Anyone know any really good natural ways to get to sleep at night?

Question

I am a total insomniac. I use to take pills to go to sleep earlier because I had to be at work so early in the am. I got a later starting morning job and it is still a problem as I find myself sleepy in the am and somedays all day. But, then at night I just cant sleep. I dont really have medical so im not trying to get on pills again. Any natural, teas or herbs, rituals etc. And not counting sheep,,,,,,,

Answer 1

I plan the day and make a 'bed-time' for myself, about an hour before I know when I will actually go to sleep. Lying in bed gets me relaxed and then if I am not tired, I close my eyes anyway and lock all my thoughts in a visualised box. Then I play silly games in my head like trying to think of girls names that begin with each letter of the alphabet and then boys names.

Answer 2

Melatonin is the chemical your brain releases normaly in low to no light conditions to promote sleep. It works very well 1-2 mg as stated above.

Valerian root works in conjunction with it very well. With no side effects or sleepy hangover like you would get from benedryl.

Valerian has properties similiar to volume however. Valerian root has not show any signs of being addictive however.

Valerian and melatonin are fairly inexpensive expect paying 2-4.00 a bottle.

Watch out for the little homepathic bottles by Hylands. They are very ineffective for most people.

Answer 3

I have the same thing and here are a few things I have tried not all work for a long period but if it helps any for a while I wish You the very best. (stay away from caffiene unless u drink very little in the A.M.)
Over the counter u can get these items at wal-mart,CVS,Walgreens,etc...
Benadrill (which work for me but had to take about 2 to 3 at one time)
Tylonal P.M.
Nurotin (need persrciption but they have a drug program for who dont have medical insurance and u can get them free and may have to pay about a 5.00 pacage fee if any)
I don't reconmend Nyquill for a long term use!( It never ha put me to sleep)
(Try laying down with soft to soft beat music in a DARK room with it cool A/C going for good air flow)
If by chance you have the weekend off or at least 2 days stay up do not take naps I don't care how tired u may get your body will sleep on it's own. If you have alot of thoughts on your mind try writting them down so you can get them out of your head. I even have clean my house up and or bedroom. Keep your self busy so you can make your self tired by night.
Exersice is also good and eating right with hardly or no surgar in your diet. As well I mention the caffiene no sodas,energy drinks etc. If you do drink tea green tea with or with out lemmon and very light with surgar or use a sugar subatute.
I understand about alot of different medication your body gets used to them and tend to need a higher dose and or something different.
I have had this condition for over 15 yrs but if you can do you best to get your body and rest in a scedual sooner or later you will find you will have better nights of rest. I wouldn't drink anything about 32 to 3 hrs before bed...
Good luck....

Answer 4

Try this meditation technique: follow your breath. Just notice or keep your mind following your inhale/exhale /inhale...After a while you get really bored and fall to sleep, even if you tend to worry. If you keep working at this night after night, it will help more and more. It's free and has no side effects. It may help you to have clear thinking into the following day and beyond.

Drinking anything will make you need to urinate at some point. Vitamin B-6 makes you dream.
I have intense dreams anyway, which is part of my not-sleeping-well problem.

Answer 5

From one insomniac to the other, I've found clearing my head from as many thoughts as possible is the only thing that works. I've gotten into saunas, the sweat gets all that crap out of your body and helps me relax. I also use a fan to eliminate any background noise while falling asleep and once asleep. My mom says a warm glass of milk, but I don't find it works. We must just be vampires or something, just no fangs or bloodlust. You could always develop a multiple personality, see Fight Club...

Answer 6

There are two things you can try. First, drink some boiled milk with turmeric and nutmeg right before bed. Nutmeg has a tranquilizing effect on the physiology. Mix approximately one teaspoon of turmeric and nutmeg into one cup of boiled milk.

The second thing you could try is heat coconut oil and apply it to the scalp and to the bottom of your feet.

Together, it should work like a charm. I know plenty of people who have tried it and I have tried it as well.

Answer 7

Go to Wal-mart and buy some Melatonin supplements. Take approx. 1 hr. before bedtime. You will fall into a gentle sleep and not feel groggy in the morning.

Answer 8

anything lavander scented will help put you to sleep, try going to bath and body works, they should have a lavander sleep therapy kit. also taking a warm shower/bath at night will help you sleep. drinking milk will help you sleep, i know you dont want to take medication but sometimes a benadryl or two can put you to sleep...and when all else has failed do what i do...lay down, get comfortable, close your eyes and slowly count backwards from 1000. before you know it youll be waking up in the morning.

Good luck to ya!

Answer 9

I've found that after supper doing a little bit of exercise and then taking a hot shower right before bed helps me fall asleep right away. The extra physical activity wears me out, then after the shower as my body temperature goes down I get sleepier.

Answer 10

Try melatonin 1 or more mg. before bed. With it take 50 mg. vitamin B-6. This will help. Or you may buy Tibetan herbal pills called SLEEP SUPPORT on the internet. they will work wonders. don't give up.