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SueTheSkeptic 11-10-2011 12:37 AM

Insomnia
 
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 11-10-2011 12:53 AM

I know you must be tired.
 
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 11-10-2011 01:39 AM

I agree with Graciegirl
 
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 11-10-2011 06:09 AM

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 11-10-2011 06:29 AM

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 11-10-2011 06:49 AM

Not working
 
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 11-10-2011 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueTheSkeptic (Post 416253)
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 11-10-2011 08:08 AM

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

getdul981 11-10-2011 08:21 AM

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 11-10-2011 08:35 AM

Sweet dreams....
 
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 11-10-2011 09:42 AM

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 11-10-2011 09:50 AM

Deep breathing
 
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 11-10-2011 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelenLCSW (Post 416336)
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 11-10-2011 10:01 AM

I'm taking cognitive behavioral therapy to block.:loco:

graciegirl 11-10-2011 11:45 AM

Or it could be career women who weren't mothers...or both.
 
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.

kfierle 11-10-2011 02:51 PM

My Dr. suggested I try an over the counter product called Midnite. You can find it with the sleep aids. It is all natural and contains melatonin and other natural sleep aids. It is chewable or melts in your mouth. No need for a glass of water. Also, if you take one and wake up several hours later, you can take another one with no problem. It does not leave you drowsy or groggy the next day.

It took about a week for the melatonin to build up in my body. After that I was sleeping through the night. I now only take it if I have trouble falling to sleep or if I was sleeping soundly, wake up, and can't seem to fall to sleep again. You can find out more information at www.midnitesleep.com

Virtual Geezer 11-10-2011 04:37 PM

I have it in a very bad way and it is seldom that I can go to sleep at 11:00 and wake up at 7:00 and feel rested. I am always up sometime during the night.

I tried Midnight and that was a waste of money. Tied not eating anything after 4:00 pm or drinking any liquids after 5:00 pm and that did nothing.

One thing that works is a very small sip of Nyquil, about half a tea spoon. NOT something you want to use every night but it does work for me.

I have a close friend that had it worse that I do and he went to s sleep specialist who put him through a battery of sleep monitoring tests. It ended up he was having a breathing problem and he was fitted with an odd looking face mask hooked to a contraption for breathing. He also this past week had cartilage removed from his nose to also aid in breathing. This will help him get away from the face mask set up. Overall he says it is the best thing he has ever done. He sleeps great and gets up feeling refreshed. He also says if he has to get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night he goes right back to sleep where in the past he would be up for a couple of hours.

VG

Debfrommaine 11-10-2011 06:35 PM

We should all exchange phone numbers so we can talk at these odd hours! Yup, another sleep every now and then through the night, ugh. And, I have to get up for work 5 days a week, more ugh. I think it's called menopause.......hot cold, hot cold........good night. :loco:

whartonjelly 11-10-2011 09:35 PM

When I am tired I can sleep 12 hours. Unfortunately I still work and only get about 6. Then I work 12 hours and am exhausted. There is never a happy medium. make sure that your labs are okay and that you dont have thyroid trouble or high stress hormones keeping you up.:wave:

Doodlegirl 11-10-2011 09:45 PM

Insomnia is often a result of unresolved tension.
 
Try to get to the bottome of the worry or athought thus not taking iat to bed with you. Errr, sleep with your dog or cat. Make sure you purcase bedding that is totally relaxig for you like a Tempurpedic. Don't eat or read in bed or watch t.v. Use the bedroom as a place of rest. Mostly try and .resolve the tension you might be otherwise pushing to the back of your brain. Sometimes before going to bed I will stand at the outside of the bedroom door and try and'erase the tension by talking away fears, family situations, etc.'Engering with a 'loose"mind.

ducati1974 11-10-2011 09:56 PM

I had problems sleeping for years because I couldn't shut my mind down at night- always worrying about something (whether it was warranted or not) or just thinking about what I had to do the next day. My doctor put me on Citallopram or Celexa and I sleep great now- rarely worry anymore! My spouse will vouch for the change. I tried going off it for awhile but the difference was noticeable so I'm back on again. When I retire I'll try to do without as hopefully my real stresses will be less!

HelenLCSW 11-10-2011 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2BNTV (Post 416345)
Pardon my ignorance but what is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I also work with breath management as someone here suggested but breath management consists of more than just deep breathing if it is to work effectively

HelenLCSW 11-10-2011 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doodlegirl (Post 416579)
Try to get to the bottome of the worry or athought thus not taking iat to bed with you. Errr, sleep with your dog or cat. Make sure you purcase bedding that is totally relaxig for you like a Tempurpedic. Don't eat or read in bed or watch t.v. Use the bedroom as a place of rest. Mostly try and .resolve the tension you might be otherwise pushing to the back of your brain. Sometimes before going to bed I will stand at the outside of the bedroom door and try and'erase the tension by talking away fears, family situations, etc.'Engering with a 'loose"mind.

You hit the nail on the head -- insomnia is usually anxiety related --that is why COgnitive Behavioral Therapy is so effective and eliminates the need for sleep medications, some of which are addictive.

er9027 11-10-2011 10:41 PM

well
 
Propofol

:a20:

ladydoc 11-10-2011 11:12 PM

I rarely sleep more then 4 hours a night...started in grad school when I studied way late into the night and morning. I usually go to bed about 1:30 and I am woken up at 5 when hubby gets up(the dogs run over me to jump off the bed). Sometimes I can fall asleep again for another hour or so. I get a second wind around 10pm and then I just can not fall asleep. I take Lunesta occassionally. However, I function fairly well on 4 hours so I guess I can not complain. Sometimes I know it is worry, but since we moved here I really don't have a lot to worry about. Hubby says I am not happy unless I have something to fret about. I tell him that since he never worries about anything at any time I have to do it for both of us and do you think he appreciates it? LOL

But seriously, I think that my staying up so late is more of a habit than anything else....

LisaJ 11-11-2011 08:55 AM

Have you tried Tryptophan? It is a natural product and I believe it has some form of Turkey in it (Don't quote me on this). However, you know the "tired" feeling you get after you eat turkey for Thanksgiving. Apparently, it works.

ladydoc 11-11-2011 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debfrommaine (Post 416518)
We should all exchange phone numbers so we can talk at these odd hours! Yup, another sleep every now and then through the night, ugh. And, I have to get up for work 5 days a week, more ugh. I think it's called menopause.......hot cold, hot cold........good night. :loco:

What the heck...let's form an insomniac club and meet at midnight at Dennys!

Pturner 11-11-2011 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladydoc (Post 416690)
What the heck...let's form an insomniac club and meet at midnight at Dennys!

I dunno. Let me sleep on it.

HelenLCSW 11-11-2011 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pturner (Post 416997)
I dunno. Let me sleep on it.


Would love to get together with you guys but Sorry --I must have my 7-8 hours of sleep a night and I sleep like a baby --except when I have to get up to go to the bathroom so I don't pee in bed like one! :a20:

ladydoc 11-12-2011 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelenLCSW (Post 417003)
Would love to get together with you guys but Sorry --I must have my 7-8 hours of sleep a night and I sleep like a baby --except when I have to get up to go to the bathroom so I don't pee in bed like one! :a20:



Too true!

jblum315 11-12-2011 03:10 AM

Not Denny's please. I don't need to be fat AND sleepless. What else is open all night?
"'

getdul981 11-12-2011 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jblum315 (Post 417020)
Not Denny's please. I don't need to be fat AND sleepless. What else is open all night?
"'

Walmart and maybe I-Hop.

SueTheSkeptic 11-13-2011 10:51 AM

Wow! These are all wonderful suggestions! (Well, not sure about the Sicilian bedtime stories...). The wealth of knowledge here is impressive. Since I wrote that first message last week, I have tried a homeopathic sleep aid I found in WalMart - Calms Forte - and it has worked wonders. Although, I was so desperate for something to work it may be a little placebo effect! If it becomes ineffective, I will definitely look into all the great recommendations here.

Thanks all!
Sue

Yankee Quilter 12-01-2011 11:52 PM

Insomnia
 
Looks like many of us have the same problem - so glad to have a source show me I am not alone!!!!! Sleepy Time tea sure does not work!!
I'll look for the Denny's group once we get down there!!!
Thanks for the suggestions!

Barefoot 12-02-2011 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueTheSkeptic (Post 417407)

Since I wrote that first message last week, I have tried a homeopathic sleep aid I found in WalMart - Calms Forte - and it has worked wonders. Sue

It looks as if the main ingredient in Calms Forte is chamomile. Isn't that the ingredient in Sleepytime Tea?

I've had insomnia for years. I somehow find it comforting when I log on TOTV in the middle of the night ... That GracieGirl and Island Gal are also online.

Gerald 12-02-2011 05:54 AM

Some people simple have bodies that work better at night then during the day. Therefore they find sleeping at night a problem. Once retired why not just simple take a nap during the day. Problem solved, sleep when you feel the need. The rest of the time all those that seem to have the same problem might think about forming a group and meeting at night.

graciegirl 12-02-2011 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerald (Post 424459)
Some people simple have bodies that work better at night then during the day. Therefore they find sleeping at night a problem. Once retired why not just simple take a nap during the day. Problem solved, sleep when you feel the need. The rest of the time all those that seem to have the same problem might think about forming a group and meeting at night.


We could call us the night crawlers. I thought of and rejected "ladies of the night".

Other names expected and encouraged. I love a good laugh with my morning coffee.

BritParrothead 12-05-2011 05:39 PM

I swear by hot chocolate with a touch of fresh grated nutmeg. Does the trick every time!!
When my sons were babies, the doc said to use nutmeg when the could not sleep. It did work. :thumbup:
Time for bed now, as I was awake at 4 a.m. now 10.38 p.m.!! Time for hot chocolate and nutmeg :)

Vinny 12-05-2011 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueTheSkeptic (Post 416253)
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

Long time problem for me. What finally worked for me was a combination of Xanax, a tranquailizer and Ambien. I tried using nothing and had the longest and most miserable 3 months of my life. The nights lasted forever. The Xanax also controls my RLS so it is a win win situation. Been doing this on and off for about 20 years now and steadily for the last 7. Works like a charm for me and others I know who found just a sleeping pill ineffective. I had to change doctors 3 times to find a doctor to work with me on this. I now sleep soundly rather than feel like I am just laying there awake all night long.

Barefoot 12-06-2011 12:16 AM

I took 3 mg of Melatonin at 10:30, hoping it would make me drowsy. No such luck! I'd love to find a "natural" solution that doesn't involve sleeping pills. A good night's sleep is a wonderful thing!


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