I'm confused of how to know when to take sleeping pills (read details)?

Question

I know that u have to take meds early for them to acctually have an effect.

for example, if I want to fall asleep by 10, i should take the med by around 8 or 830 or so or maybe even as late as 9.

but if i take it that early, how do i know if i needed to have taken it (meaning, maybe i would have fallen asleep on my own)

and then if i wait till midnight to see if i need the sleeping pill or not, then it's already too late!!!

help!!!

Answer 1

I've often wondered the same thing. First of all, don't take the pills so early. Take them when you start your bedtime routine(washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc). They'll kick in less than 30 minutes later.
Try and pay attention to your body. Are you yawning a lot? Are you sleepy or tired? If you feel you'll be okay without taking the med, try it. Maybe try to go to bed a little earlier than normal(say, 9:45 instead of 10) and see if you fall asleep okay. If you're not asleep in 15 minutes or so, you could take a pill and that will help.
Don't worry too much about the whole thing - theyve said worrying about sleeping makes insomnia worse.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Most or you out there that say you have problems sleeping actually create the problem for yourselves. Time sure seems to go slow when in bed and not asleep. I know this very well. I never say I have problems sleeping because when I really need to sleep I do. I am awake most nights until two or after. I get up around six but when i have a day that I get physically very tired then i go to sleep early and sleep the night through. I have a short wave radio next to the bed and listen to it to keep my mind occupied while awake. I do not listen to music. I listen to news and other commentaries because music really doesn't occupy the mind very much. I never have taken sleeping pills of any kind my whole life. I am nearing 70 so I have survived even when some nights I get little sleep. Worrying about it is more of a problem than the lack of sleep. There are some medical causes for lack of sleep gut very few people have these problems. As they say it probably is self induced.

Answer 3

your question is very important sleep is the most necessary health routine. First determine why you are having trouble sleeping are you agitated? Are you under too much stress? can you not stop your mind from worrisome or random thoughts? The next step is to figure out how to improve the underlying cause, soft music at bedtime no lyrics can ease mental stress, there are a couple of things you can do as you first try to sleep mediating on a beautiful scene of your choice can bring your mind back into a relaxed and clear state. Chamomile tea can have a soothing effect as well without the hangover from prescription medications. Turning down the lights earlier in the evening can have a mellowing effect and allows the mind an awareness that it getting late. If you are having troubled sleep i would suggest taking the medication at the same time every evening about one hour before you want to begin settling down for the night, do this for a week and try to wean yourself off the medication using the music and softer lighting to address this troubling sleeplessness. The great part about training yourself to relax on demand is that it can be used whenever you wish to calm and sooth yourself. best wishes for your sweet dreams

Answer 4

Take the pill half an hour before you plan to go to sleep. Do not stay up waiting to feel tired after taking a pill....you may miss the "window of opportunity". Make sure you will be able to get a full 8 hours of sleep so that they don't keep you drowsy after you have to get up.

Answer 5

My opinion... I've tried everything to sleep. If you take a1/2 excedrin pm and a glass of wine, your out in 20 minutes flat. The 1/2 is best, it wears off enough that you don't feel terrible the next day. I suggest excedrine as I said, the other brands have left me with a groggy hung over feeling the next day. Including perscription.

Answer 6

how fast does medication usualy effect you. if it is 30 mintues, then take it about 30 to 1 hour before you want to be asleep. Makr sure that you have a full 8 hours available to sleep before you take it. Otherwise your alarm will go off and you willbe drowsy still in the morning. sweet dreams

Answer 7

are you having trouble sleeping? If so, take the med as directed, see what happens. If you need to be asleep by 10, take it at 9-9.30

Answer 8

most sleeping pills nowadays should be taken right before you go to bed. they are made to start working right away. you can also just take one and see what happens.

Answer 9

Go to the natural store and buy "Melatonin" tablets.
Take as directed. Problem solved.

Avoid Prescription Poison.

Answer 10

so drink a couple beers if its midnight