Among Friends

[Shanus]

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

Chronic insomnia here.

I started taking melatonin - I was very skeptical - and after about 6 weeks I found my deep sleep increasing.  I don't take it all the time anymore but when I think it will be necessary, I do.  Placebo effect?  Don't care what it is, I am sleeping better.

I also have a remote-controlled fan near the bed, and right now a humidifier as well.  I find that helps.

Once I can get into the habit of sleeping I sleep.  I still wake up many times, but I think I just always will.😴🙃

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@Sweetbay magnolia   I take melatonin as well...10mg. My doc suggested it and 10mg. is safe to take each night. I also have a CD of rain, thunderstorms, meditation, massage type music that I listen to while falling asleep...blocks out any outside noise and by now, signals my brain it’s bedtime. My doc said setting up a routine is a great way to get to sleep.

What works for me most nights is a warm glass of milk, a bath w/ a few candles, my “rain cd”, keeping the temp in the house very cool at night...66-68 degrees, & maybe the most important thing is getting everything done at least 1/2 hr. before this ritual begins. My face is cleansed/moisturized, whatever. I’ve made my “to do list” for next day, anything that finishes the day BEFORE I set myself up for a night’s sleep.

This routine works 75% of the time. The other nights, I get out of bed, read or watch tv. Tossing and turning in bed doesn’t help. It’s better, for me, to just get out and find something else to do.

[arrabella]

@felinemom  I too was taking Ambien and my doctor took me off of them.  From what I understand, there are a lot of side effects, especially when you're older. Now I'm taking Trazodone 50 mg with a tab of Benadryl. Sometimes it works and sometime it doesn't.  My doctor has uped the dose of Trazodone to 100mg but I haven't filled the new Rx. yet.  I must say, I miss my Ambien!

[hsawaknow]

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@BadWolf wrote:

I just read about this trick that sounds ridiculous but actually works for me.  When you are in bed ready to sleep, close your eyes.  Then move them left to right then up and down for a few seconds with eyelids closed.  This simulates REM eye movement and puts your brain in sleeping mode.  I know it sounds weird but it honestly has cut my falling asleep time markedly.

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Thank you. Im open to all suggestions.

[Vivian]

I am following in my mother’s insomnia habits and now my middle aged daughters are following suit. I tried melatonin for a year to no effect. 

[AuberriJean]

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@BadWolf wrote:

I just read about this trick that sounds ridiculous but actually works for me.  When you are in bed ready to sleep, close your eyes.  Then move them left to right then up and down for a few seconds with eyelids closed.  This simulates REM eye movement and puts your brain in sleeping mode.  I know it sounds weird but it honestly has cut my falling asleep time markedly.

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Thank u for this interesting suggestion @BadWolf!

[blackhole99]

I stopped sleeping through the night when I hit menopause and have not slept well for years. I recently bought a humidifier from the Q and I have been getting 6 and 7 hours of sleep straight for the past 2 weeks, hope it continues.

[insomniac2]

I have long suffered from insomnia (hence my screen name).

I have found that my body reacts to caffeine in a strange way: it relaxes me. So if I get up in the middle of the night and drink some cappucino, I feel more ready for sleep.  (But I have to avoid caffeinated drinks when I'm driving.)

[Katcat1]

I do not suffer from Insomnia but if I drink caffeine too late, I can be up all night going to bed at 6 am or 7 am in the morning and sleeping during the day.  I hate that.  Live and learn.  However, I do have a tendency to go to bed late 2 am or 3 am.

[lovesrecess]

My doctor said most sleep meds can make the problem worse, not better. I have no problem falling asleep...but staying asleep is another matter.
Due to a medical condition, it is critical for me to get adequate sleep. I now take .5 lorazepam at bedtime...it is a super small dose but it really helps.
I also enjoy camomile tea late in the evening....Celestial makes some good ones; the tea can help as well. I cut out caffeine after 5:30 pm or that can really keep me from sleeping, even if I take the lorazepam...

If you have an iphone, they have a "bedtime" setting that can help also...check it out if you have an iphone or maybe there is an android version or an app.

[hsawaknow]

Another sleepless nite ahead. There is a guest staying in the room next to mine who snores like a freight train.....Im gonna have to buy some ear plugs, this is the 2nd time he has been here, I want to be prepared for next year.