What do you do about insomnia?

Question

I've tried OTC sleep aids which didn't work and then my doctor prescribed temazapam first, then ambien and finally lunesta. (None of which helped). I'm in good health and I'm not depressed. At first I could fall asleep without a problem, but couldn't stay asleep; now it's hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. If this has happened to you, how did you cope? Is there something that will help me get some sleep?

Answer 1

This is a serious answer. Stop trying to get sleep. If you can't sleep for whatever reason, then don't try. I used to have insomnia, and when I realized I really could not get any sleep, I stopped trying to get sleep. I got up, watched tv, read a book, did light house work. And then after a few days, BAM! I was like a zombie. I couldn't wait to hit the bed! Sleep is a natural process that the body needs to regenerate and rest. It is usually something on the mind, or a chemical imbalance of some sort that keeps us awake.

If restlessness lasts for more than a few days, then see a doctor. But first, try depriving yourself of sleep. If your body doesn't "kick back" from loss of sleep, then something is seriously wrong.

Answer 2

I'm clinically diagnosed with insomnia. I sleep only about 15 hours in a good week. Try meditating, taking relaxing deep breathes. Stay away from listening to music while trying to sleep, unless it's soothing. Don't exercise before bed, that will keep you up. So far I've found meditation to be the best thing. And nothing a doctor has prescribed me has worked....

Answer 3

Well, you can try all the cliche things such as warm milk before bed, reading until you fall asleep, etc. I don't necessarily have severe insomnia (though some nights I can't fall asleep till 4-7AM) but if I keep myself busy the entire day, I'll be really tired that night. I'll try to exercise, study, run errands. Being tired and being sleepy kinda go hand-in-hand so that helps. There are times when I'm so damn tired but I just can't go to sleep. Good luck though.

Answer 4

This is very difficult to do, but it really works. Stay up the whole night, that you are having trouble sleeping. The next day, know matter how tired you are, don't lie down or take a nap. At night you will be tired, and you will fall asleep fast, and stay asleep.
trust me, sleeping pills are not the answer, if they work, it is only a temporary fix, for the problem. The remedy I gave you, really does work, if in the future, you start to have trouble sleeping again. Then you should repeat the process, I outlined.
I had a sleeping problem for years, and this was the only thing that worked. Best of luck.

Answer 5

I'm an insomniac, but I don't take medication for my disorder. I'm not depressed, but I am bi-polar. I'm a healthy Human being. I have clear skin, no under-the-eye bags, and I don't experience fatigue. Since I'm bi-polar I don't have in-between emotions such as "kinda sad" or "kinda happy". I'm usually always happy, which is rare for people who have bi-polar disorder, most suffer from extreme depression. I have an extreme case of insomnia. I can stay awake up to 3 days without experiencing a single sign of fatigue, sleepiness or even drowsiness. I can stay awake and attent effortless for days.

I actually like the fact that I can stay awake for 3 days without experiencing fatigue or sleepiness, and can manage to survive a regular night on 3-5 hours of sleep because it in no way effects my health. My doctor says it's a strange case that I can stay awake so long without showing drowsiness symptoms, and that I can function so smoothly on such minimal amounts of sleep.

Answer 6

Well in my case I was diagnosed a severe manic depressant which contributed to insomnia and addiction. I finally asked for help and was prescribed Zoloft and Trazadone. The longest I ever stayed up without drugs or alcohol was 12 days straight. If your anything like me take prescribed drugs but I am a pretty severe case.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, the harder you try to sleep the worse it can get. It can be a real catch 22.
Maybe there is something here that you can try: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/insomnia.htm#e

Somw will advise using alcohol, but this is not good advice. Yes, it can make you sleepy, but the quality of sleep after drinking alcohol can be quite poor:

"Alcohol consumed at bedtime, after an initial stimulating effect, may decrease the time required to fall asleep. Because of alcohol's sedating effect, many people with insomnia consume alcohol to promote sleep. However, alcohol consumed within an hour of bedtime appears to disrupt the second half of the sleep period. The subject may sleep fitfully during the second half of sleep, awakening from dreams and returning to sleep with difficulty. With continued consumption just before bedtime, alcohol's sleep-inducing effect may decrease, while its disruptive effects continue or increase. This sleep disruption may lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. The elderly are at particular risk, because they achieve higher levels of alcohol in the blood and brain than do younger persons after consuming an equivalent dose. Bedtime alcohol consumption among older persons may lead to unsteadiness if walking is attempted during the night, with increased risk of falls and injuries." (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa41.htm)

Answer 8

Walk outside about 10 to 20 minutes then drink a glass of water.

Answer 9

Valerian root capsules...health food store.
Benadryl..
A margarita or glass of wine.
Hot chai tea
Hope this helps!

Answer 10

yes there is help! :) try valerian root pills. they dont KNOCK you out but will relax you into a deep sleep and you wont keep waking up . they are sold at all drug stores and all the "marts" they are not a drug eighter.and i play on here a lot. women between 40 and 60 dont sleep right anyway.its physical, hormonal .