he says his worries keep him up at night, and he refuses to take a sleep aid. are there any foods or herbs that he can take that will help quiet his mind and give him a full night's rest?
2007-02-15 08:10:40 · 13 answers · asked by missbeth7 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes. And there are other things besides foods to eat.
First of all, something he can consume to help him fall asleep-milk. Milk contains a chemical which is naturally claming and relaxing. When I can't sleep I warm up a cup of milk with honey for taste. It has me going to sleep no matter how much i couldn't before.
The other things he can do are these:
-Excercise during the day. This gives your body some physical wearing, making it a little more tired by the end, but other than that helps you sleep better.
-Take a warm shower or bath in the evening. Very calming and relaxing, for both your body as well as your mind. (Sorry, that sounds like an ad)
-Don't eat a large meal less than two hours before bed. Your body will have to digest the food, and that will keep you awake.
-Keep the bedroom dark at night. Shades on the windows, lights off in the hallway or kitchen. Sleep masks over the eyes will help if you live in the city where you can't keep the light out with shades. Darkness sends messages to your brain to sleep.
-Only go in your bed when you are sleeping. This will send the the message to your body when you are in the bed that it is time to sleep.
-Establish a routine for every night. Go to sleep at the same time, eat dinner and shower at the same time. When your body catches onto the pattern, it will get used to doing those things at the same time, and going to sleep at a certain time will become a part of the body's pattern.
I hope this helps. I know what it feels like to be kept awake by worry, and hope your friend can overcome this.
Good Luck and Best Wishes!
2007-02-15 08:29:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only real way for your friend to resolve his sleep issue is to deal with his problems. Short-term counseling with a mental health professional may provide greater benefits in the long run than a sleep aid. Prescription sleep aids may be used on a short-term basis but these, OTC sleep aids, herbs, food and any other form of alternative medicine won't confront what's bothering him. What he needs is an effective way to deal with his worries.
FYI: Someone suggested eating bananas as a way to boost serotonin levels. Increased serotonin levels can lead to depression. Your friend may already be depressed.
2007-02-15 08:19:57 · answer #2 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, milk is one of the best things you can have before going to bed. It has been used for years and years. Have it either cold or warm it up.
You also said that your friend has worries that keep him awake....I'm not sure what kind of worries, but maybe it would help if he talked to someone. I also find that reading while laying in bed before going to sleep helps take your mind off the days events and helps you to relax.
Hope this helps and your friend can get some sleep.
2007-02-15 08:19:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have actually had several Mental Health Professionals tell me that ice cream will help you sleep. Also, he might try valerian root capsules. You can get these at Wal-mart or any drug store. They have worked better for me than melatonin.
2007-02-15 08:22:15 · answer #4 · answered by CARLA C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to get more exercise and maybe chew some valerian root. A doctor can prescribe sleeping pills for him too if it is affecting his work and his overall ability to function.
2007-02-15 08:21:06 · answer #5 · answered by Rick Thornton 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about food, but if he's not excersing, tell him to start. That will make him sleep better. Also, tell him to talk to a doctor.
2007-02-15 08:26:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
melatonin works very well. sleepytime tea is good too( you can find at most grocery stores). also, relaxation techniques are good .i also take a hot bath before bed and read for a while.
2007-02-15 08:20:36 · answer #7 · answered by dali333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chamomile tea, lavender essential oils (diffused into the air, not ingested), milk, turkey.
I would also suggest to this person that they try meditation, too.
2007-02-15 08:14:38 · answer #8 · answered by Aaron W 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
before i go to sleep, i drink a cup of warm milk, and it works... i sleep all night!
hope this helps!!
2007-02-15 08:20:10 · answer #9 · answered by - - MiSS SEYDi.. &♥; ™ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believe it are not but a banana will do the trick, turkey is good also
2007-02-15 08:19:50 · answer #10 · answered by Ibredd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋