Hey I have sleeping problems and the only thing that seems to work is ambien and it takes two pills and they are $4 dollars a piece, you add it up and it becomes very expensive, tried nyquil doesnt work that well, and sometimes I stay up 24 hours and sometimes I only get 3 hours of sleep, I have kids and have to work so this is getting horrible does anyone has any advice?
2006-06-15 16:45:52 · 11 answers · asked by canuseeme 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
avoid or limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially in the evening.
make sure none of your medications are affecting your sleep
go to bed and get up at the same time EVERY day
save the bed for sleeping and sex only...no tv
exercise daily at least 4 hours before bedtime
limit bedtime to 8 hours
do not nap
relax in the evenings...don't do anything stimulating
eat meals at regular times
try to avoid a bedtime snack
when in bed, concentrate on relaxing
get lots of sunshine
keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool
try a sleep mask
avoid beverages at night
try using white noise
It might help to try and keep a sleep diary so that you can document your sleep issues. Contact me for more info on this if you want to spend the time doing it.
2006-06-15 17:00:47 · answer #1 · answered by ilse72 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Breathing is great. Inhale four counts, hold seven counts, exhale eight counts. Repeat up to eight times.
Drink plenty of water during the day. If you don't get enough water, your liver can't function properly and will keep you awake between 1 and 3 AM. If you have acid reflux or chest congestion and don't realize it, you may unconsciously be keeping yourself awake. Don't eat too much or too close to bedtime.
Avoid foods with MSG or nitrites/nitrates or BHA/BHT. These can trigger migraines and can cause insomnia.
Do something to get tired during the day. Exercise (even just walking 20 minutes a day) helps increase endorphins (which make you feel good) and help regulate sleep.
Turn off the computer and dim the lights an hour or so before bed. Your body needs it to be at least moderately dark to get sleepy.
There's something about taking a shower. I think you're supposed to alternate hot and cold water, but I can't remember which one you are supposed to end with. Something about that is supposed to make you sleepy.
Warm milk or "Sleepy Time" tea by Celestial Seasonings might help you relax. Make sure you are getting enough calcium and magnesium before bed time. Taking them about an hour after your evening meal (if you take them sooner they could interfere with digestion) may help you sleep.
Also track your cycle and note when you have sleep disturbances. If you are over-estrogenic and don't have enough progesterone that could cause sleeplessness.
Journaling might help. Go ahead and write down all those thoughts that won't let you rest. If you have them written down, maybe your mind will let them go for a while.
Prayer is also really good. Give your anxieties to Someone you can trust.
It's better to lie in bed and relax than to get up and do anything that stimulates your brain further.
Oh! While you are lying in bed, start with your toes. Tell them to relax. Work your way up your body all the way to your scalp. Tell yourself to relax and your body will relax. Great way to fall asleep.
2006-06-16 02:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by Contemplative Chanteuse IDK TIRH 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problems and I'm only 15. Try to work very hard during the day, make yourself tired, come home keep moving and stay active until its time to sleep, make it pitch black in your room, turn on a fan or the air conditioner and try to listen to it and only that. If still having trouble, listen to music with headphones. It may take a while but if you can't hear anthing else you tend to get in the sleep state of mind.
2006-06-15 23:55:14 · answer #3 · answered by scooterbassplyr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise early in the day, absolutely no caffiene, eat breakfast, don't eat dinner too late. Take 2 benadryl an hour before bedtime, and create a bedtime ritual where you get to relax.
I know that Ambien works GREAT!
2006-06-16 00:15:21 · answer #4 · answered by tooyoung2bagrannybabe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try getting a prescription for Ambien CR. It's supposed to be better. Or try using Excedrin PM. If that doesn't help, try using Melatonin supplements. If you drink coffee or soda that contains caffeine, try using decaf products instead. Don't eat sugar products before bed because that can hype you up also.
2006-06-15 23:49:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of great articles and information on how stress can effect sleep at ( http://www.reducingstress.net ). there are also many tips for solving the problem. Also, there is a link to the stresseraser which is a great biofeedback device that can help you get to sleep.
2006-06-18 09:19:28 · answer #6 · answered by marketingexpert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have found that when I eliminated all caffeine from my diet, I slept a lot better. My doctor told me this and I did not believe it, but he was correct. Even if you just drink one cup of coffee in the morning, it does make a difference. No coffee, tea or sodas unless they are caffeine Free!!!
2006-06-15 23:52:30 · answer #7 · answered by arkyankeedonna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to cut down on the sugar and caffine. If you are waking up in the middle of the night and looking at your clock, hide your clock. Make sure it is extra dark and there is a little bit of sound.
2006-06-15 23:49:08 · answer #8 · answered by *bored* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try self hypnosis you can pick up a book at your local library
2006-06-15 23:49:54 · answer #9 · answered by mebabysis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to get into some sort of meditation.....Go natural...don't depend on drugs!
2006-06-15 23:48:28 · answer #10 · answered by funlady6632@yahoo.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋