Insomnia--Any advice?

[ThyTempest]

Text book is a great idea, I know I slept through enough of orgo last semester....I have my task!

[HypoPita]

Alright - coming form someone who's seen plenty of doctors about insomnia - melatonin and exercise. As far as messing with your brain chemistry... is a natural seratonin imitator really any worse than some form of caffeine? I'll spare the science and just say - it will not mess with your long term. If you're uncomfortable, go see a doctor about it. Like stated before, if you do try it, start with the smallest dose (1mg) and give that a couple days or more. Bump to two if you really need it.

Another thing is to watch what you are doing before bed. Stimulating activity will keep your brain in overdrive and wont let it calm for bed. If you use your bed to sit around on ect, your brain starts to associate it with things other than sleeping, thus feeling awake, restless, and the like. So, really, bed = sleep, not couch. I've heard a lot of people making that mistake. Myself included. I went to a dr for it, and thats one of the things he told me. It helps.

The number one though, exercise. It puts your body back in a good rhythm. It releases the chemicals your body needs - regulates everything, and you'll sleep waaaaay better - so long as you stay regular with it. But then again, thats messing with your brain chemistry!
I kid.

Last suggestion...um...
Just pllllllllease (!!!!!) don't start popping Tylenol PM unless you don't want a liver in two months.

Good luck!

-Should add - I'm not a Doctor- go see one!! Don't listen to me!

[ThyTempest]

The only thing I am concerned about with the melatonin is that I will become dependent, whereas I am not worried about becoming dependent on Benadryl since I already take it daily for my allergies. NyQuil was a one shot deal and it failed.

I will read up on the melatonin and maybe give that a shot.

[ev477]

I had some problems with that before I started classes, after the first week of classes I think I haven't had any problems going to sleep. I just started waking up early, over break I was waking up at like noon or whenever I rolled out of bed.

Waking up at 8:30 and actually doing stuff during the day helps me fall asleep earlier. I noticed I have more trouble with sleep if I can see my clock relatively easy.

Other things I've heard... don't eat before bed, don't drink a lot of caffeine, don't sit in bed when you're not planning on sleeping, don't try to go to sleep if you aren't tired, and some things people have mentioned such as don't use things you could come dependent on.

[nixer]

i dunno what to tell you i get maybe 2-3 hours a night

[OhBalls]

I very much agree with mlededee...melatonin rocks

It's all natural and your body produces it anyway...you don't become dependant and it works wonders.

[JohnNJ]

Try a piece of chocolate with a small glass of warm milk. Do it in bed and you'll be asleep in 20 minutes. Not a candy bar. Just plain chocolate and let it melt in your mouth slowly. And not skim milk. The fat is what makes you sleepy. It's not medicine so take your time. Enjoy the creamy milk, don't gulp. Feel the texture of chocolate melting on your tongue. Take in all in and let the feeling roll over you.

Try it tonight and let us know.

JohnNJ

[juddb]

Turkey makes me pretty sleepy. Otherwise i have benadryl for those nights when i cant sleep! Not sure of anything natural, besides burning lots of energy during the day, exercise or long walks with the dog help put me in a nice relaxed mood in the evening!

[Muze]

I started running a few years ago because I was really stressed out & couldn't sleep. As long as I get my run every day after work, I sleep like a baby.

Chamomile tea helps a bit too.

[ThyTempest]

I have tried my girlfriends Chamomille tea and I just cant stomach any more of it.
I am going to try and find some melatonin tomorrow.

Tonight, I tried a double dose of benadryl and still no luck, though I at least feel a bit less aware....closer to drowsy I guess.