Insomnia....... - Round Rock,TX

Even my doctor at the sleep clinic didn't give me medicine, but eventually my neurologist did. (because of migraines) My medicine is a natural, over the counter thing, but I'd still recommend double-checking it with your doctor before trying it, as with anything!! It's called Melatonin, the natural substance your body produces to help you sleep. I take 5mg, which is the high dose. At first I took it 20 mins. before bed, but I needed longer for it to work, so now I take it 90 mins. before bed. It helps me get drowsy, and also helps me stay asleep, and I need both of those things.

Also, disengaging from the TV and internet about an hour before going to sleep helps. Especially the computer, it's more stimulating. Reading is more soothing. Maybe a little sleepy time tea? Can you take a soothingy bath or something? None of that soothing stuff can hurt.

But the Melatonin really made a difference for me. I've been battling insomnia forEVER. And I definetly didn't want to get into those heavy medications anyway.

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Hello fellow insomniac. I do not have time to read all the other posts so I want to say now that I mean no disrespect or am not intending any naannaa to anyones posts. I just want to telll you what I know. And maybe if i tell you what I know I can save you the 15 years it took my doctors and I to figure out how do deal with a very severe case of insomnia. I have had it most of my life. I was taking a very potent sleep aid called ambien. a half of one of those could knock a 300 pound man on his butt all night long. Well i was up to 6 a night plus a handful of OTC sleep aid, a handful of xanax swallowed wwith nyquil and a glass of wine and still layed awake all night. I ladies, am an insomniac.
When the sun goes down your bodies produce melatonin (not for insomniacs though-we lack that chemical in our brain that says to go to sleep). Then when you wake up, your body produces seretonin when you see the lights and the sun and it wakes you up. (not for us insomniacs)
So we, insomniacs, have a seretonin vs meletonin war.
So you get an anti depressant and even out your seretonin production, and go to walmart and get a meletonin supplement. You can take between 5 and 30 mg (start with the lowest dose and go up to what makes you sleepy).I think they start at 5 mg. Believe it or not. It works. Within days you will be sleeping. Even an insomniac as severe as myself. DO NOT DO ANY OF THIS WITHOUT SEEING YOUR DOCTOR FIRST I AM NOT A DOCTOR I AM JUST A FELLOW INSOMNIAC.

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I had horrible insomnia until I started thyroid meds... apparently low thyroid can cause low serotonin and poor sleep. I've also heard that if your vitamin D levels are low that can contribute to insomnia. It's easy to be checked for thyroid and vitamin D deficiency with simple blood tests.

Things I tried in the past:
No tv or computer close to bedtime
Blackout shades in the bedroom.
Excercise in afternoon, but at least a few hours away from bedtime.
Regular bedtime/wakeup time. (Didn't always work if I couldn't fall asleep, but at least I tried to go to bed on time).
Regular sunlight (tried to make sure my biological clock was working by exposing myself to sunlight at midday- I was working in an office w/o windows).
No caffeine.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

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Insomnia is a CLASSIC telltale sign of toxic body buildup. Parasites, fungus, bacteria or/and heavy metals, along with mineral depletion and iodine depletion.

Thyroid issues and serotonin issues can be linked back to heavy metal poisoning or other toxic overload. Serotonin depletion occurs because iron eating microbes (bacteria) are in the body. the body sythesizes nitric oxide to disrupt iron metabolism of the bacteria.

NCD zeolite is suppose to help with insomnia because it chelates metals.

8 drops of lugol's potassium iodide 4 times a day can help with fungal issues and heavy metal chelation.

Magnesium chloride on the skin (magensium oil) and magnesium citrate drinkable, can also be used to chelate.

I would also avoid cow's milk and try to cut down on grains for a while. buy organic veggies.

Http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/Liodine2.htm

http://www.whale.to/drugs/antibiotic_q.html
http://zeoliteautismstudy.com/1-dr-p-clips-audio-420.htm
http://www.gordonresearch.com/articles_iron/the_role_iron...

http://www.health-diets.net/research/insomnia.htm
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I watch Law and Order...LOL no seriously I do and insomnia is new to me, I have tried reading, yoga, warm milk, but then I also want a warm cookie and that so defeats the yoga! It is about body clock Rhythm, has your schedule or life/children's activities changed? it can throw your body clock off, I was told by my family doctor/friend to start your bedtime routine 20 minutes earlier each night for a week and by all means get a bedtime routine, I know that in itself can be an issue for a mom. Remember no caffeine,alcohol, or sugar before bed and write down any worries and let them go for the night. Lavender lotion is soothing and Lavender spray for your sheets is calming(I have not tried these since before kids except those lavender bounce sheets). sleepytime tea helps. I am just not a big fan of the taste, you may like it, especially if it helps.Sex is also a good sleep inducer, except lately I have been too tired!

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Here's what we got: I alternate between a full shot of NyQuil and Unisom on a weekly basis. If I stick with one too long, it loses its efficacy and I still wake up for the "3's Company" hours. Neither one works perfectly for me, but, I spend at least half of the time sleeping through the night.

My husband alternates between Lunesta and Ambien CR on a monthly basis. He sleeps like a log, although on the first few nights after the switch, he tends to be unable to fall asleep. Once he is asleep though, he sleeps through the night.

Best wishes and sweet dreams!
B.

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MELATONIN! You can find it at a local health food store. I saw the doses vary from 1-3mg. I was having a terrible time with insomnia, so I purchased the 3mg. HELLO! I took one of those suckers and was OUT - solid for the whole night. I did it on a weekend where I could sleep in, so I felt great the next day. If I happen to take one during the week, I take it early and go to bed early b/c I don't want to feel groggy the next day.
Also, there is something called a cranial stimulator. It's little clamps (like tiny clothespins) you can attach to your ear lobes. This little handheld machine will 'zap' (for the lack of a better word) you. It jump starts the production of your melatonin. I know you can purchase them for about $400. But, at the time I used one, I was seeing a counselor and it was great b/c by night time, it was a natural progression to sleep.
Good luck - I just got myself back on a sleep schedule after weeks of insomnia!!!

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I have a Nikken Sleep System that puts me to sleep quickly, and keeps me in deep, R.E.M. sleep for a fantasic night's rest. I wake up refreshed, without needing more than eight hours to feel great. The Nikken Sleep System uses the earth's natural energy to provide the perfect environment for sleep, without any drugs. If you'd like to learn more about it, message me with your email address, and I'll send you some info. You can also learn about it at my website, www.nikken.com/brendaramsey.

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Like others have said - Melatonin! My 10 year old son has sleep issues and we give him 1mg on school nights. We give him a break on weekends. I will tell you this - your body can get used to it and then it stops working. (There is a medical/scientific explanation for this, but I can't remember what it is.) But for us, we have given it to him 5 nights a week for the last year and a half and it is still working thank goodness. My husband also takes it occasionally as he doesn't fall asleep right away and he likes it too.

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in all honesty i had to start taking PM pills(tylenol,advil,excedrin) my body just wouldn't go to sleep. Sometimes though DO NOT MAKE IT A HABIT ( though they may not hafe them by you) I go to the casino and play a few penny machines. or i play bejewled blitz on facebook.

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I have a terrible time falling asleep.
Not much works for me, but when we used to have a TV in our bedroom, and my husband would watch C-SPAN, I would fall asleep. Because it's on TV, I would focus, but it just didn't interest me enough to use any brainpower for it. I'm trying to figure out how to translate that into something that might work for me without a TV.

The other thing that was odd was that while on a cruise, I immediately fell asleep every night. I think it was the rocking boat. (And my husband, who never has trouble falling asleep, was kept awake by the rocking.) I don't know how to replicate that at home...could be dangerous.

I do not like to take medication for my insomnia, but, after reading the other posts, it looks like it works for some people.

Currently, I try to read until I fall asleep, but sometimes I am still up for a long time. Good luck. I hope someone gives you an idea that works!

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I know a lot of people who use melatonin. Magnesium is also important.

For me, self hypnosis is a life saver. As a teen I was awake until 3 or so and then slept only 3-4 hours. When I learned self hypnosis I can now be asleep (usually) in 3 minutes or less. Feel free to PM me.

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The medical jury's out on the use of Melatonin. I'd gotten the recommendation from a physician customer of mine, and a few other doctors disputed its effectiveness.

In my case, my problem is getting my mind to shut off. I think about silly things and can't quiet my mind enough to both get to sleep/stay asleep.

When I was going through chemo, I took ativan for nausea....which I noticed helped me sleep much better. So, I have a prescription to take 1/night. I have tried Ambien (yet to try Ambien CR) - it doesn't do much for me. Benadryl will help slightly - diphenhydramine is the active sedating ingredient that is also the active ingredient in Tylenol PM and Unisom.

HOWEVER, I'd really recommend seeing your physician to see what he thinks is the best option for your medical history.

Good luck and sweet dreams.

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Melatonin-resets you body clock but can only be used like 2-3 nights and then be done with it. Gaba powder is an awesome thing that you can use every day- or rather at night. It is a powder that dissolves quickly and easily in juice or milk or whatever. 5HTP is another thing you could try. I would go with the gaba powder first! Good luck and from a former/occasional insomnia sufferer I really hope you find what will work for you!

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I've suffered from insomnia since I was a kid. What works best for me is self-hypnosis/guided relaxation. It takes practice and you have to work at it, but once you've mastered the techniques, you'll have them for life.
Here's the basics. Lie in bed and get really comfortable. Eyes closed (obviously. <g>) and then I say to myself in my mind, "I am counting to twenty. By the time I reach twenty I will be deeply and soundly asleep. I will wake up, completely refreshed at *whatever time*. One. I am counting to twenty. By the time I reach twenty I will be deeply and soundly asleep. I will wake up, completely refreshed at *whatever time*. Two. I am counting ...."

Obviously, it doesn't have to be to twenty. If I'm feeling particularly wound up, I'll thirty or forty. I breath deeply and slowly. The key is to really focus on it and not let my mind wander. This doesn't work if I've had a lot of caffeine right before bed time. But otherwise, it's worked for me for twenty plus years. It works in cases of panic attacks too, though I don't have those very often.
Like I said, it takes practice. I've told a lot of people about this technique, but most dismiss it. I guess they think it seems too hard. But every person who's ever told me they actually tried said it helped them tremendously. So I'd say, if nothing else is working, give it two weeks to try it. But do give it at least two weeks! Good luck! Insomnia is awful.

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Are you pregnant? Have the baby : )

If not, try benadryl. It takes a long time to be habit forming and works well for a lot of people.

Good luck.

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Have you tried Melatonin. My husband swears by it and it's natural. If your not pregnant Benadryl will also do the trick, but I wouldn't do it every night.

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My son also has autism and I have one with ADHD. Melatonin is great and we do use it, however,not everyone reacts well to it. For some it can produce a NON-RESTFUL sleep. My daughter gets night terrors from it. And last year I took higher than 1-1.5mg after a surgery and had awful bizarre dreams . My son also takes 5HTP which is boosts serotonin. I would try the melatonin first (it is also a cheaper option) start slow like Wendy said and increase as needed. Then maybe try the 5HTP. Also, reading something light hearted may help to relax your mind (not a computer or tv as the light from those decreases your body's natural melatonin) Good Luck-remember adequate sleep is so critical in so many aspects so I hope you find a good solution soon.

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As you can see I am there with you. Thanks for posting.

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My son with autism has horrible sleep problems. He is unable to sleep without his nightly melatonin. He takes between 3-6mg a night. If you get some start with just 1mg so you can gauge the effects. I have tried it sometimes and only need about 2mg to sleep. You need to be in bed within half an hour of taking it. Don't repeat it during the night.
Hope you can sleep tonight.

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Have you tried working out? Not an easy workout. I've struggled with insomnia some too. On days I really workout hard (like a run or an aerobics class) I have rarely have a problem falling asleep and never have a problem staying asleep. It will have to be a tough workout. Whatever your fitness level, push yourself. It boosts seratonin levels.

Why are we a drug society? If there is a problem, we look for a drug to fix it. Try the self-hypnosis and if that doesn't work or it is too difficult then see a naturopathic doctor. I'd much rather clean out my body of all toxins and take natural foods and supplements than take drugs with all the potential side effects and long term issues.

I've have insomnia on and off for 18 years. My heart goes out to you. Here are some things that have worked for me in the past. I haven't read the other responses so I'm sure there are some repeats here:
- journal a your stream of conciousness 30 mins before bedtime. This helps a busy brain clam down.
- put paper by the bed and write down anything that's keeping you awake (things that need to be done tomorrow, worries, etc) and tell yourself that they will be waiting for you in the morning.
- no tv for 2 hours before bed. there are studies about this.
- no caffeine before bed. For me I have to stop everything with caffeine at 2pm.
- guided relaxation. I use a mediation CD.
- warm bath
- turn down all of the lights a couple of hours before bedtime. This signals your brain to start making melationin (sp?).
- there are foods that make it more difficult to sleep like spicy foods, lots of protein. There are more but can't think of them right now.
- have a bedtime routine. This is the hardest one for me. Do the same things each night before going to bed in the same order.

Hope this helps and you get some sleep.