Insomnia
By mandakat
@mandakat (879)
Canada
6 responses
@pussywillow (718)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I take 3mg of Melatonin every night, about 1 hour before bed. Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces. Some people just don't produce enough of this hormone and your body does produce less of it as you age. Studies have shown this supplement to be completely safe - in fact, they have been unable to discover a toxic dose, even at extremely high dosages. I also take my calcium supplements at night as calcium can have a calming or sedative affect. I also use lavendar oil - a little of the essential oil dabbed on each temple, or sprinkled on a cotton ball and placed on the bedside table. Studies has shown that people who sleep around the scent of lavendar really do fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply through the night. And I use a couple of meditative techniques on those nights when nothing else helps. I've always had problems sleeping but these things really do help. When nothing works, I just sit up and read or do housework. Sometimes, you just can't win.
1 person likes this
@mandakat (879)
• Canada
1 Nov 06
I take Melatonin as well :)
I didn't know about calcium or lavender oil, although I don't really like the smell of lavender.
I try to keep a bedtime routine though, and I avoid being in or on my bed during the day, especially within several hours of needing to go to bed.
@pussywillow (718)
• United States
1 Nov 06
Excellent point - staying away from the bed during the day. I do the same and never take naps or lay down during the day unless I'm sick. If you want, I'll put together the meditative techniques I use and PM them to you.
1 person likes this
@mandakat (879)
• Canada
2 Nov 06
That would be great! I have a feeling they might help for a few of my problems lol. Although the doc just prescribed me another (in addition to my previous) asthma med, a nasal spray, that's supposed to desensitize the throat and long story short, might help with anxiety and overall breathing. I'm willing to try anything right now!
@Jellen (1852)
• United States
1 Nov 06
Well I don't deal with it. I stay up until I can knock off. Can't go to sleep unless my husband is already asleep. If he is awake, we are both awake. Some nights I only get 4-5 hours and other nights I slice the night in half with an hour out at the computer, until I am ready to go back to bed. Since I'm an early riser, I get shorted sleep. I like mornings before the sleeping household gets up. It's my time and it's quality. So to get back to the general question...walnuts help folks to feel sleepy. A warm beverage helps at times. Some enjoy a hot bath. I have not taken any herbs or supplements, but might after reading P.W.'s comment.
@mandakat (879)
• Canada
2 Nov 06
I have found that Sleepytime Extra Strength teas help some, and so does avoiding chocolate, sugar, and caffeine within 4 or 5 hours of bed (or heck, all day, although then I can barely stay awake!). I didn't know about walnuts, but I'm allergic so I think they're out lol.
@Proserpine (248)
• United States
1 Nov 06
I am like you, Jellen, except that if ANYONE in my family is awake, I cannot sleep, unless I am exhausted, as I was last night after too many children's events in one day. (I think I was asleep last night before my head hit the pillow!)No herbal remedies have ever helped me, so I write, read, etc., which is never a hardship because it is what I love to do best in the world. But of course my family and I pay a very heavy price the next day, as I am a very crabby sleep-deprived person.
1 person likes this
@themiddleone (267)
• United States
2 Nov 06
Beleive it or not, I put on the tv. Usually there is something on there that is so boring that I fall fast asleep, And if that doesn't work, I put on the radio, the classical music station, the one they play in elevators.
1 person likes this
@bargaingirl (844)
• United States
22 Oct 07
I have a few meditation/relaxation CDs that I listen to at bedtime.
