I can't sleep even after taking my ambienCR. How can I get some sleep?

Question

I have taken ambienCR, Roserum (worthless) and Zyprexa and still can't sleep.

Answer 1

Sleep comes in balance with other areas of your life and health. When your life is going well, you can skip the meds.

Eat, drink water and healthy fluids,
fresh air and exercise,
lowering your stress level, #1 take off your watch and put your cell-phone in a drawer for a week
taking time just for yourself each day - atleast 1/2 hr.
Work on a job or school or project, and when that day's time is completed, walk away, think about something entirely different.
Avoid anger and arguments.
Avoid watching movies that give the adrenaline rush - terror, X-games, Violence, Extreme emotion, Disaster. It can be very difficult to sleep once you've been excited or fearful.
Work in a garden or with plants or animals
Read a book for the fun of it
Listen to "calming music" or play an instrument yourself.
Allow yourself "wind-down time" for atleast an hour before you plan to get to sleep.
Plan your sleep for the same time every day, and make that your commitment 7 days a week.
Go to the bathroom before heading to bed.
Sleep alone
If you do fall asleep in your recliner chair or on the couch, have a blanket within reach, because moving to a bed in a different room can waken you sufficiently to not be able to get back to sleep.
Some people are bothered by light or by noise/ or the lack thereof. Some sleep best if the air is a little cool, with a fan going. Some feel most secure if there is a nightlight.
Some people living alone actually sleep best with a radio or TV on, so they don't hear house "noises" at night.

Having the same blanket each night that you find to be a soothing texture and of comfortable warmth aids in sleep.

Nightie-night.

Answer 2

I too was on ambien for a while. Unfortunately it is an addictive drug. I'm not a big person and eventually I was taking enough ambien for a good size man and that stopped working as well. I ended up addicted and had to go through horrible withdrawal.

I would look at the reason why you can not sleep. Diet, schedule, etc. Pick up a pattern of doing the same thing night after night. If it is your mind that keeps you awake (which is often the issue with me) I would discuss a mild anti-depressent such as trazadone to take in the evening. At 50mg or even 100mg it just helps you relax and your mind to stop from racing. It has been a lifesaver for me and is completely unaddictive.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Ask your doctor if he/she thinks you may be experiencing anxiety. The doctor will know how to determine so and perhaps a med like Xanax will help you both during waking hours and to get to sleep.
My guess is you cannot "turn your thoughts off" when you try to sleep. That is a symptom of anxiety. No shame in that. Lots of people bear a tremendous burden and don't even realize it is anxiety.
This is what a dr told me re: anxiety:
IT IS REAL.
YOU CAN'T CONTROL IT.
IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

Answer 4

Restoril 30 mg and 50 mg of serequel are the only thing that will actually get me to sleep short of an elephant tranquilizer!!
I have tried everything Ambien, Lunesta, just Xanax with xanax you name it ! Good luck I know how you feel

Answer 5

See insomnia at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 3: a sleep clinic may be necessary.

Answer 6

turn off the computer, get in bed turn off the lights, turn on some soft music and just listen to it with your eyes closed.

Answer 7

drink warm milk