Sleeping pills

**Palooka** · 06-06-2008, 03:17 AM

Does anyone take these or have you ever?

I am an insomniac and it's driving me crazy. Really bad for like the last three years. I take 5-HTP but forget half the time.

My husband keeps suggestion that I go to a doc for meds, but I don't want too. I am scared of things like Lunesta or whatever is out there. Doc's get happy script writing...

The most I have ever taken was Tylenol pm. lol I am a chicken about taking meds.

I have tried everything under the sun to sleep, so don't bother to name it! I swear I am like nocturnal like a possium or something.lol

It's to the point that I need help, I think. It interferes with my daily routine and I have to take a nap, a lot. I hate it! The most hours I have ever slept straight was like five, and that is on a good night. I remember when eight was normal for me. Geez, what I would give to sleep for eight hours straight!

So I was wondering about these meds..I have kids and I do not want to be 'knocked' out ya know. How do these meds work and do you think they are ever a good idea?

I'm afraid I would get hooked or something...

So anyone want to be honest and share with me here.

Help....

TIA

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 06-06-2008, 05:32 AM

Oh how I feel for you! it is so hard to function on a daily basis when you cannot get a good night's sleep! I used to have the same problem and I think it was because I am in perimenopause. I tried so many different natural alternatives and then after doing months of research I finally found what works for me. Here is what I do....

1 I take two sublingual (source naturals) melatonins under the tounge. The liver does not even have to process it this way and it goes right into the bloodstream. I take them 30 minutes before bed.

2. I drink my Ionic Fizz at least one hour before bed and I take my Source naturals broken cell Chlorella with my Ionic Fizz. The Ionic fizz is a powdered magnesium/calcium and vitamin D drink that really relaxes me and helps me to calm down for a good nights sleep. The broken cell chlorella does the same.

3. Nothing to stimulate the mind too much. I will make sure that I have my water and anything else that I need on my nightstand before I turn off my light for the night. I make sure that I am well hydrated, but not too much before bed. I don't want to awaken and have to go to the bathroom and then try to get back to sleep again.

4. My white out sound machine is on for a good quality sleep. They use these in sleep centers as well. it really makes a huge difference.

5. A very dark room. No outside light coming in and no bright alarm clock numbers shining.

6. I alway's say a prayer before I go to sleep. I thank God for another day and I pray for other's who need prayer.

Then it is light's out and it does not take long at all to fall fast asleep

**Jskell911** · 06-15-2008, 09:17 PM

Honestly, I have never had luck with any of those insomnia prescriptions. After my hysterectomy in November I was desperate! The doc gave me the Ambien and after about 10 minutes I felt completely drunk, stumbling and all. Went to bed, fell asleep HARD, and was awake after 2 hrs.

I have had better luck with taking Xanax in a small dose about 1 hr before bed. Unfortunately I had to stop as it interferes with another of my newer meds.

I hope you find a solution soon. I have been struggling with insomnia for over 20 years and sometimes it is just as you describe - feel like I am going insane!

I too, use a white noise machine! Love it. If you cannot find one right away I found a fan helps in a pinch.

**guest002** · 06-15-2008, 09:39 PM

I take Aimben and it works well for me. I've had to take them until my body adjust to my new migraine meds.

**Shoshana** · 06-15-2008, 09:45 PM

I'm not an advocate of prescription sleeping pills. They interfere with the normal sleep cycle (e.g., stage 1, 2, 3, 4, REM,) by prolonging slow wave (3 and 4) sleep.

Tylenol PM contains the exact same medication as is in Benadryl, an antihistamine. The major side effect of Benadryl is sleepiness. I'm not sure of the dose that is in Tylenol PM but you can take two Benadryls and you should have no problems falling asleep. The generic Benadryl is less expensive than the name brand, and also less expensive t han Tylenol PM.

If this doesn't sound like a good solution for you, consider seeing a psychiatrist (if you have insurance

. They're much better versed than a family practitioner in the different classes of medications that can aid with sleep and in finding the particular drug that is the best for you.

There are also psychological treatments for insomnia that are very effective either alone or in conjunction with meds but I'm not sure you could implement a plan on your own without the help of a therapist. (insurance?)

Good luck. There's nothing worse than not sleeping.

**Nishu** · 06-15-2008, 09:51 PM

I second the melatonin recommendation... it's been useful for me at times.

The only thing I haven't seen mentioned... do you get outside enough? Real, natural sunlight is really important to keeping your clock straight. Trust me on this one, if you spend all day in a cave then you're going to find it a lot harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

As far as the meds, I was on one last year but for the life of me I can't remember what it was. Whatever it was really helped, it knocked me out and I stayed asleep, felt fine the next day. The point is that they're nothing to be afraid of and there's a good chance that you'll find one that works well for you. Don't be afraid to let the doctor know if the first one you try doesn't work.

**Palooka** · 06-16-2008, 12:30 AM

Nishu, you might have nailed something that is true. If there are days when I am doing errands and just outside and active I notice I sleep better. Well I am a SAHM so alot of those days are inside the house picking up toys, laundry, and dinner. lol

I never had this problem when I worked full time. I think maybe I am not active enough. I have wanted a baby jogger for a long time now. Tonight I bought one from craigslist. So happy I got one now! My daughter is into running I am way behind on my treadmill days because of my son. He would get into everything if I was on that thing. lol So hopefully I can start the running back up in the evening when it is cooler and go off to happy sleep land.

What is Melatonin??

**Nishu** · 06-16-2008, 12:41 AM

Melatonin is a hormone that makes you sleepy. You produce it naturally, but some people for whatever reason don't make enough. I'm pretty sure the sunlight has something to do with it, but I'm not positive. A friend of mine actually got the go ahead from her pediatrician to give it to her children to help them sleep.

I notice when I take it, it actually makes me sleepier just like a sleeping pill would. My dreams seem to be crazier when I'm on it to. I think it's good stuff.

I'm the same way with the sleep and sun, for the same reason. I try to get out in the sun because I know I need it, but it doesn't always happen. Winters are especially hard on me just because I'm prone to sitting in my little cave anyway, and the cold just makes it worse.

**SewCrafty** · 06-16-2008, 12:45 AM

Melatonin=

Melatonin is a hormone made by a part of the brain called the pineal (say: "pin-ee-all") gland. Melatonin may help our bodies know when it's time to go to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Melatonin supplements (in pill form) can also be taken. There are two types of melatonin that may be used in these pills: natural and synthetic (man-made). Natural melatonin is made from the pineal gland of animals. This form could be contaminated with a virus and is therefore not recommended. The synthetic form of melatonin does not carry this risk. If you are not sure if your melatonin is natural or synthetic, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdo...icles/258.html

Hope you can find something to work for you. I am another imsomniac. Too many years on night shift for me.

**Palooka** · 06-16-2008, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by Nishu

Melatonin is a hormone that makes you sleepy. You produce it naturally, but some people for whatever reason don't make enough. I'm pretty sure the sunlight has something to do with it, but I'm not positive. A friend of mine actually got the go ahead from her pediatrician to give it to her children to help them sleep.

I notice when I take it, it actually makes me sleepier just like a sleeping pill would. My dreams seem to be crazier when I'm on it to. I think it's good stuff.

I'm the same way with the sleep and sun, for the same reason. I try to get out in the sun because I know I need it, but it doesn't always happen. Winters are especially hard on me just because I'm prone to sitting in my little cave anyway, and the cold just makes it worse.

Okay so what form of a pill does melatonin come in?

I know part of my problem is because I have generalized anxiety disorder and it's hard to shut my brain down at night.

It's funny because I have heard of melatonin but I can't remember what it was. Thanks.

**Palooka** · 06-16-2008, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by SewCrafty

Melatonin=

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdo...icles/258.html

Hope you can find something to work for you. I am another imsomniac. Too many years on night shift for me.

Ah, thank you. I bet I could make good money on the night shift. lol. But then I would have to get up and take care of my kids so that wouldn't work with my husbands hours.

**Nishu** · 06-16-2008, 01:50 AM

They come in little tablets, or as a previous poster said, the sublingual caps. It's not a liquid type thing, the ones I've seen look like aspirin almost.

There's also something called valerian root, which is a muscle relaxant. I used to drink this tea called "Sleepytime Extra" that had it. Like this:

http://www.celestialseasonings.com/p...eepytime-extra

You can find it in just about any grocery store. It might help you relax your noggin a bit.

Also, I know this is going to sound stupid, but do you leave your computer or TV on late? If you have trouble shutting your head down, it will probably help to make sure they're shut down and not distracting.

I have a mild form of bipolar, and when I'm 'up' I've found that I can stay awake until 3 without even thinking about it. I'd sit at the computer because I couldn't sleep, but I realized after awhile that I the computer and TV were distracting me enough to add to the problem. I wasn't at the computer because I couldn't sleep, but rather I couldn't sleep because I was at the computer.

I know for you normal types that's going to sound completely stupid, but I swear it took me forever to figure out.

**Jamauk** · 06-16-2008, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by Nishu

Also, I know this is going to sound stupid, but do you leave your computer or TV on late? If you have trouble shutting your head down, it will probably help to make sure they're shut down and not distracting.

I have a mild form of bipolar, and when I'm 'up' I've found that I can stay awake until 3 without even thinking about it. I'd sit at the computer because I couldn't sleep, but I realized after awhile that I the computer and TV were distracting me enough to add to the problem. I wasn't at the computer because I couldn't sleep, but rather I couldn't sleep because I was at the computer.

I know for you normal types that's going to sound completely stupid, but I swear it took me forever to figure out.

Sounds perfectly logical myself! I leave my computer on all night when DH isn't home (ssshh, don't tell the frugal police) and I've been known to jiggle the mouse when I walk by to go pee in the middle of the night ('puter's in our room). How sick and addicting is that?!?

**Nishu** · 06-16-2008, 02:04 AM

Speaking of which, I should probably to to bed.

**Palooka** · 06-16-2008, 02:18 AM

Well the main computor is in the kitchen. The fun putor is the laptop. It goes where I go..Kidding though..TV in our room is mostly off at nights because my hubby gets up early.

I think maybe Jamauk with her boat would go so cool on the lakes here, Nishu could bring her kids and her cute little newborn soon, my kids and house and swimming pools and movie stars and we could talk about health care over Vodka and Margaritas(gotta have real lime though) and test some good beer from the states to states...

That is a cool plan stan, I say. I hate you all!! Kidding

Yeah, we might be knocked out then..