Insomnia!!!!!

Hi J. I can sympothize with you I have also suffered from insomnia my doctor recomended Valerian Root. You can get it from the health food store. It really works for me.I hope it woks for you too. Good lock!

T.

Hi J.,

I get that problem myself. I found that doing yoga or just stretching out before bed really helps. I feel keyed up from the day and the stretching makes me relaxed.

Good luck!

J.-

Melatonin is an excellent all natural sleep aide. Also-let's look at your eating regimen-often many women do not get enough Omega's in their daily eating. Coconut oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, legumes should be the cornerstone of every diet. 40% of all calories should come from these sources. Also you can not get enough fresh fruits and veggies-organic of course.

Also-the toxin build up in your body is most likely contributing to your insomnia-including estrogen dominance caused by the birth control. Please do not take the Ambien anymore-it is terrible for you. Further drugs like that often alter your brain chemicals on a permanent basis. I will not get on my soapbox.

If you would like more info-send me a message and I can forward you some documents.

I hope this helps:)
T.
Detox Coach

How loyal are you to your Dr? If you are open to a 2nd opinion I really like my Dr (Dr George Elvove in Libertyville). He's an MD (so he's covered by my insurance), but he considers natural options first. It's a nice balance having someone who can prescribe, but chooses to try other options first. I had a skin condition and Dr Elvove prescribed high doses of fish oil which worked like a charm. I really like his approach to medicine. He may have other options. Also, I feel like he really listens to his patients, so he may be able to make some recommendations based on the connection you saw to your insomnia and the pill last time this happened.

Hi J.,

I feel your pain as I've been there. If your problem is that you fall asleep with no problems, but wake up and cannot go back to sleep, then Ambien CR will work better for you then regular Ambien. The Ambien CR is a slow release which helps you stay asleep. When i was really stuggling, my therapist told me that once your body gets out of whack, you're circadian ryhthems are all off and need to be put back on track. Short term use of a sleeping pill can help to regulate your cycle. Once you feel confident that you are sleeping well(and feeling more rested) then you can start to try to incorporate other means of relaxation such as the ones you've mentioned. You can also begin to wean yourself off of the medication(i.e. cut the pill in half..if allowed(check with doc) lesson the dose, only take it a few nights vs every night..etc) I was someone who so did not want to take a pill, but with the advise of a great therapist, I found no other choice. There is no reason to be miserable and you can take this medication without becoming addicted. I'm living proof. I still take it occasionally, but my sleeping habits have improved tremendously(It has taken me over a year to get to this place and I still struggle on and off) I had a lot of anxiety at the time my troubles began, but now through stress management and relaxation techniques(and a difficult situation resolving itself) I've become a better sleeper and more relaxed person overall. Last advice is try to slow down during the day. Regardless if you take a full on nap, or just sit down to read a magazine/book, anything that will calm you during the day, will prepare your body for sleep at night. Going on all cylinders during the day will only work against you at night. Please feel free to email me privately if you have any other questions. Really, I've been there and I'm so glad I found some ways to help me become a better sleeper!

good luck.

Hormone imbalance can have an unexpected impaact on the body. I would find a doctor who will do a thorough hormone analysis and a thyroid test.

I had the same problem a while back. I didn't try the prescriptions though. In fact I kinda stumbled on another solution because of another problem that I was having. I was having very painful muscle spasms in my back. I went to my chiro and he gave me some samples of a supplement called "Natural Calm". It is a magnesium supplement. He warned me to take it at night because magnesium is a natural relaxant (which is why he gave it to me for the spasms) Low and behold....it makes you pretty sleepy too. They do have a website that talks about all that it can do for you. It works great just make sure you start off in small dosages. Your body will only absorb what it needs so over dosing on it isn't the issue but if you take too much of it at a time, you will know in the morning. Without being to gross, let's just say it makes things very soft. Hope it helps.

Try yoga. I have trouble sleeping sometimes especially when I have a lot going on...I just can't shut my mind off. But on the days I have yoga I sleep like a rock! Don't let your doctor convince you you are depressed and need anti-depressants. As soon as I told mine I was having trouble sleeping that's what she did and after gaining almost 20 pounds in 3 months I WAS depressed! Then I spent another 3 months SLOWLY weaning myself off them to avoid all the side effects. Only take them as a last resort and only if you're experiencing other symptoms of depression. Otherwise try yoga or another form of exercise and see if that helps!

Hi J.,

I am sorry for what you are going through cause I have had this happen about twice to me as well. The last time was just this past july. I tried three different sleeping pills and it only worked for like the first day or two. I tried to relax but different things would interfere with my sleep like my fiance watching tv and that would actually make the medicine less effective because it was almost like I was fighting it. I tried many different things too and I was finally able to sleep after I got my period and I really think that it was stressing me out because I usually get symptoms like 2 weeks before I get it. Maybe this can be the same thing for you. I would also try reading an hour before you go to bed and or try to go for a walk to help you get your mind off of the fact that sleeping is a problem for you. Also, I do not recommend ambien because it can have some horrible side effects and it happened to me after only 2 weeks of taking it. Looks up the side effects and you'll know what I am talking about. Also there is a different type of ambien called ambien cr which is a time releases and actually releases the medicine in small dosages to help you sleep better. So that is the difference between regular and cr. Maybe you can try Sleep MD non prescription that is supposed to be non-addictive and natural.

I've been having difficulty sleeping since I became pregnant and went through this with my first pregnancy too. What I found that works for me as crazy as this may sound but praying. I say a prayer I know Like Our Father or Hail M. and focus on the words as I say it. By focusing on the words and what I'm saying I'm unable to think about the past day or what needs to be done tomorrow. Since I've done this I've been able to get back to sleep and sleep much better through the night. Good luck!

Oh my, I can't speak to the causes of insomnia but I can tell you what has worked for me. Tylenol Simply Sleep. It is the same active ingredient and dosage as Benadryl, but I think it is time-released so you don't wake up at 4 am.
Very few side-effects that I've noticed.
I tried Ambien for a few days, but found I'd rather be awake than have the weird dreams and cold sweats(!) it caused, and I'd still wake up an hour before the alarm.
By all means, eat vegetables and limit caffeine to the morning, but insomnia really compounds itself. Are you worried about something? Yes! I'm worried that I'll lay down and not sleep!
Good luck.

Sometimes when I wake up and am wide awake in the middle of the night I find that it is because I am worrying about something. I usually get up and walk around the house and check on my two sons then try to go back to sleep. Could you possibly be worried about something that would keep you awake? Do you excercise? If not maybe try either walking or biking. I know when I excercise it sometimes help me sleep more. Have you ever heard of Restless Leg Syndrome? I personally don't know exactly what it is but I think I have heard before that it can keep you from sleeping too.

Good luck there is nothing worse than not getting enough sleep.

M.

Hi I just want to let you know you are not alone. I am experiencing severe insomnia and I'm 37 weeks pregnant. I can't go to sleep on my own at all even if I'm tired of nod off. I am so lost and confused. I have tried, promethazine, benadryl, even ambien. Nothing works. I'm having a c-section next week. It's hard to cope. I've never had this problem in life but all of a sudden in my last month of pregnancy... 3 weeks now. It started of minor and got worse. I wish I had more answers but I just want you to know you are not alone

DO you exercise? Sounds like you have tried most things, but exercise will both help with mood swings, depression, and insomnia (not that you said you had the first two issues). Exercise has actually been shown to be as effective as antideppresants for many depressive disorders. I have PMDD, which is like a increased form of PMS, and it affects my sleep (as well as my mood). Exercising has done wonders for many of the symptoms, and I sleep very well.
Good luck! Hope you get some sleep!

The doctor prescribed my mother Ambien and her insurance would not cover it either. She said it is quite expensive too. She felt it did not do the trick and her doctor told her to take Tylenol PM or Advil PM, she takes the Equate PM (Wal-Mart generic brand) It worked wonders for her, so when I have some insomnia I just take Equate PM (2 pills) the next night to make sure I get a good night sleep. Make sure to take it an hour or two before you go to bed so it has time to work. At first I thought about the fact that I am taking a pain reliever I don't need but the doctor said that is not a problem as long as you don't take more than suggested amount.

S.

Hi J.,
I was also having trouble sleeping and my dr. put me on Ambien, and it made me so sick, i was having severe stomach pain and was feeling groggy all day.
My acupuncturist told me about a natural supplement Life Rising AML-2, i take 3 tablets 3 times a day, and have never slept better. I wake up feeling refreshed with no side effects. You have to take it for a day or 2 before it kicks in, and you can stop it anytime. Here's a link below if you want to take a look at it. Good luck.

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:WpNFyHqhJ6EJ:www.lif...

T.

I've heard great things about Melatonin, too. But other suggestions that work for me are: turn on a fan in the room low so that there is a soothing sound in the room. Sometimes if its a continuous almost droning sound it can lull you into sleep. Also, another suggestion is to put the radio in your room on a talk station (WGN is good after 9:00 PM) and listen to the topic and eventually you'll nod off. My last bit of advice is to pick up a book or magazine to read right before bed. Your eyes will get tired and you should find yourself dropping the book and nodding off.

Get your thyroid checked - an overactive thyroid can cause insomnia.

Hi J.,
Your sleep situation sounds awful. Not to pry, but could you elaborate on why you think it's physical and not mental? Is it your mattress? Have you tried white noise? How many hours are up awake at night? Do you ever fall asleep and if you do, what is waking you? Pain? Have you thought about seeing a chiropractor? How long have you gone without any caffeine in your body (no pop, black tea, coffee, chocolate, etc)? I personally would stop the sleep drug - especially if it's not working any way, you know? Please don't feel obligated to answer my email if I have asked too many questions ro made you feel uncomfortable. It's just I have gone through this, my sister and my husband and this is where we started...by asking these questions.

J.,

I agree with Toni who mentioned Melatonin. My boyfriend has never slept well and started taking that at the beginning of this year. He's now able to sleep through the night and no longer feel he's been drugged when he gets up. You just have to be patient and give it time to work, but it's better than a prescription or other OTC aids that aren't natural. Good luck!

I would be very careful taking the Ambien, especially with a baby. It's had so much bad press! I have lived with insominia for years. Gained weight from the cookies and milk I ate during the night, was groggy from various meds, did everything you speak of. I think it is a hormonal thing because as I have aged, the insomnia has decreased. I figuered out that most of the time I need no more than six hours uninterrupted sleep. I may sleep longer at times, but pretty much stick to the six. I watch that I eat enough protein throughout the day. If I eat too many carbs and not enough protein, I know I will wake up 2 hours after I go to bed. I'm not a big vitamin person, but Vitamin C, about 1000 units per day seems to help. I also notice that taking the dog for a walk after dinner helps. It's mild exercise so does not keep you awake. Also, you have restless leg syndrome? There are medications for that but they are not sleeping pills. Good luck...I know your frustration. Hope some of my tips help.

Hi J.,
As someone who has worked the night shift and flip-flopped my schedule constantly for the last 4 years, I have some experience with insomnia as well. One of my favorite little "tricks" when I can't fall asleep or go back to sleep is this: I pick a subject, say Fruits and Vegetables (or band names, dog breeds, retail stores, etc.) and I name as many things as I can in that category from A to Z. Example: Artichoke, asparagus, apples...bananas, Bib lettuce, Bartlett pears, etc...It gets your mind to focus on something mundane and helps you to fall back asleep right away. I would suggest not using names as a category though otherwise you will start thinking about people you know.

Hi J.,
The only thing I have to suggest is to find a reflexologist in your area. I am a reflexologist and I know that not only can your insommnia be overcome, allot of other health conditions can be helped. The secret is in your big toe. The pineal gland reflex can be found there and that releases melatonin naturally. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions about reflexology you can write to me at ____@____.com
Sweet Dreams, L.

DO NOT TAKE AMBIEN. no doc should prescribe it for "a month". It is only supposed to be used a max of 2 weeks because is IS SO ADDICTIVE. I have Dr friends that NEVER prescribe it because it is very difficult to get off. I am living proof. I didn't know and my doc gave it to me for a yr. It took a year to get off. and it was a HARD YEAR. I used bennadryl (which is the active ingrediant in some sleep aids) for several months to wean me ... now i'm aid free. Try everything possible before ambien. I had a friend that had hallucinations from it and the news was talking about a sid effect of people waking up "driving" after taking it. i'm not a dr but i think that will only my your issues worse.

Hi J.!
I experienced episodes like this in the past. I do alot of reading about holistic therapies and I am also a wellness pracctitioner. What I learned is that any time your sleep is interrupted, there is something very out of balance in your physical and emotional body. The western medicine approach looks to treat symptoms and doesn't usually look for a cause.

I would encourage you to read about Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.

I practice a technique called Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique and I have had clients who have seen immediate improvement with sleep issues.

You can visit my website at www.gibsonwellnesscenter.com
I offer free consultations where I can explain how addressing your whole body, versus just addressing a symptom, can help.

As a mom of three myself, I understand how fatiguing it is to be a mom who is missing sleep.

Please let me know if I can help.

All the best to you,
C.

I have never had insomnia so bad that I needed Ambien, though I do suffer bouts of it. Usually I have found that the more I sleep the better I sleep. Maybe you're trying too hard to go to sleep. Try taking a nap during the day. Get a lot of fresh air, some physical activity, etc. I always sleep with the tv on, and it helps me relax & fall asleep -- drowns out the noise. If it's not on & I'm overtired, there is no way I will fall asleep, and the more tired I get, the worse my sleep is. All I have to do is break the cycle (benadryl helps really well when I'm desperate). A friend of mine has taken Ambien and she always feels bad when she wakes up. Do what your doctor says, but then just try keeping your routine the same, and wear yourself out!

Hi J.,
I have had insomnia on and off for the past two years and for me I know it is stress related; sometimes my mind will not shut off. I try not to take anything, but I do on occasion take the over the counter counter generic sleep aid "Equate Nite time sleep Aid". I was worried about not waking up or being able to function for my 13 mo old, so I shied away from taking anything for so long, but eventually gave in. Most people would tell me to try Tylenol PM, but I don't need the tylenol, so that is why I chose this. I don't care much for pills, my Mom told me to take Melatonin, but I was bad about taking it regularly. I have used Equate a few times and found that I could take care of my baby if he was fussy; I just felt very sleepy. I also just took 1 of the two caplets recommended so I would not be so groggy if he did wake up, and boy does he get up alot with teething, etc. That worked just fine for me and I never woke up feeling sleepy. It is the same ingredient used in Benadryl. I rarely need it now, but have it for those in a pinch times. If I do wake up and have to use the restroom I try not to turn on the light-that seems to make it harder to go back to sleep sometimes. Perhaps it is anxiety? I take (or am supposed to take) anti-anxiety medication (very small dose); you may want to look into that too. BTW:I have a 13 mo old boy & 4.5 r old boy. Currently I am a stay at home Mom, going through a divorce. Good luck and try the good advice from others too; I would stay away from prescriptions unless nothing else works. Take care!
J. S.

try a little turkey sand before bedtime. milk and graham crackers is the choice of bedtime for diabetics to help thru the night. Also, something as simple as a tylenol (regular not PM) is usually a good sleep aid. Good luck!!! I know how frustrating lack of sleep can be!!!! especially when the alarm goes off at 5:30. J.

My girlfriend has a thyroid condition and she has many sleepless nights. She is trying Shaklee's Gentle Sleep Complex. She says it has a lot of the same ingredients of other products she has tried and no harsh or addicting chemicals. She told me there is a huge pecentage of women walking around with thyroid conditions that don't even know it. If you are concerned, have your doctor check your T3's and T4's. These are levels of thyroid hormones. Good luck to you. Sleepless nights are not fun!