Hi all, it’s Barnaby checking back in. When I last posted on CantSleep.com the other day I was about to have my sleep apnea test. My doctor just called and advised me that I do not have sleep apnea. I can’t help but feel relieved, but at the same time I am disappointed that a definitive reason for my insomnia can not be ascertained. For now, I’ve decided that I’ve had enough of doctors and so-called experts, and I’m going to try to find a solution for my sleep issues which doesn’t involve pills. If you remember, I’ve previously described on here my unpleasant experiences with over the counter sleep aids. I tried various types of over the counter sleep pills, and they left me with horrible nightmares and insatiable thirst. I’m also quite nervous about becoming addicted to sleeping pills.
Last night my wife had me call her friend Joanne who is really into alternative medicine. Joanne told me that there are several possible natural cures for insomnia, and that she personally has seen them used with success. She gave me a list of possible natural cures of insomnia, and I’m now researching them trying to decide which is best for me. I first ruled out Melatonin. Although it seems that many people are able to use Melatonin successfully, I read that it can cause nightmares — something which I have already shown a tendency towards when I tried over the counter sleep aids. Also out is Kava. Although I see it discussed online, Joanne told me to stay away from it — Kava is now thought to potentially cause liver damage.
The next possibility is Valerian. This seems interesting. It seems that Valerian is a really popular natural cure for insomnia in Europe, and it has been used to treat insomnia for hundreds of years. Joanne insisted that Valerian is not tied to nightmares, and most importantly it is not addictive. The downside is that she said that you have to take Valerian for two to three weeks before it becomes effective. I don’t know if I can make it another 3 weeks like this sleeping only a few hours a night — if that. Joanne also suggested Yoga and Feng Shui — but I really am not the Eastern mystic type. I guess Yoga can’t hurt, but Feng Shui just strikes me as silly.
I think Valerian is on the top of my list to try as a natural cure for insomnia. Has anyone out there had success with any other possible natural cures? I’d really love to hear if you have.
Well, it didn’t last long. After sleeping like a baby last night, here I am again at 1:45am sitting out on our deck. After almost 3 hours of tossing and turning I decided to let Suz sleep in peace. I’m pretty sure she woke up when I got out of bed, and it’ll cause her to worry once again. She was so elated after my full night’s sleep yesterday, I was tempted to pretend to sleep the night through just to avoid her concern. But I needed some fresh air — lying in that bed sleeplessly any longer was going to drive me crazy.
When insomnia first hit me several weeks ago I thought it was a temporary thing, and I turned to over the counter sleep aids. I’m not a big fan of taking pills, but I read up on them and for occasional use most every authoritative site I researched said that they were ok. However, for me — they weren’t. For some reason, over the counter sleep aids caused me horrific nightmares — so bad that I’d awake screaming scaring the heck out of my wife and kids. Also, for the entire next day after I took sleeping pills I was incredibly dazed, fatigued and confused. It was even worse than after being up the whole night without any sleep at all. Also, for almost a day after taking over the counter sleep aids I couldn’t drink enough water — no matter how much I drank my mouth remained bone dry.
I tried both types of over the counter sleep aids — those containing Diphenhydramine and ones containing Doxylamine. Neither were good, but the second type did not produce side effects as severe as the first. Right now, I’m so disappointed that my insomnia returned after a beautiful night’s sleep last night that I’m willing to try an over the counter sleep aid again. I’m going to try a different brand containing Doxylamine than I tried initially a few weeks ago, and I really hope it works. I really need at least a few hours of sleep tonight, or I’m going to be completely worthless at tomorrow’s (or today’s I should say now that it is 2:00am) staff meeting. There is a 24 hour drugstore a few blocks down the street — surely the over the counter sleep aids aisle will be a lively place at 2am. Maybe I can make some new insomniac friends.
Part of me is scared that pills will work ok for me — most of what I read warns about how addictive they can be. Assuming they can work for me — what road will that lead down? I really wanted to stay away from pills, but as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men…..
Many of those who suffer from insomnia do not want to rely upon over-the-counter or prescription medications nor upon any other solution employing chemicals or artificial substances. Thankfully, there are a variety of natural sleep aids which have been effectively — and safely — used for centuries. Melatonin is one of these natural sleep aids, and it is produced by the body for the purpose of regulating your internal “timeclock”. Taking Melatonin a half hour prior to going to bed is among the best natural sleep aids available, and independent studies have shown that it entails minimal side effects. Some who use Melatonin report highly vivid dreams and/or nightmares.
Another popular supplement among the universe of natural sleep aids is Valerian. This natural herb is actually sold over the counter in Europe as one of several natural sleep aids, and it has been used for hundreds of years by those having trouble falling asleep. Valerian must be used for several weeks to take effect, and it should be consumed an hour before going to sleep. The good news is that no side effects whatsoever have been associated with Valerian.
Kava is another herb which falls within the class of natural sleep aids, and it has been used for several decades as a natural cure for insomnia. However, there have been recent reports which tie excessive Kava use to liver injuries, so we recommend avoiding this natural sleep aid. In the end, what works for one person might not work for another. Natural sleep aids have varying effects on different users, and you must derive by trial and error which is the best for you.
Millions of Americans have occasional — if not chronic — problems when it comes to getting a full night’s sleep. Most commonly, those suffering from insomnia select from a variety of OTC (over the counter medications dispensed without a prescription) sleep aids. Which are the best sleep aids, and how does one ensure they are taken safely? Although much remains unknown about their efficacy and associated potential long term side effects, certain facts have been ascertained in relation to many of the most popular OTC pharmaceutical sleep aids.
Diphenhydramine is a very common component within many OTC sleep aids, and it is the active ingredient within brand names including Benadryl, Tylenol PM and Sominex. Those who use drugs containing Diphenhydramine can expect to experience side effects including, but not limited to, dizziness, extended drowsiness often lasting after the subsequent morning, memory problems and a dry mouth. Sleep aids containing Diphenhydramine should be avoided by those with cardiovascular issues, an enlarged prostate or glaucoma. Additionally, Diphenhydramine is not among the best sleep aids for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
OTC sleep aids utilizing the active ingredient Doxylamine are also currently a popular choice for those experiencing occasional insomnia. The most salient brand name using Doxylamine is Unisom, and potential side effects associated with this OTC sleep aid include prolonged drowsiness, dry mouth and light-headedness. Unisom and other OTC sleep aids containing Doxylamine should not be used by those with glaucoma, bronchitis, peptic ulcers or asthma. It is strongly advised that those taking any OTC sleep aid refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until the effects have completely worn off.
Some of the best sleep aids contain natural supplements as opposed to chemically-based pharmaceuticals. The most common supplement used to combat insomnia is melatonin. Some swear by melatonin’s effectiveness, whereas others claim that it is far from being among the best sleep aids currently available. Much of the debate centers around potential side effects of melatonin which includes the reports of irrational behavior, depression, confusion and anxiety. However, some melatonin users do not report any of these adverse effects.
Whichever OTC sleep aid you select, it is important to closely follow the instructions printed on the bottle. Those with serious pre-existing medical conditions should only use OTC sleep aids under the supervision of their primary care physician. When used properly, OTC pills for insomnia can prove to be among the best sleep aids available.
Some lucky individuals never have a problem falling asleep, and they are in dream-land minutes after their head hits the pillow. Many other less fortunate people experience either occasional or persistent problems falling asleep. Insomnia can impact every phase of your life from the workplace to your interpersonal relationships. The human body depends upon a full night’s sleep in order to function correctly, and when it is deprived of sleep a plethora of adverse consequences can emerge. The causes of insomnia can be broken down into three main groups — temporary factors, physical causes and psychological triggers.
Temporary factors which can prove to be causes of insomnia include minor fleeting sleeplessness arising from caffeine consumption or from jet lag. There are many sleep aids which can effectively address these highly occasional bouts of insomnia, and these mundane insomnia causes can often be addressed with minimal behavioral changes. More serious life events including divorce or loss of a loved one can produce what is called “adjustment sleep disorder”. This type of insomnia cause can be in the form of a major life event as referenced above, or from another type of outside trigger such as bad weather or darkness. This explains the higher incidence of clinical depression in areas which experience seasonal round the clock darkness. There are also some medications which have been shown to be causes of insomnia in a portion of those who take them.
There are myriad physical causes of insomnia with some being more prevalent based upon gender and others tied to age. Hormonal changes within women — most saliently upon menopause — have been shown to be a documented cause of insomnia. Pregnancy and PMS have also been tied to insomnia within the female population. Some medical conditions including asthma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, allergies, Parkinson’s disease and cardiovascular conditions have been shown to be causes of insomnia. Although much is still unknown about the phenomenon of human sleep, researchers have established that a lack of the naturally produced substance melatonin can prove to be an insomnia cause. The body’s ability to produce melatonin decreases with age, and consequently this can end up being among the main causes of insomnia within the elderly population.
Some causes of insomnia arise from underlying psychological triggers. Anxiety is omnipresent within modern life, and it also has been shown to be a prominent insomnia cause. Insomnia stress related disorders arising from anxiety and/or depression can be treated by therapy, pharmaceuticals or changes in lifestyle and behaviors — or a combination of all of these facets. Insomnia relief — independent of the applicable cause — can be achieved by all sufferers even if the first avenue does not work. There are a significant number of potential treatments and insomnia tips — the key is to keep trying until you find the one that works for you.
Everyone has occasional bouts of sleeplessness. However, seeing you are reading this, the odds are high that you have a more chronic form of insomnia — and have a great desire for insomnia tips and advice towards helping you start getting a full night’s sleep. The best insomnia tips are often the most simple. Think about what you eat and drink within the 2 hours prior to going to bed. Do these foods and drinks contain caffeine? If so, you should cut them out. Some people find it difficult sleeping after consuming large amounts of sugar, so an easy pointer among all the insomnia tips is to cut out those sweets for at least 120 minutes prior to bed-time.
Many good insomnia tips relate to your sleep environment. Some people can sleep through a train roaring through their bedroom, while others of us are awakening by the slightest noise, movement or ray of light. Ensure that your sleep space is as dark, quiet and temperate as you can make it. A good tip could also be to try another pillow, or rearrange the direction of your bed. Small adjustments like these have been known to work wonders.
In some cases, applicable insomnia tips entail a more serious response. Sleep apnea is a major cause of insomnia, and if this is the reason for your sleepnessness, then you must address it immediately. Sleep apnea can lead to serious health effects including high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. Depression has also been tied to insomnia. Today, clinical depression can be effectively treated, and addressing it surely will improve many aspects of your life including sleep.
One of the best insomnia tips is to be very careful when using OTC or prescription sleeping pills. These sleep aids are great for occasional insomnia, but when used regularly they can be addictive and serve to only exacerbate the existing problem. Run down the list of possible causes of insomnia and see which apply to you. Once you know the source of your insomnia, then you’ll be able to focus on the best insomnia tips for your individual circumstance.
Research has shown that a majority of us have at least occasional trouble when attempting to fall asleep fast. Whether you have periodic or chronic insomnia, there are solutions available which prove far more effective than counting sheep. For those experiencing temporary bouts of insomnia, there are a plethora of over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids which can allow you to fall asleep fast. These pills do not require a prescription, and studies have shown that they can be used safely and effectively for limited duration. However, even the best OTC sleep aids can become addictive, and they should not be used to treat chronic insomnia.
Some have trouble falling asleep because they — or their partners — are afflicted by snoring. There are several easy fixes when it comes to snoring including strips which facilitate the flow of air through the nose and sleeping techniques which lower the odds of snores ensuing. Simple environmental issues can prove to be the culprits behind your failure to get to sleep. Noise, light and temperature can all prevent sleep, and the easiest first step for those desiring to fall asleep fast is to ensure a dark, quiet and cool setting within your sleep space.
There can be more serious causes behind the inability to fall asleep fast. One such example is sleep apnea which entails brief periods of breathing cessation which occur sporadically throughout the night. Not only does sleep apnea ensure a night of tossing and turning, but it also can lead to more serious adverse health effects including cardiovascular issues. Those suffering from sleep apnea can find relief via changing their sleeping position, losing weight or using a variety of devices on the market aimed at combating this condition.
No matter what the reason behind your inability to fall asleep fast, there is an effective treatment. The first requisite step is to identify the particular issue behind your sleep issues. With this knowledge you are better able to select the best solution geared for your particular sleep issue. There is no reason to continue tossing and turning each night — there is a cure out there which will allow you to fall asleep fast.
There are a huge amount of sleep aids on the market today. When picking a sleep aid there are three categories to pick from. One is available only by prescription, the second choice is to use an over the counter sleep aid while others are at your nearest health food store. Only you and/or your doctor can help to decide which sleep aid is right for you.
Prescription medications that help you get to sleep include Lunesta, Rozerem, Halcion, Ambien and Sonata. Medications that help you stay asleep are Estazdam, Lunesta, Restoril, Ambien CR. These are really more of a last resort for someone with prolonged insomnia. Side effects may include dizziness, headache, sleep-driving, severe allergic reaction, swelling of the face, as well as possible prolonged drowsiness.
The next best possible sleep aids are over the counter medications. Diphenhydramia, is the key ingredient in medications such as Nytol, Sominex and Unisom. These have very few side effects. It is possible to become addicted to any sleep aid, whether a prescription or over the counter drug.
Getting out of the drug thought process, try using herbs to help you sleep. A cup of chamomile tea before bed helps to relax your mind and your muscles. You may also want to try valerian root which reduces the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep as well as increasing the quality of your sleep. This should be taken approximately 1 hour before bedtime. Valerian root takes 2-3 weeks for the user to receive it’s full effects. Do not use it longer than 3 months. Consult a health professional before using this herb if you take prescription medications. Other items are lavender, which is a known stress reliever as well as St.John’s Wort which is known to help with depression. If your insomnia is due to depression then this herbal supplement would help a great deal. Another supplement recommended by herbalists is melatonin. Melatonin is a natural substance inside our bodies that help to control your internal clock. It can be taken in pill form. It is great for jet lag or if you work odd hours at work. Melatonin should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime and be used for less than three months. Doctors say that caution should be used with this her if you suffer from depression or an autoimmune disease. All of these herbs can be found in health food stores as well as in some grocery stores.
A truly all natural way to induce sleep is through food. Ingesting Tryptaphan, most commonly found in turkey meat, causes increased levels in serotonin which transforms into melatonin. This type of response also occurs when eating complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads or whole grain crackers.
Ok, so its 2am and you are having problems sleeping. Although over the counter sleeping products can take care of minor problems, their prolonged usage is not recommended in just the same manner as prescription sleeping pills. If the problem is not resolved it is advisable to seek professional help. I want to go over some alternatives on my blog, feel free to add more in the comments. I am sure many people know about nyquil etc but I want to hear what everyone is using!
Alternative Sleep Aids To Prescription Drugs
Unlike prescription sleeping pills non prescription sleep aids and over the counter sleeping products are generally administered and used without the help or recommendation of a physician. Nyquil is the brand name of the product produced by Vicks Company and it is widely used for treating cold and cough. Since Nyquil contains sedating antihistamines and hypnotics it is the poor cousin of prescription sleeping pills and its use and abuse is quite rampant. Nyquil is available in liquid and packaged capsules. Although people do take this drug for its benefits of inducing sleepiness, it is but a temporary solution just like Tylenol Pm.
Melatrol and Mellodyn are other such sleep aids taken by people for overcoming insomnia and being 100 percent natural they can be bought over the counter. Melatrol helps the production of hormone melatonin which is produced by the body to induce sleep especially during evening. Besides these non prescription drugs that are orally taken there are a host of other sleep aids too that can be used instead of prescription drugs. Among these is the use of Isocones which are generally worn on each wrist held in position by a light weight adhesive band. They act with gentle pressure with each involuntary movement of the hand during night sleep. It is an ancient art of acupressure and massage and is extremely helpful. Then there are cervical pillows, CDs and audio tapes that try to use the power hypnosis to induce sleep. Some tried and tested local remedies sometimes work much better in treating temporary sleep problems.
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