Any suggestions for an insomniac who doesn't want to take sleeping tablets?

Answer 1

I didn't want to take a sleep aid either. I tried everything.
I was only getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night. I was short tempered and miserable, to the point it was hurting my marraige.

I went to my doctor and he said that sometimes the human body just needs a manual reboot. Just like a computer.
He gave me a two week sample of Lunesta, and said after the two weeks if my sleep has not returned to normal it's a bigger problem, like a rare viral blood infection.

Regardless I took the pills for to weeks, came off of them no problem and my sleep has returned to normal.

Things that didn't work:
Just about every herbal supplement.
Hot shower before bed.
Not eating 3 hours before bed.
Increase in exercise (I'm a marathoner so that wasn't an issue).
Decrease in exercise.
1 oz of cheese at bed time.
Waking up and going to bed at the exact same time, everyday.
I wasn't drinking any caffeine.
And just about every other natural sleep aid you can find on the internet.

Answer 2

I will give you a list of recommendations that will work providing you do not have a sleeping disorder, such as sleep apnea, which would require a sleep study to determine.

Go to sleep the same time each day and get up the same time each day no matter the quantity or quality of sleep. It will be rough the first few days and you must continue this routine on your days off.

Do not eat/drink caffeine within 5-6 hours of going to bed (i.e. no caffeinated soda, no coffee even decaf, no chocolate, etc.).

Take a daily vitamin, drink plenty of water, and exercise a little (even a 20 minute walk each evening will do the trick).

If you smoke, don't smoke or reduce as much as you can the last 2-3 hours prior to going to bed.

I'm a very lite sleeper so I turn on a loud air purifier to drown out dog barking, car doors slamming, etc.

I also sleep better in a very cool environment that requires to be covered by a blanket/comforter, etc.

The key is getting into a rhythm and reducing stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine.

Good luck and may you be counting sheep soon, lol

Answer 3

Orange blossom, chammomile or lemon verbena tea. Change your sheets, air out your bedroom and take a hot bath with lavender bath oil. Unplug all unnecessary electronic devices in your bedroom. Once you're over the insomnia decide on a bedtime & stick to it. Good luck!