Anyone have some good cures for insomnia?

Question

I'm trying to get off sleeping pills I've been relying on, but I'm having serious insomnia troubles without them. My body feels exhausted, but my mind doesn't seem to and lately I just don't get a comfortable, tired feeling at bedtime. I have anxiety issues, and I had an anxiety attack while trying to sleep, so I think that is hooked into it. Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Answer 1

If you haven't already, see a sleep specialist. In my experience, many insomniacs have an underlying sleep disorder causing the problem.

Also, practice good sleep hygiene-

Don't try to sleep if you don't feel tired. Start with loose goals, like trying to get to sleep before midnight. Forcing yourself to sleep and watching the clock only increases anxiety.

Try and avoid napping in the late afternoon and evening, and keep naps short.

No nicotine, caffeine, or alcohol within six hours of bedtime, no large meals prior to bedtime (but do have a light snack, an empty stomach can be just as disruptive).

Excercise regularly, but complete your excercises at least four hours before bedtime.

Don't stare at the clock- it is better to get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy than to lie in bed tossing and turning.

Don't use your bed for things like watching TV and reading, you want your body and mind to equate lying in bed with sleeping. With one obvious exception :) you should only use your bed for sleeping.

Your ultimate aim should be to get a sleep schedule that works for you and stick with it! One of the worst things we all do is having different sleep/wake times on weekends. You have to make sleep a priority, and in today's world, that's remarkably hard to do.

And lastly, much easier said than done- find a way to clear your mind before you get in bed. If you need to, see someone about your anxiety issues as well. On the bright side, if you're successful at getting regular sleep, that will be a huge help to your mood and general health.

Best of luck!!!

Answer 2

I am the INSOMNIA QUEEN, honestly i have had insomnia since i was a baby, no joke. I remember tossing and turning in pre-school during naps, and some lady pinched me on my arm for not falling asleep.
I have gone to sleep clinics, bought a 2000$ tempur-pedic mattress, pills, you name it. Before i begin to tell you what works, please by all means refrain from taking sleeping pills. They only make the problem alot worse. I cannot believe how some ignorant people on here are advising you to take Benzos!!! That suicide it will only make you sleep less.

Okay first, of all you have to really investigate your underlying condition, do you have back problems, sleep apnea, car accidents, medications, poisoning, head trauma, trauma from birth (doctor wasnt careful in delivery), fallen off of steep surfaces (trees, gates, etc.) Just injuries in general. Diseases. etc. well if you do i advise you to see an OMT.

Secondly, if you are desperate enough (and this really works), drink 3 different kinds of teas before bed. I have experimented with so many it will make your head spin if i tell you, but to narrow it down, the best ones are: Seven Blossoms, Linden tea, and Chamomile. Try these three prior to retiring, and they will make you sleep at least 1 hour more than you normally do. Make sure that they are hot not warm, but not hot enough to burn your tounge.

Third,
wake up at the same time every day

Fourth, try these exercises copy paste the link http://www.osteohome.com/SubPages/FulfordExercises.pdf

these are most helpful when you have suffered trauma, note: the second exercise is the most effective you must do it for 5 minutes minimum.

Lastly buy the book 'Restful Sleep' the authors name is Deepak Chopra. Do the exercises on page 91-99 TRUST ME THESE WORK THE BEST! THEY WILL MAKE THE MOST HARDCORE INSOMNIAC FALL ASLEEP AND SLEEP LONGER .!!! You can buy it on amazon for like 2 bucks.

This is the best advice you may ever obtain but you must really follow directions. Make sure you drink the teas at least 1 and half apart from each other. and if you dont have time at least do the exercises on page 91-99. Hope this helps

Good luck fellow insomniac. i know the suffering.

Answer 3

I have suffered from insomnia my whole life. To such an extent that I did not sleep for the entire month of November when I was 13 years old. Most people think I have to be lying when I say that but it is entirely true. I went to bed every night, tossed around like a fish out of water for 8 hours and then got up and started my day. The only thing that I have found that works everytime are drugs. Not Ambien, not Lunesta but hardcore benzos. I take them daily at high doses and still do not sleep well. The only thing that has helped me is to keep a set schedule everyday.
For instance, wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, eat at the same time, etc. with little variation. You will eventually train your body to know when it is time for bed. If you are the type of person who does not keep a set sleeping and eating schedule, then it may be contributing to your insomnia. I know it sounds like you will lead a lame lifestyle but, it works. I have been sleeping moderately well for a little while. With the bezos and the schedule.

Good luck to you. Sweet dreams.

Answer 4

I know how you feel. Have you tried writing down what you are thinking just to get it out of your head and on paper. If that doesn't work try reading. That always puts me to sleep. The only other thing i can think of is hypnosis, However that could run a couple of grand.

Answer 5

I sympathise. Get up after 15 mins of non sleep and do some housework, menial chores. Go back to bed after 15 mins and if you aren't asleep in another 15, repeat. I realise it does get frustrating.

Answer 6

The brain releases a sleep hormone called melatonin as the dark of night sets in. With the gradual decrease of natural light from the sun, the pineal gland responds by releasing more & more melatonin, thus making us sleepy.
However, with artificial lighting, we "turn off" the pineal gland & hinder the natural sleep cycle. You can help yourself by gradually turning off the lights as it gets closer to your bedtime. You can also take supplemental melatonin prior to laying down.
Valerian is another good sleep inducer.

Answer 7

What I do when I can't sleep is to pray. I'm not sure if you're a religious person or not, but praying really helps get me to sleep. You see, the devil does not want me to pray, so I fall asleep very quickly when I start praying.

Answer 8

Hot Chamomile Tea ( 30 min. before going to sleep)

Answer 9

Here's a link to a page that lists some vitamins and herbs that might help-

Answer 10

Try a combination of valerian root, calcium citrate, and flax oil; these help your body relax. You can use the nighttime tylenol type of meds or benadryl to help you sleep as these are non-addictive according to the docs.