I have chronic insomnia ....does anyone have any suggestions on getting to sleep without medication?

Answer 1

try sex, if you cant go to sleep after that its time to turn to medication.

Answer 2

Exercise and not eating before bedtime are a good start. Avoid caffiene after noon (sounds crazy, but true) Also, be sure to use your bed ONLY for sleeping. Not for eating, reading, etc. You should only go to bed when tired--meaning, if you lay down and you are clearly not going to fall asleep, get up out of bed and read, etc and come back to bed when you are tired. It is important to associate your bed only with sleep (ok, and sex).

Also, try this relaxation technique: When laying in bed on your back, begin to relax your muscles, starting from your toes, all the way up to your legs, stomach, facial muscles, eyes, etc. Focus on your breathing, as well, to take your mind off of not being able to sleep--but remember, if this doesn't make you sleepy or tired, get up and read and come back when you are tired.

I started meds that gave me chronic insomnia and it drove me nuts. My Dr. recommended all of these techniques and they work pretty well. I did have to resort to sleeping meds ocassionally because the side effects of the medication I was on was to great, but that's only once/twice a month.

Answer 3

Warm milk has chemicals in it that will help you sleep. But it tastes gross. Also you can buy a supplement at any drug store called Melatonin. It is the chemical your body makes to put you to sleep. It is totally safe. You'll find it near the vitamins. Also, getting a bed time routine helps. For example, take a hot bath using Lavender oil (very calming), or whatever other ritual will tell your body-ok it's time to wind down now. Give it a try. None of it can hurt you. It's all worked for me in the past.

Answer 4

Okay, it sounds crazy, but I bore myself to sleep. I turn off the lights, close my eyes, and try to imagine a blank page and then writing on it, like if there were an invisible pen. One one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand and so on. Good luck. It works most of the time, but then I've had insomnia for years and nothing works all the time.

Answer 5

Usually, I listen to my ipod. I have lots of acoustic sets of my favourite artists. As a part-time musician, i close my eyes and just disect a song in my head. Some of these songs are quite soothing too.

If that fails, try reading a book before you go to bed. I'm so into mine (whenever something good comes out), I don't think I blink at all, drying up my eyes, and getting me sleepy.

Answer 6

Welcome to the club. Often times, I'm at the computer. Other times, I read. However, you could try herbal tea or watching an old sitcom on TV (like on Nick at Nite). I put one on, set the sleep timer and I'm good to go.

Pleasant dreams. Oh, and have you tried just a 25mg tab of Benadryl the allergy medicine? It is safe and NON-ADDICTIVE and just helps you get drowsy. No side effects, etc. And no sneezing to boot!

Answer 7

Me too.
I've been having problems sleeping for the past 6 months or more. I went to bed last night at 11pm and woke up at 2am. I couldn't get back to sleep.

Answer 8

I turn on the t.v. to a really boring channel I wont be interested in then I set the timer on the t.v. to turn off in a hour. The t.v. screen makes my eyes tired and my head stays distracted by whats on so I don't keep thinking about stupid stuff that happened during the day or all the things I need to do the next day. I am usually asleep before the t.v. turns off.

Answer 9

Cut out all stimulants from your life. This includes smoking, caffiene, refined sugar. If you can't cut them out, at least cut them OFF at 5:00PM or earlier. You'll find that you sleep better...I guarantee it! Also, try to shower BEFORE you sleep, or at least just RINSE off with water, then if you like a morning shower, you can use soap! Drink Herbal Tea one hour prior to turning in!

Answer 10

Exercise before bed, or meditation. Both work. Good Luck!