insomnia........?

Question

I can't sleep.... anyone have any tips? nyquil etc don't work...

Answer 1

Hi Liz,

Is this something new or something that has been going on long term? If it is long term, you may initially need some sleeping pills prescribed by your doctor to try to get you back into rhythm. Most sleeping pills are addictive so it's better to not use them long term if possibile, however, if you aren't getting any sleep, using the pill is probably better than no sleep/functioning.

Things which may help you sleep:

* Herbal tablets such as Valerium and other "sleep" herbs you can find at the pharmacy/health food store.
* Incence such as lavendar - you can burn the oils/incense, drop some on a cloth near your pillow or add them to a warm bath before you sleep. This may help you relax.
* Hot Horlicks with honey as a drink before bed.
* Herbal teas such as chamomile before bed.
* Exercise during the day/morning so you're physically exhausted by night. Don't exercise too late as you may get your adrenaline pumping making you more awake.
* Wake up early enough during the day so you're more tired at night. Try to have a set time to wake up each day to train your internal body clock.
* Try not to use the bed for anything else except sleep - you want to train your body recognised that bed=sleep. I've read that you shouldn't even read in bed, however, I personally do it sometimes.
* Try not to go to bed until you are tired. You can try to read a text book, Standards/manuals or something else that is boring to get you tired.
* Try not to do anything that will excite you late at night (such as watch a horror/thriller, or reading an interesting book you can't put down) or doing anything stressful.
* Try not to take stimulants (such as caffeine) from late afternoon.

Hope some of these help!

Answer 2

I would see a doctor. If over the counter meds don't work, you may need a presciption. I personally did very well with Ambien, which is not supposed to be habit-forming when used appropriately. I remember when I first went on it, my doctor had me take it every night for two weeks at full dose, and then ween off of it. He said I needed to reset my sleep pattern. I don't know all the medical stuff, but I know it worked. And now, I have a prescription that I use when I'm very stressed out. There are still nights when I need 2 or 2.5 pills (which I am allowed to do, it depends on your personal dose) to fall asleep, but I've never not fallen asleep with it. Definitely see a doctor! You'll feel so much better after getting sleep.

Answer 3

Talk to your doctor. There are several non-pharmaceutical solutions, including Melatonin (check the dosing instructions and talk to your doctor about timing for should taking the pill before bed) and tryptophan (the happy turkey feeling you get after Thanksgiving).

Other remedies include things like not having a TV in your bedroom, exercising first thing in the morning, avoiding snacks in the hour before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine during the second half of the day.

If you're having trouble because of anxiety or depression, your doctor will be able to help you specify what's going on. Just remember to be totally honest about what's going on. It might feel weird or embarrassing, but it's the only way to solve the problem.

Good luck, and sweet dreams--

Answer 4

You can try taking Melatonin. It's the hormone your brain makes to help your body fall asleep. You can get it over the counter. Use it only as directed, and I would advise seeing your doctor regarding your insomnia too.

Answer 5

Sledge hammer. I believe that it is the only thing I haven't tried. My money on sleeping tonight is a sledge hammer to my head.

Answer 6

it's usually the over excitement of reviewing a concurrent problem----solve or move away from it----certain drugs--medicine--caffeine--some stimulants could also be envolved......pray the Rosary it's the greatest tranquillizer.......

Answer 7

UHH i KNOW HOW U FEEL. NYQUiL NEVER WORKS