Is there a natural alternative to help with sleep at night? My poor friend hasn't slept for days and apart

Question

from counting sheep, she can't get off. I've suggested a glass of milk before bed, but that's all I can think of. She doesn't want to go down the road of prescription medication and wants some natural tips. Can anyone help please?

Answer 1

I feel for your friend- But,I have the same problem.I'm a 37yr.old female.And I have Insomnia really bad.I've had a sleep study done.But,nothing I've tried has helped.I've tried- Reading,Simply Sleep,Tylenol P.M.,Ambien,Lunesta,and even a natural med from the pharmacy.Nothing has helped me yet.Sometimes I'm up for 2-days straight.It sucks.So,If you find out something please let me know if you don't mind.My E-Mail is: [e-mail] I wish i could help.

Answer 2

Counting sheep is not a good idea and neither is warm milk.
I suggest these,
1 Turn off the TV at least an hour before bed and listen to some gentle soothing music.
2 light some insence sticks of Lavender and create a mood for sleep.
3 Drink a tea made from Hops, Valerian and Passion Flower.
4 Make sure the room being slept in is comfortable ie not too warm and not too cold.
5 Once in bed, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Feel the breath leave the body and taking with it the stress and strains of the day.
Sleep will follow naturally.

Answer 3

As a former "insomniac". its good to hear that perscription meds are not your first choice, although some more chronic conditions do require meds. Valerian root is a natural calming ,natural herb/vitamin. It works like diazapan ;{ valium } . Hypnotism can be a life saver; its your subconcious mind accepting healthy suggestions . If simple methods dont work, you may have to "bite the bullet "& seek medical help; if even for a short time ! A comfy bed , not eating close to bedtime [ this causes nightmares for some ] ! My last tip is a bit extreme..have a baby ! Really, my chronic insomnia stopped after my little babydoll was born !:)

Answer 4

I take some medications because of that I don't know if this qualifies (I have a serious medical problem) but, I hate the sleeping pills they give me. So I turn off all the lights and put in ear plugs and put on a face mask cloth over my eyes and sleep better than when they try to drug me up. I also make sure the room is slightly cool because for some reason I can not sleep in the heat. Hope that helps.

Answer 5

Are you in the UK? Can't get melatonin in the UK. Try Sedonium it's made from a herb valerian and works very well, doesn't leave you groggy. Ask for it over the counter at Boots. They do others on the herbal display, but this one is the best I've tried and you have to ask for it (probably a higher concentration)

Answer 6

I work as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Analytical Psychotherapist in Ireland. Sleep related problems are very common and usually call for some sort of analysis. Is your friends mind full of tgoughts as she lays in bed. Is she always processing ideas or does she try really hard not to let thoughts come into her head as they are too painful? After the first session I usually make a cd to aid sleep and have one or two more sessions to deal with the real reasons her mind doesnt want her to sleep. Check out www.safeharbour.ie

Answer 7

Tell her to try the antihistamine called Phenergan.

!-2 tablets out me out for 9 hours bliss,

2 problems. . they only work for one night. . if you take them every night they dont, also if you take two you DO feel it the next day.

One other remedy. . with, for me, no after effects is the following:-
2 oz./1 stick lard or margarine
3 oz./more than 1/3 but less than 1/2 US cup sugar
1/4 egg
4 oz./1 cup plain/all-purpose flour
Approx 1 0z cannabis resin (grated)
1 level teasp. cream of tartar
generous 1/2 level teasp. bicarb. soda [baking soda]
2 level teasp. ground ginger
milk as required

Cream fat and sugar, add the egg.
Sift the dry ingredients and work into the fat mixture, adding milk as necessary.
The consistency should be such that it can be handled; not too soft but not stiff.
Make into about 20 balls and place well apart on greased baking sheet(s), press very lightly if necessary.
Bake in a moderate to warm oven (350 to 335) till fawn colour, about 20 mins.

One of those with a glass of milk does the trick, night after night. Of course they are, I guess, illegal.

Ps Grating cannabis is a pig of a job, but the nights sleep make it worthwhile

Answer 8

Hi, First, tell her to not drink anything with caffeine in it after 4pm. Eat dinner early, before 7pm. Before going to bed take a long, hot, relaxing bath. Sometimes reading in bed will make you sleepy. Do not have the TV, radio or music playing after you are in bed. If I still could not fall to sleep I tried doing this: I would start with my toes and I would say to myself, "Toes go to sleep." then I would say, "Feet go to sleep." Then "Ankles go to sleep." Then "Shins go to sleep." I continue to do that working towards the top of my body saying it for every body part. I have never made it all the way to my head as I fall asleep before I get there. I hope this will help her. I hate to see anyone have to take narcotics to sleep. They are so addicting. Good Luck!

Answer 9

My old man has the same problem, tell your buddy to go to the chemist and get some "Night Nurse", if that dosn't send her off to sleep nothing will.

For a natural alternative, all I can think of is Lavender!!

I'd go for the Night Nurse myself

Nightie Nightie, Pyjamas Pyjamas!!
x

Answer 10

There are always supplements you can take such as melatonin, but I have another piece of advice that works for me that doesn't involve intaking any substances. Tell your friend to try staying up straight for at least 24 hours, or 48 hours if necessary, then trying to sleep. I usually find that when I'm completely exhausted I rest better. It also usually helps to restore my sleep cycle to normal. I'm not sure if it will work in your friend's case, but it might be worth a try.