What is the best way to resolve sleep problems?

Question

I've tried almost every sleeping pill out there (with the exception of Lunestra, which I intend to try soon) - 150 mg of benadryl won't do me any good, and ambien just made me hallucinate. I've been to a doctor for it, but it's not getting any better. It takes me upwards of 3 hours to fall asleep a night, and I can't stay asleep all night, unless I'm really exhausted. It's getting to be a huge problem. What else can I try?

Answer 1

I have found with myself that on days when I cannot sleep, it is because I have things on my mind that won't let me be. Stress, worry and frustration are real sleep killers. If that is the case, then you have to get your mind off it. For me, falling asleep to the TV helps. I lay down and try to listen to the program without watching it. It keeps my mind off troubling issues and I pass out.

Another thing that really helps is exercise. Get out that energy early, so by the time it is time to sleep, you will be too tired to stay awake. Walking for an extra hour every day (if possible) is one way to do it.

Some foods actually help you sleep. Yahoo recently ran an article on this. The ones I remember were bananas, milk, honey and almonds as a before bedtime snack. Also, avoid any caffeine 6 hours before sleep. Some herbal teas such as chamomile are an excellent way to relax before bed. And speaking of diet, some dietary changes may make a world of difference and are worth a look into.

Lastly, get off the meds! Most drugs only do the opposite, making you even more dependent and needing stronger meds in time. It seems the more you take, the more you are gonna need. Obviously it hasn't helped you or you wouldn't be asking this question. I wish you luck and Good night!

Answer 2

I was in your position two years ago. I tried ambien, and a couple weeks later, it stopped working. The same thing happened with Nyquil except it just made me tired but i still couldnt fall asleep. Now, I can fall asleep in about an hour. I usually fall asleep watching TV, so it goes by quick. But if you cant fall asleep with the TV on I dont recommend it. Also, I dont use my bed for anything except sleep and sex. Its like when I lay down at night, my body's saying "Finally!". Anxiety is another thing that disturbs sleep, so relaaax. It took me a month, more or less, to go from never falling asleep to being out in an hour. Stay away from drugs and get your mind right. Sweet dreams.

Answer 3

simple
meditate a while before going to sleep
do some light exercisers.
streatch a bit
dont try to sleep with a too full stomach
avoide necotine
avoide watching too much TV or stressing out ur mind
write down every thing on a peice of paper that is troubling you.
lastly don't try to fall asleep forcefully if you are not able to sleep then do something that u like to do .
and keep in mind that a human can easily do with 4hrs sleep some yoga masters meditate insteadl of sleeping
and probably its not a problem at all for u

Answer 4

if you have ongoing sleeping issues then sleeping tablets should NOT even be considered, they just develop dependency and make your problems worse.

If its ongoing you need to work out the underlying reason behind your issue. There are many things that cause long term insomnia which generally are related to unresolved trauma (large or small) from your past or childhood.

If its not an ongoing thing the best remedy is to go out and get direct sunlight onto your skin in the early morning (6-7am) every day for 2 weeks. This will often reset your sleep clock (the only direct way to change these settings are through the pigmentation sensors in your skin). If this doesnt work then its likely you need to see a shrink and work out your issues.

Answer 5

Okee, dokee. How much caffeine are you drinking in tea, coffee, and soda late in the day. Do you nap. Make sure you move around and do some sort of exercise every day. Make sure your bedroom is your place to sleep, not a Miltie-purpose room. Get yourself nice bedding and keep it clean. Get a sound machine that plays your favorite sounds. Take a bath and read a book or magazine before you try to fall asleep. Click the switch to turn off those thoughts whirling in your head. Say your prayers or recite a poem as you try to fall asleep. Good luck.

Answer 6

I am in your same exact position.i wouldnt recommend taking sleepin pills because then you will develop a dependency and your tolerance to them will increase--- I know. it can be dangerous, even prolonged exposure could result in kidney and liver problems. You could try Serotonin tablets. it is supposed to regulate your body's sleep cycle and you already have seratonin in your body. You could get these tablets at a GNC for like 5 bucks. I have been told that the sublingual tablets work best. If the problem still persists, maybe a sleep study will help.If not I am sorry and I feel your pain

Answer 7

You could have sensitivities to ingredients in your food as well as to chemicals that most people encounter each day (but which for you is problematic). I just did a series of three articles about undiagnosed sleep problems in young and middle age people. I have made observations for over thirty years (had insomnia much of it and now sleep like a baby).
PLEASE read the articles for Feb 3, 4, and 7 on my 360 blog---I'm sure you have food sensitivities (click my avatar and then click "See my 360"). Best of luck to you. (If any of my suggestions help, let me know.)

Answer 8

Take a nice warm bath, pick up a book in your hand the boring one or can opt for a religious one. I am sure you will soon fall asleep....Don't take tensions just take out every thaught from your mind...
Take care

Answer 9

try to relax. do not overthink. take a shower and make sure you wear comfy pjs. drink a glass of warm milk. put on soft music, turn the lights out and close your eyes.

do not take sleeping pills. you'll just get dependent on them. sooner or later, it won't have anymore effect on you. hope this helps!

Answer 10

well start by trying to go to sleep earlier then u usually would.... then make sure all the lights are off and no noise.. i started having problems sleeping to.. and in complete darkness i fall asleep faster...