I have been trying to google this and can't seem to find any answers so I thought I 'd ask here. My poor husband has been waking up about an hour and a half to 2 hours before he is "supposed" to wake up and can't go back to sleep. It is making him very tired during the day. He goes to bed at a normal hour (about 10:30 or 11), doesn't drink (except occasionally), is not on any medications, and has no problem falling asleep at night. This has been going on for a week and a half now and I feel so bad for him. Of course he starts stirring around 4:30 am so I wake up and realize he is awake, but I have no problem going back to bed. Anyone know how to solve this problem? He is not interested in taking prescription sleep aids but would be open to supplements or herbs that might help the issue. Thanks!!
This might seem silly but growing up my grandmother taught us that if you wake up at the same time (you wake up and look at the clock and it's 4:22am and this continues to happen)...or look at the clock at the same time each day that you are meant to have some 'meditation' time...just you and the universe...because it is trying to tell you something!
I don't know...that Ambien 10 mg. has been a life..sleep...saver! I was resistant to taking meds. it just got to the point where i was so tired I could hardly function! I have heard non caffeinated tea before bed helps. Be careful taking natural remedies they to can have some serious side effects. Do your research before taking any internal medicine.
Melatonin is an over-the-counter sleep aid with virtually no side effects. It is a hormone that our bodies make to help us sleep, and as we get older, our bodies make less and less. My husband has a sleep disorder, and this was recommended by a sleep specialist, so it's medically recognized as helpful and safe. He started at 3mg. and worked his way up to 15mg. before getting the effect he needed. (Comes in 3mg. pills.) some people take as much as 25mg. It's cheap, and effective, with no drug hangover. Good luck.
A couple drops of Natural Lavender Aromatheorpy oil on his pillow should help him sleep, I had sleep issues but with lavender I sleep like a baby through the night. J.
Gosh, poor guy. I don't have a clue how to help him. I only know that when this happens to my kids I give them warm milk! Maybe you could call a natural grocery store (whole foods, wild oats...) and ask them if they have any ideas.
As we mature (get older) this is not unusual. Ask your parents and grandparents they will tell you this. This is why older folks seem to be up and about so early.
If you guys could go for a walk or get some exercise each day or evening, I think this would be of great help to him. Maybe when he wakes up at that early he could go for a walk or a run. Walk the treadmill, ride and exerciser..
He also should go for a check up and make sure he mentions this to his doctor.
Hi Robyn,
My husband has NO problem falling asleep but after a while will wake up and not be able to go back to sleep. Sometimes it's later into the night, sometimes it's like your husband and it's closer to the time the alarm is set. I give my husband a supplement called RestEZ. It does not induce sleep but removes the stimuli that causes the awakening. It's a blend of natural things but the primary ingredient is Valerian Root. You can google that for more information.
My husband is always thinking and planning and I think his brain just doesn't stop throughout the night, lol. Has your husband got anything on his mind that he is thinking through?? This supplement can be for short term issues but is also safe for long term use as well.
Hoping for sweet dreams!
M.
You'll probably receive a lot of suggestions for melatonin - I've had doctors recommend it and warn me to stay away from it.
Personally, I think there might be a few things going on that warrant a conversation with a physician:
1. sleep apnea
2. Restless Leg Syndrome
3. Anxiety to prevent him from falling back asleep
Since I don't know your husband and am not clinically trained in sleep issues, those are just suggestions on possible causes.
Please remember that almost all herbal remedies are NOT FDA approved or monitored, so their safety is unknown.
Here are some resources that may help you from MayoClinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/melatonin-side-effects/A...
Hi, My husband and I stumbled across some liquid vitamin/mineral supplements plus a 10 in 1 formula and have been taking them and really have noticed a difference. It helps with the following:
Memory and Mood Enhancer
Vision Support Formula
Immune Enhancer
Multi-vitamin and mineral formula
Cardiovascular formula
Natural Energizer
Super Antioxidant
Stress Formula
Digestion Aid
Bone and Joint Formula
All this in a 1 ounce serving that costs about $1 per day. It’s pre-mixed so you just “shake it and take it!”. I have been sleeping and focusing better and my husband has noticed a lesser level of stress. Totally worth it! Check it out on the website: http://www.YummyLiquidVitamins.com You'd be amazed at what a good nights sleep can do for you! This is not a gimmick or a scam. Let me know if you have any questions! Good luck to you!
There was just a fascinating article in the New York Times (which has been doing a whole series on insomnia) about doing light therapy to reduce insomnia (which is what your husband has, by the way. It's the inability to fall or stay asleep). It was within the last week or so, so if you go to nytimes.com you can probably find it. I think it would very much be looking in to, especially if he's unhappy about waking up at that hour and would like to sleep later. Good luck!
