I am having trouble sleeping.?

Question

My husband died recently and since then I cannot sleep beyond 4am. I refused sleeping pills from the doctor because of risk of dependency.

Is there any natural remedy that anyone knows - for instance herbal tea.

Answer 1

You could try good nytol and antihistamines, they can help you get to sleep. Have you had any knid of bereavement councilling. Its normal to be restless at night when you are used to sleeping next to somebody. I know its not the same but i put a pillow next to me when my fiance goes away. You could try getting a pet, the companionship they will offer will be unbeatable. It will also give you something to focus on and tire you out during the day.
Sleeping tablets are great for a short term fix but shouldn't be used for long periods of time.
If you feel refreshed when you wake up, maybe take a warm bath and do some reading. It may not help you go back to sleep but it could help start your day feeling more refreshed

Answer 2

I am sorry for your loss, it is only natural that you may find it difficult to sleep at the moment. Try dropping a couple of drops of lavender oil on your pillow or having a nice hot bath. I watched a programme called Street Doctors recently where someone could not sleep - the Doctor said when you are lying in your bed, look up at the ceiling but over to the right or left hand side - it is almost impossible not to close your eyes and fall asleep - I have tried it. Stay away from sleeping tablets you may create more problems for you in the long run. Exercise can also make you sleep well as it makes you physically tired. One more thing, black out curtains can help - it could be light waking you up. Look after yourself. x

Answer 3

Death is one of the most stressful experiences. I'm sorry this is something you are now having to cope with. It appears from your question that you can fall asleep but not stay there.

Chamomile tea is one herbal that helps me to relax. In your case possibly place a thermos on your night stand beside a cup. Try drinking some at 4 am.

If this doesn't give you relief, I would next try reading. Reading really causes me to nod off while I'm holding the book.

If neither of the above works, I would get up and do something useful. Write letters, research the net, wash a load of clothes. Tossing and turning is exhausting, much more so to me than getting up and doing something.

You are certainly going through a grieving process. That's going to take time. At some point try to involve yourself in something you find interesting. You will need to get out and go on with life. I hope you will know when the time is right .

I lost my Mom 13 years ago. Every holiday we kids, now in our 60's, spend some time at the dinner table laughing over the fun things we did with her. We remember to appreciate the time we had with her.

Answer 4

Sorry about your loss. Peppermint tea is good. If you must, then ask your doc for sleeping pills, which should help but can be addictive, so you wouldn't want to use them long term. You could also try keeping some reading materials next to your bed. What you are experiencing is to be expected. At least you're able to make it to 4am. Some people toss and turn all night. Give yourself time to get back to normal.

Answer 5

any sort of lavender should help a little, either bath creme or oil or anything really.
i am sorry for your loss and i understand the dependancy but perhaps it may be the only way, i'd at least consider it

i hope you get some good sleep soon x x

Answer 6

so sorry to hear about your loss you have my deepest sympathies.try sleeping pills for a while,your GP will monitor you and gradually reduce the dose so you dont become dependant.all the best

Answer 7

sorry for your husband...i'm having sleeping disorders too..i gave up on my daily Coke..but still nothing..i guess we'll just have to live with it..but the funny thing is that i don't feel tired

Answer 8

A warm milk drink. There is a natural sedative in it.

Answer 9

oh dear, i think you are depressed but it will be over, stay strong lady. your husband don't want to see you like this if he is alive. so sorry.
you need support from your family and friends. or go to your GP, they will help you, don't have to cope with it on your own.

Answer 10

SERIOUSLY , A MEDICATION NOT HABIT FORMING CALLED "REMERON" DOES HELP FOR PEOPLE WHO HAS TROUBLE
SLEEPING AND IT IS GREAT FOR
DEPRESSION ..ALSO HERBS CAN HAVE SIDE EFFECTS ..LIKE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE , FAST HEART RATE , NERVOUSNESS , I KNOW THIS SEEMS NOT REAL BUT IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I TOOK A HERBS ..