problems sleeping...?

Question

Does anyone know a good over the counter medicine that really helps you go to sleep?? I cant afford anything prescribed by a doctor, and I just cant fall asleep at night. Someone help! Please!

Answer 1

There are all sorts of over-the-counter sleep aids, but I would strongly recommend that you try to avoid falling into this trap. You'll just end up feeling drugged and sluggish most of the time.

Instead, I would recommend that you look closely at your lifestyle and try to figure out why you can't fall alseep. For example, drinking too much coffee or tea, and even eating too much sugar (including sugary drinks) can give you an energy buzz that can make it hard to relax and fall asleep.

Are you stressed or worried about something, like your job, kids, schooling, or marriage? Do you work too much - both at the job and at home? Do you take time to take care of yourself? Eating healthy, low-fat, low-sugar foods and taking a daily walk at a brisk pace (at least 2 miles) can do miracles for your body, mind, and soul.

All too often people turn to pills to solve problems, when simple and low-cost lifestyle changes can give very positive, long-term effects. Good luck, and sweet dreams!

Answer 2

It's a good idea to do some research on sleep hygiene and make sure you aren't sabotaging yourself.
However, sometimes one just has trouble falling asleep. Most over the counter sleep aids contain Benadryl as the active ingredient. Yup, plain old Benadryl. It causes drowsiness and is safe and nonaddictive.
The generic name is diphenhydramine to get it even cheaper (100 25mg doses for $4-5). Start with 25mg and increase to 50mg if needed.
If you find you take it more than 2-3x/week , you probably do need to improve your sleep hygiene, though.

Answer 3

there are several over the counter sleeping pills that work really well. however, when i used them they caused me to feel groggy the next morning when i woke up. i switched to tylenol pm and it works wonders. i also do not have the groggy feeling in the mornings and its safe to use daily and it doesnt make you become dependant on it. you can also do things like stop drinking caffene a few hours before bed, take a shower and use lavender soap or even use lavander oil and sprinkle a few drops on your pillow. maybe put a classical music cd on for a little while when you lay down to help clear your mind from the days thoughts. i to have a problem going to sleep at night and these are a few things that i have done to help me sleep.

Answer 4

try warm milk.
try reading.
if you are feeling resless and have a lot of energy, go do something. seriously, sometimes your brain just needs to be doing something to get tired.
try listening to calming music.
try not eating right before you go to bed.
try changing your sleep paterns and start getting up earlier.
try laying there with your eyes closed and make a list in your head of fifty things you want to do in life before you die.
try not watching tv or staring at a computer screen at least an hour before you are going to bed. the light from the screens stimulates your brain to stay awake.
and that's all i can think of right now.

Answer 5

Melatonin. You can buy it where most herbal meds are sold. Your body makes it naturally so it's not addictive like benadryl and not an antihistamine like benadryl. Start with the smallest dose even if you cut it in half. It can make you groggy in the morning if you take too much.

Answer 6

forget all the above ideas. just start brisk walk in the morning for one hour and in the evening or after meals take leisurely walk for one hour