I have trouble sleeping, and all the OTC sleep aids I've tired have not helped.?

Question

The OTC sleeping pills have tired do not help, and seem to just make me nervous. Any suggestions without a prescription? I just want to sleep!!

Answer 1

In a small spray bottle mix some distilled water, lavender essential oil, and chamomile essential oil. Sip a cup of hot chamomile tea, shake the bottle and generously spray your pillow and other bedding....and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... good luck!

Answer 2

Have you tried exhausting yourself? Like running or a form of exercise that would make you really tired? That is a good way to get a good nights rest. If it is a mental thing... like your brain just won't shut up so you can sleep... then I would suggest doing some meditation. Sounds quirky, I know! You might be one of those people who have a hard time just relaxing. Get yourself to relax and I am sure you can get yourself to sleep, too. Getting a massage can help you with this as well. You can also go to the library and check out some books on the subject... just don't be in a rush to take a pill for your lack of sleep. There are many natural ways to help you fall asleep. Good luck! :)

Answer 3

Melatonin works well, but it can take a little longer to kick in than things like Unisom or Nytol, so take it more like an hour before you want to fall asleep.

Most OTC sleeping aids are simply antihistamines (Unisom, Benadryl, Nytol, Tylenol PM)--some people do have the opposite reaction to those, meaning the drugs wire them up rather than help them to sleep. Sounds like you are one of those people.

Herbals such as Chamomile, Valerian, Passion Flower, Hops, Skullcap, etc. in my opinion are too mild to be that effective but they are an option. Usually they are available in tea or pill form, often in combination with each other. Celestial Seasonings makes a couple of teas for sleep. (I would try the melatonin, though.)

Sleeplessness can be a symptom of depression, so if your sleeplessness has been going on for awhile, coupled with say, appetite changes, loss of interest in normal activities, depressed mood, or any suicidal thoughts, then you should definitely talk to a doctor.

Also, the following link has some suggestions that might help. Good luck!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_hygiene

Answer 4

Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap. It's secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain, as our eyes register the fall of darkness.

"At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of it produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people.

"Studies suggest that... supplements can hasten sleep and ease jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills."

It may have many other uses and has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine it's effect as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer, delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. Tests are still under way so there is much to still be learned about it and its effects on the human body. Travelers and people suffering from mild sleep disorders.

According to the article, a typical comment from discussion groups on the Internet is, "'Folks, I've tried it and it's great. It has ...restored my sleep cycle, given me lots of energy.'" (6 Nov. 1995, p. 60-63)

Answer 5

Sleeplessness is often a sign of poor nutrition. Magnesium, Zinc, and whole food vitamin B nutritionally help the body to have deeper and more restful sleep. ref. 1 In addition, garlic has been shown to improve serotonin levels, which are involved in the regulation of sleep. ref. 2

1. ACSM Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Vol 31, No 5, May 1999.
2. Fillion, G. Designer Foods III (Transcript). Phytochemicals in Garlic, Soy and Licorice: Research update and Implications. May 23,24 and 25, 1994. Georgetown University Conference Center, Washington, D.C.

Answer 6

Valerian root (capsule or tea form) is a great natural sleep aid without any morning "hangover." Kava Kava is also excellent. You might also occasionally try melatonin - take a 1 mg. tablet and quarter it -- that's all that's really necessary (maybe half, depending). Also, eating something such as turkey (with its high level of tryptophan) can also make you drowsy in the evening.

Also, make sure than an hour or so before bedtime is spent in a dark room (to ensure the proper release of melatonin).

Answer 7

Sadly, the MOST common product used in OTC sleep aids is generic benadryl...and it often has the exact opposite effect on some people making them jittery and nervous(look in the mirror--there's one of the people looking at you)
I gather you did not read the contents; an altogether bad practice for obvious reasons?
5-htp is readily available and can be found for less than $9 for 60 or so...take one(1) at bedtime(15 minutes or so before)it is in that melatonin/tryptophan/serotonin cycle that leads to sleep...look here:

http://www.clarocet-nri.com/ingredients/5htp.php

Please note do NOT take if you're taking an ssri for depression...

Answer 8

Ambien works real well without feeling sleepy the next morning. First make sure your not drinking coffee or pop before u go to bed. You can take the meds but u can't take them all your life.So u need to find out why u can't sleep. Good luck This sleeping pill u have to get through your doctor. Try valerian from a health store too.

Answer 9

I've struggled with insomnia since I was very little and here are some remedies that have worked for me:

1. Tylonal Pm's within 15 minutes I'm out.
2. Relaxing on my bed, breathing very deeplying and saying this to myself "I will not sleep, I will not sleep."
3. Sleepy Time Tea.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Some nutritional supplements may help.
Kefir (a drinkable yogurt) is high in amino acids that relax.
Calcium/magnesium (cal/mags) tablets taken at suppertime help the body relax, since they act as a muscle relaxer.
An herb known as Valerian is a sedating herb. It does have a strong smell, but is also very effective.
When all else fails, take 2 Benadryl.