I am frustrated and wondering if anyone has any experience.....
I have always had bouts with insomnia, but for the past month it has been crazy. There have been only two or three nights where I have slept through the night without waking up for anywhere from one to three hours in the middle of the night. At least once to twice a week I have taken an Ambien and have slept the night, but obviously I don't want to depend on that. Some nights in the last week I have waken up multiple times so it seems to be getting worse. A little about me: I have been home on maternity leave since May of 07 and am returning back to work in Sept., so I am somewhat nervous about that, and about my boys going to daycare. At first I figured that was why I had trouble sleeping because I was thinking and worrying about it, but really, its not that I am that stressed about it now (at least I don't feel too stressed about the change...) I started a nutrition/exercise program back in March, but the sleep issue didn't really start till June so I don't think its the new exercise program at this point. There have been no other changes in my diet/lifestyle. I am making an appt with my dr to see what he suggests, and because I only have a few Ambien left. But like I said, I do not want to depend on that. Any suggestions anyone can give would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you so much, everyone! I am still having trouble but do know that is is stres realted. Went to the dr and found out my thyroid level is a little high as some on you had mentioned. Thank you.. I would have never thought to ask for that test! Right now he just wants to see if the level goes back on its own. I am hoping that as I get back to work and see my boys are doing well, I will feel better and sleep!
Thanks again!
just some ideas:
can you do meditation before bed to clear mind of any thoughts and relax? a bath? certain music as a bedtime routine?
maybe a walk after kids are in bed?
i've had trouble sleeping lately and I try these things. the stretches followed by meditation (a comfortable position in dark with light music) or reading help me.
good luck!
When I have had sleep issues in the past, I took a herbal supplement: 5-HTP. You can find it at any health-food stores and even in the vitamin aisle at Walmart.
I took it for about 1-2 weeks as needed. I did not feel any side affects and it allowed me to relax by making me feel at ease and calm by boosting my natural serotonin levels. While I wasn't a worrier per say, my brain just wouldn't shut off and I would be thinking about anything and everything when I'd lay down to sleep.
Here's some more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-HTP
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/5-htp-000283.htm
I hope this helps!
-Kate
Hi. My name is E.. I am 39 years old and I am a massage therapist. I have battled with insomnia since I was 15. I am glad to hear that you do not want to go the medication route. I have done that one. Not only is there a dependency issue, but any medication you take affects other areas of the body. The thing that is helping me, and is all natural, is Chinese Medicine. I see a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, David Gaglione. He uses things like herbal remedies, massage, accupressure and even acupuncture. I was concerned at first as I do not like needles, they are extremely painful to me. But when David used acupuncture, I didn't even notice the needles. Side note: he doesn't always use accupuncture either. Every session is tailored to your needs at that time. I have now been sleeping the whole night through for 3 weeks. Don't know where you are, but if local to the Stroudsburg, PA area that is where David and his mother Beverly practice. Their office # is###-###-####. Good luck and I hope you are sleeping soon!
M.,
I'm guessing the boys have an evening ritual for bedtime - make one for yourself. Journal a bit, relax in your pjs, glass of warm milk (or warm water, you'd be surprised), a book of quotes to read (something without a plot to nab you), brushing your hair, anything soothing.
Also, might it be your mattress? Mine is dead - but I was able to extend it a bit with boards (good 1/2" thick ones) and it is still able to do the job now.
One other thing - do you have proper support for your arches/feet? Getting them checked out is not a bad idea. I got inserts for my shoes/plus birkies (wallet ouch but they worked), and the pain I had that would wake me is gone now. A soothing foot bath and massage (simple enough you can do it, too).
One thing I worked with was melatonin - a supplement that is a chemical the brain uses for sleep (well, there's more to it than that, that's just the quick and dirty).
Another is prayer - simply stopping what you're doing, leaving all your worries in a basket, jar, etc, and letting yourself be free of them for the night ( you can pick them back up in the AM if you really feel the need :) can be very freeing.
Good luck,
M.
Hi M.,
The best thing to do is to look for the underlying issue. It could be emotional like you have thought. It can also be related to your thyroid.
There is a simple test you can do yourself at home.Simply check your armpit temperature with regular (not digital)thermometer. The best time is first thing in the morning upon waking. If the average temperature is below 97.8 Fahrenheit, then the diagnosis of a low functioning thyroid system is likely.
You may check this out under this link http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/pdf/Thyroid_Temperture_Test....
By doing this test you will get more accurate results than the blood test will give you. The usual blood tests can be completely normal and the diagnosis can be easily missed. Dr Broda Barnes has called low thyroid function, "The Unsuspected Illness".
Then looking for a doc who prescribes natural thyroid exctract would be highly recommended (instead of the suynthetic ones).
All the best!
C.
Dear M.,
I have seen people do really well with therapeutic grade essential oils to help them sleep, with no side effects and more energy in the morning!
I use them on my kids and my mom is even thrilled, nothing worked for her for years.
They work with your body in a natural way and help to relieve stress and smell incredible.
There are 3 I would recommend to you.
You can contact me or go to S.-healingoils.com to learn more.
My recommendations: Lavender, Peace and Calming, Ruta va la.
Let me know so I can explain how to apply. There is one that can even be taken internally. These are medical grade in purity and therapeutic value.
Blessings,
S.
Hi M.,
You could trying drinking some Lavender and Valerian Root tea, or get some Valerian Root tincture and put a few drops into some warm water before bed, and that can help you get to sleep and stay asleep. Good luck!
R.
Hi M.
I can empathize with ur sleep problems afer my baby of almost hree weeks died. I struggle with this problem for many years and still not able to sleep through the night but there is hope for u. I was on almost all sleep medication but as u mentioned u get dependent on them and feel as if u canot do without. Please dont become dependednt as there are other issues,Suggestions
Try relaxation techniques, u have to learn to control ur mind and not worry, the mind is a powerful part of the body, deep breathing and relation before bed time
warm bath and warm milk, massage therapy etc, they do help
Dont take naps in the day this will cut down on your sleep time at nites. Keep very active during the day
Get involved in some exercise program. Read materials that are uplifting and relaxing to the mind
AND DONT FORGET TRUST IN GOD, pray beliving that God can help u and focus on positive things how u need to be there for ur children.
ALL THE BEST AND GOD BLESS U AS U GO THROUGH THIS TIME
M. B,
Sorry to hear you’re not sleeping well and that you're so stressed out. I can't say I have had the use of "Ambien" to help me sleep and it's a little weird hearing that it's not working for you because of their commercials...lol, but I can say I use to wake up at the drop of a dime during the night. I would wake up a minimum of twice throughout the night. That all change when I got involved with CyberWize. I have been on this all natural product for a year now, and I sleep throughout the night now, without any side effects...honest I do.
Take a look at this website: http://www.areyoustressedout.com/goodtruthmarketing. There you will complete a survey about stress and the site will recommend some of our products for you to use. Purchase and use them. It will help with the sleep, and all the stress you are experiencing. Also check out: http://www.tblast.com/goodtruthmarketing. This site will explain the product as well as give testimony from people across our country. I think this will help you.
Be well!!!
H. A. Haqq, M. Ed
"Smile it's contagious... :-)"
As usual, I am late for work so haven't had time to read the other replies, so forgive me if this has been stated already. Make yourself a "dream pillow" or buy one. If you make one (and if you are good with a needle and thread) get a square of fabric (cotton is best) and stuff it with dried lavender. Lavender is known for it's sleep inducing/calming properties. You can get lavender at any health food store or co-op. Sew the squares together as though you were making a small pillow, leaving one end open enough to funnel the herb into it. after it's stuffed, sew the remaining opening shut. Place it in your pillow case, under your pillow or hang above your headboard where you will be sleeping. Give it a squeeze every now and then to reactivate the scent. I promise it will work.
Good luck and happy sleeping!
If you are unable to locate supplies for one, cannot sew to save your life or cannot find one retail, email me off the boards and I will make one for you (yes for free)... you don't live far from me so the postage won't be bad either. Let me know.
-O.
stay away from caffeine, it hides in a lot of products even some decaf products have some caffeine in them and if i have them in t he afternoon, it throws my sleep off. i also used something called Simply Sleep, it is an over-the-counter product and is essentially an allergy pill. i don't think there are any addiction issues with it, but ask your doctor when you see him.
It IS stress and your nerves about going back to work, but you are definitely taking the right steps by starting a nutrition/exercise program and by seeing your doctor. Try no caffeine after 12:00, and look into the relaxation/sleep CDs available almost anyplace that sells CDs. Get some lavendar calming spray and spray your room and pillow before you go to sleep. ChamisaRidge.com sells them, among other places. Write down tomorrow's "toDo" list an hour or so before bedtime so you're not thinking about what you have to do tomorrow as you try to wind down for the night. "Simply Sleep" available OTC might help as well. Family members have also used a hypnosis tape developed by a doctor and acupuncture. I'm told yoga helps as well. If you are that worried about day care, you might want to have the boys spend a day or two each week over the summer to get them -- and you -- used to the concept, as well as try out the place where they are going to go. Better to try it out now and find it isn't the right place, than to find out after you have returned to work. Perhaps that's why you are nervous. Good luck.
You may not feel stressed, but I will bet your doctor will tell you that is the problem. Try doing some shorter yoga exercises before bed. There are 20 minute routines out there on DVD that will relax you. Stress sits inside and doesn't always show up in normal ways. I had the same issues when I went back to work after my second child. I hated leaving him with daycare. His sister had started school and he was heartbroken. I had trouble sleeping then also. Ask your doctor about natural methods to relax.
Hi M.,
I had something similar and mine ended up being my thyroid. Your doctor should be able to determine this through a blood test. Hope all is okay.
~Kristal
Hi M., Not sure I can help but maybe try a sleep relaxation routine. A nice warm bath, or a cup of milk (the calcium level in your blood heps you sleep) and tell yourself all will be well. You do have issues to be concerned about but worrying and not sleeping won't help. We all have concerns about changes. If the daycare comes recommended it should be OK. Pray! Best wishes, Grandma Mary
My husband works the 11PM to 7Am shift and has a hard time sleeping. The Dr. had given him a rx for ambien and they didn't do much. The Dr. also said that he could try "Melatonon" a 3mg tablet about 1/2 hour before bed and it helps him a lot. Talk to your Dr. about that too. Melatonin is naturally made by our bodies to help us sleep and it may be the thing that works best for you. Nighty, night!!! A.
