boring.