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.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to get a peaceful and refreshing full night’s sleep. But the unfortunate ones fortunately have drugs such as Rozerem that can to a large extent take care of the problem for them.
Is Rozerem For You ? – Sleep On It
Sleep inducing drugs have been around for as long as sleeplessness and Rozerem comes with a lot of promises for the sleepless. Starting with potions that induced drowsiness to more sophisticated drugs that depressed the nervous system, sleeping pills have come along way. The earlier attempts have had the desired effect of inducing and maintaining sleep. But they were fraught with side-effects. Nausea and dryness of the mouth are some of the discomforts suffered by users. In addition, there was the danger of addiction.
Attempts to formulate a drug that did not sedate the entire nervous system, that was not addictive and that did not have side-effects led to the invention of Rozerem. Rozerem is a melatonin receptor agonist, which means that it attaches or bonds with only specific group of neurons localized in the brain and not in the entire nervous system. It leaves the entire central nervous system free to function normally, while it attacks the area of the brain dealing with sleep overloads. By bonding with MT1 and MT2 and thus blocking the alertness mechanism, Rozerem allows the sleep overload to take over and the person falls asleep naturally. Also, the time taken to fall asleep is significantly reduced with the use of Rozerem.
While this sounds like a fairy tale, bear in mind that often when a medication is tested for safety and efficacy, some side-effects do not come to light and are only seen when the drug is used. So, even though devised as a safe and naturally acting pill, it would not be wise to use Rozerem indiscriminately. Use it only under the doctor’s instructions, in the recommended dosage. Do not stop it suddenly or you will have withdrawal symptoms as your dependence on the pill has affected your ability to fall asleep naturally. Also, many a time, using a pill regularly and over long periods may reduce its efficacy, so do consult your doctor from time to time. Rozerem is not classified as a controlled substance and is definitely not a narcotic, but it could become habit forming.
In fact, there are several DON’Ts associated with the use of Rozerem. Avoid Rozerem if you are taking LUVOX or have liver problems. Also do not pop a Rozerem after having consumed alcohol. Since dizziness is one of the side effects, do not drive or operate machinery till you know how you will react to Rozerem. Many people may have allergic reactions. Rozerem may affect your libido or fertility, so do visit your doctor immediately if you notice any irregularities here.
Typically Rozerem is taken just before bedtime, usually about 30 minutes before and you can sleep for 8 hours after that, so you sleep away the potential nasty effects like nausea or dizziness. So what do these 8 hours of unbroken sleep cost you? A little more than $3, the average price of an 8mg Rozerem pill! With all the precautions and side effects listed, you have to decide if it is worth the cost.
Do you wake up choking in the night sometimes? Then you really need to start understanding Sleep Apnea For A Good Night’s Sleep.
Sleep apnea is quite a serious problem and can turn into a life threatening situation. It is immensely essential to know about the symptoms of this disorder to identify the exact cause before it gets too late. When you know what the real problem is, seeking timely sleep apnea help is possible thereby preventing more serious problems. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder wherein the person suffering from it ceases breathing for about 10-60 seconds. This cessation occurs a few times in a night. So if you wake up and find yourself gasping for breath, there is a possibility that you might be suffering from this disorder. Heavy sweating, getting up frequently to urinate, reduced sex drive and esophageal flux are some common symptoms of sleep apnea.
If you find yourself experiencing multiple symptoms, then it is essential to consult a physician immediately and get proper sleep apnea help. The doctor may suggest you to use a simple sleep mask. Many people have found these masks to be quite effective and there is really no need to resort to sleep medication or therapy. A sleep mask is basically made up of light-blocking fabric that can be used to cover eyes by fastening it around the head. The main purpose behind using it, is to create darkness which triggers the production of a hormone called Melatonin, which in turn directs the sleep cycle of body. Sometimes the problem could just be temporary in nature and can be treated without resorting to drastic medical treatment.
Vanda does all three. In the Phase II trials, 3 different doses of VEC162 were tested against a placebo and were to found to be more effective, for all three levels. It has been found to increase sleep time up to 48 minutes, according to reports. Furthermore, it facilitates natural sleep, so there are no side effects.
WASO (Wake Up After Sleep Onset) is the insomniac’s nightmare. VEC 162 reduced this causing the user to have an efficient sleep, and the time taken to fall asleep was also reduced. In pharma – medical parlance, VEC 162 had the desired sleep onset effect and sleep maintenance effect.
How does Vanda achieve this? Unlike the other drugs that bind to GABA-A receptors, widespread in the Central Nervous System, therefore, affecting the entire nervous system, Vanda is a melatonin receptor agonist, which means it selectively binds to melatonin receptors in the brain’s ‘master clock’. It does not bind with any other receptor in the entire nervous system, thereby avoiding a sedative effect or causing depression in the entire nervous system. It dampens the alerting signal and allows accumulated sleep load to take over, very naturally. This helps treat sleep disorders safely, without the scepter of sedation, and may even help depression, which successive trials would confirm.
The good news is that Vanda will probably be sold as an uncontrolled drug, just as its predecessor Rozerem, since it has no potential for abuse and no withdrawal symptoms. There are also no uncomfortable side effects like a dry mouth or more seriously, hormonal changes. Also, Vanda betters the current favorite Rozerem in sleep maintenance and might even overtake its sales. People will probably clamor for this wonderful pill with no known side effects – but wait! The most innocuous of remedies can be abused by unthinking users.
If you do start using Vanda, please take the physician’s directions very seriously. Do not prescribe your own doses. Secondly, try not to think of the drug as a lifeline for life. Instead, look upon it as a temporary means to get over your current sleep difficulties. It is also suggested that you use it only if your lack of sleep is due to ‘physical’ causes, like an injury or post-surgery pain. If you are under stress, look to first solve your problems cerebrally, rather than just bank on drug-induced sleep. This would insure you against the most serious side effect – drug dependence, dependence more psychological than physiological. Used judiciously, there is probably no parallel to Vanda in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
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.
If you are one of those people who have trouble sleeping (like me) the trick is to try to see what you are doing wrong and correct it instead of resorting to medications (duh!). I have learned that when you try to induce sleep unnaturally your muscles don’t relax and your body remains fatigued as you do not complete your sleep stages. Try to look for easy and natural solutions to your sleep problems instead. So I have researched a bunch about this topic and wrote some stuff to help you!
Need Help Sleeping ? Try These Simple Tips
Are you one of the many thousands who just can’t sleep for unfathomable reasons? Is this causing you to be irritable, tired and lazy all the time? Then you may be suffering from ‘Insomnia’ and the following few sleeping tips may help you get over this problem and get a good night’s sleep every single night.
First and foremost, stress is the most popular reason for sleeping problems. It will help if you keep your bedroom simple, clutter free and relaxing. Turn off the television, computer, radio, iPod etc an hour before you go to sleep. Take a long luxurious warm and relaxing bath after this and have some warm milk. Milk contains tryptophan which has a relaxing effect on the body. Avoid taking cold showers.
Lay off the caffeine. Caffeine is a known stimulant and keeps your body going. Avoid consuming anything with caffeine 3-4 hours before going to sleep. Instead use Valerian roots or Melatonin solution. These are herbal supplements that you can take with milk and are known to help sleeping. Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the Pineal gland in the body that plays an important role in the body’s circadian rhythm.
If you smoke or drink, then you should seriously think of quitting both the habits. Studies show that people who smoke and drink are more prone to insomnia than non smokers and drinkers. Please do not think drinking alcohol during day will solve the problem. You will have to quit all together.
Use a firm bed. A soft and squishy bed may feel very comfortable but it does not support your body muscles. Since muscles are not in a proper position, they are not able to relax and hence you are not able to sleep. Do not work on your bed in any condition. Program your body so that bed means sleep.
Try and avoid going out late at night for parties or other social gatherings at least until you have been able to establish a regular sleep pattern. Staying up late night can upset all your efforts and you may have to put in double the effort to get back on track again. Do not sleep in even if it is a weekend. Keep your bed as neat as possible. Use firm pillows and remember an extra pillow do not guarantee sleep.
Being physically active helps especially if you indulge in a little exercise late in the afternoon or if you do some stretches for a few minutes before going to bed. Avoid taking a nap in the afternoons no matter how tired you may be. Dress for bed according to the weather conditions so you don’t have to get up in between to change in case you are uncomfortable half way through the night. Go to sleep at the same time and wake up at the same time. Make a sleep routine and stick to it. If your body and mind connect you will never ever have any sleep troubles again.
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