It’s Barnaby, and unfortunately I have returned. Not that I didn’t miss all the wonderful feedback from the readers of CantSleep.com — but I had thought I had put my trouble sleeping to bed once and for all (no pun intended). For around two weeks, Valerian was working perfectly — but, to my dismay, last weekend I once again had trouble sleeping. I at first chalked it up to a temporary relapse into insomnia, but after tossing and turning the entirety of last night I realized my trouble sleeping has returned with a vengeance. I’ve previously enumerated here at CantSleep my search for the root cause of my insomnia — to no avail. My sleep apnea test came back negative, I don’t suffer from depression and I’ve severely limited my consumption of caffeine and alcohol since my trouble sleeping began several months ago.
I thought I had found the magic bullet to cure my trouble sleeping with Valerian — but alas, that was too good to be true. Well, I’m going to have to delve back into my insomnia research and unfortunately start again appointments with specialists in my seemingly never-ending quest for a good night’s sleep. I shall keep everyone updated on my sleep (or lack thereof).
Hi everyone, Barnaby here. First, I’d like to thank everyone who sent me suggestions for natural cures for insomnia. So many of you sent accupuncture — but to tell you the truth — that really freaks me out. I decided to try Valerian first, and it’s only been a few days but it appears it is already working. The lady who originally recommended it to me, Joanne, told me that it could take 2 to 3 weeks of use to take effect. She thinks that I might be experiencing a bit of the placebo effect, but to tell you the truth, I don’t care — just so long as I can sleep. Last night I got just over 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep, and I was actually able to stay alert and focused at work today — which recently has been a real rarity.
So just how does Valerian work? It appears that science has not yet answered this question. “Mainstream” medicine was initially skeptical of Valerian as a treatment for insomnia, but several recent studies have shown that it can be effective in many cases. In the end, so long as it helps me get restful sleep without harming me, I really don’t care what “science” says about it. I was able to find Valerian at a nutritional store, and Joanne recommended that I start with a daily intake of 7 grams taken 3 hours before going to bed. For the past 2 nights I’ve fallen asleep within an hour after hitting the pillow. I haven’t experienced any side effects like I did before with sleeping pills, and my research so far hasn’t shown anyone who claims Valerian is addictive.
I’m quickly becoming a believer in Valerian. We’re off tomorrow on a trip for a few days to visit my wife’s sister and her family up in Wisconsin. Taking a few days off work should further help to reduce the stress which built up during my several weeks of not sleeping. Hopefully the Valerian continues to allow for restful sleep. I’ll give everyone an update when I return.
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.
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.
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.
Hi everyone, Barnaby here. First, I’d like to thank everyone who sent me suggestions for natural cures for insomnia. So many of you sent accupuncture — but to tell you the truth — that really freaks me out. I decided to try Valerian first, and it’s only been a few days but it appears it is already working. The lady who originally recommended it to me, Joanne, told me that it could take 2 to 3 weeks of use to take effect. She thinks that I might be experiencing a bit of the placebo effect, but to tell you the truth, I don’t care — just so long as I can sleep. Last night I got just over 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep, and I was actually able to stay alert and focused at work today — which recently has been a real rarity.
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