2007-01-30 05:40:08 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
I am assuming, because you placed this question under "Alternative" medicine that you are not seeking a prescriptive solution (i.e. sleeping pills). Try this... your brain processes information that is externally stimulated... for instance, try turning off the TV one hour before you go to bed... read, listen to soft music instead. A hot bath will relax your muscles... maybe put some lavender in the bath water or use a lavender soap. A pleasant smell in the room helps as well... lavender is excellent to sooth your spirit. Make sure there are no distracting lights...like the glow from your clock or radio. If you have one, set a cd player to go off in a half-hour or 45 minutes... and play a soothing cd.
Also, remember that you should stick to a schedule. You might be going to bed too early or getting up too late... make sure you know how much sleep you need and then stick to a time schedule that will help you get that much sleep. Even if it means you have to "tivo" your favorite show or shut off your phone... get to bed at an hour that will allow you to get the proper amount of rest.
Exercising JUST before you go to bed is not wise... it actually increases your blood flow, giving you more energy. Try changing your exercise routine to the morning or early afternoon.
Stop eating about 2-3 hours before you go to bed as well... your stomach is "working" and blood flow is increased during digestion... so you are not actually "ready" to lay down and go to sleep!!!
Lastly, remember that our brain will continue to process "problems" until there is a solution... you might try writing down a certain problem or challenge you are facing and tell yourself you will "worry" about it or solve it tomorrow. Let it go for the evening before you start preparing for bed.
I hope this all helps... I too have had problems with sleep and I have developed a routine that helps me tremendously!!!
2007-01-30 06:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a lot of sleep problems due to a health condition. What the others have said about clearing your mind is *so* important!! I try to meditate or do a little self-hypnosis before bed.
A warm bath is ALWAYS nice. I like to drink a cup of Sleepy Time Tea with Valerian. I mix in a nice spoonful of powdered Cal-Mag (calcium/magnesium) - that helps me relax quite a bit. I have lavender in my pillow, but if I need a little extra, I rub it into my temples.
Is your pillow in good shape? Your mattress? Is your sleeping area quiet and dark? My husband can sleep in front of the TV - I can't. Too loud and too much light. You should try to keep your bedroom as quiet as possible if you have sleeping problems. I'm going to get a CD of nature sounds - waterfalls, etc., to help combat the noise I hear from the highway.
Isn't it ironic that it's so darned hard to get a good night of sleep? I mean, really - what sounds easier than sleeping?!? ;o)
Good luck to you.
2007-01-30 11:03:03 · answer #2 · answered by Jadis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on if this is an on going problem or temporary due to stress or something else going on in your life. Before drugs I would try taking a hot bath with Lavender bubbles and then either drinking hot milk or a cup of Chamomile tea.
If this is not helping then I would go to the doctor and see about sleeping pills. Drugs are not always the first or best answer.
Good Luck and Sweet Dreams!!!
2007-01-30 05:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by New Job Mayne! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It of course relies upon on the newborn, wether they're breastfed or on formulation, etc. All i understand is that my daughter has went by way of sessions the place she might sleep 6 hours straight away and then the subsequent week awaken each 3 hours. purely presently has she began dozing 7 hours straight away and then yet another 3 or 4. She is 4 months previous and breastfed. i don't understand how long this might final even nonetheless it fairly is been superb. Having a stable bedtime ordinary has helped. We take a shower, study, bottle, rock and then to mattress. by way of 8pm she knows that it's time for mattress. stable success!
2016-12-13 04:35:04 · answer #4 · answered by trip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't use melatonin if you are under 40. You've got all the melatonin you need up until then.
You could try a little turkey to cause your brain to release serotonin. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Do you snore? If you do, you may have undiagnosed sleep apnea.
The previous poster about establishing a sleep routine is spot on.
2007-01-30 08:35:43 · answer #5 · answered by chieromancer 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In addition to the wise advice re lavender etc, I would emphasise clearing your mind of worries. The following worked for me once I had practiced a few times:
Think of a cove, nice sandy beach, warmth. There are some smallish rocks, not too heavy to pick up; each one represents a worry - partner/(lack of...), work/(lack of...), illness, finances etc...
There is a boat on the shore. Pick up each 'worrry' in turn and put it into the boat. When they are all in, tell the boat to sail away, and watch it head road past the headland... worries are gone, you can rest easy for the night.
There is a further installment - in the morning, before getting out of bed, try to imagine the same cove, and a different boat is coming in towards you. It holds boxes with solutions... Put the boxes in your bag and go off to face the day!
Good luck.
2007-01-30 06:57:42 · answer #6 · answered by Elsa 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sleeping well is a result of the amount of Melatonin in your body. Melatonin is your natural body clock. It helps regulate sleepiness due the night and wakefulness during the day. You want to look in to melatonin supplements or foods with high natural melatonin. For example, tart cherries are one of nature top source of natural meltonin.
You can eat a handful of dried cherries or drink a glass of cherry juice concentrate. I drink a glass of cherry juice about 2 hours before bed and sleep like a baby. The Traverse Bay area of Michigan grows the most amount of tart cherries.
2007-01-30 08:25:26 · answer #7 · answered by upnorthbeachbum 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is but you will have to see your Dr to get a prescription.
Amitriptylene, 25mg, or less, taken at bed time will help you get to sleep within 30 minutes. I have been using it for 14 years now as a sleep aid and migraine eliminator.
It is originally prescibed for anxiety and depression but works well for a sleep aid and chronic pain.
RD
2007-01-30 05:50:25 · answer #8 · answered by Richard D 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Melatonin the natural way to help you sleep, it works wonders they have it in 3 mg and 5mg start off with the 3, i sell it if you're interested email me
2007-01-30 06:22:31 · answer #9 · answered by graciegirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prescription drugs are a least resort. Try tylenol pm or nyquil to help you sleep. I also take a hot bubble bath and hot tea before bed.
2007-01-30 07:35:27 · answer #10 · answered by kat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋