Sleep problems...

[Ronin13]

So it's been about 4 or 5 weeks now and I can honestly say I haven't had a single night of actual quality sleep in that time period. I've been to the VA and have a prescription on the way that we're going to try but that was a week ago and I still am waiting for it to arrive (the VA isn't exactly the fastest moving entity in the world). I realize I need to start exercising a bit more to tire myself out and help de-stress (perhaps even make time to go shooting)... but that aside is there anything you guys could recommend that could help me sleep better? I usually have no problem falling asleep, it's getting good, healthy sleep... Maybe I should start going to those cancer meetings and blood parasite meetings? (Fight Club reference)

[DD977GM2]

Honestly, try taking 800mg of ibuprophen about 30 mins before you go to bed.
From my motorcycle accident and the meds they gave me, I have odd sleeping patterns and cycles.

Give it a shot or try over the counter dramamine (motion sickness pills)
They work too.

[sniper7]

taking plenty of time away from computers and cell phones helps me. I find if I am on my cell phone or laptop a lot before bed that I get worse sleep.

a good bit of exercise really helps.

a day with kids will put you to sleep really well!

or try driving 55 in the left lane of I-70 westbound. I find it relaxing especially when I have a crazy guy in a beemer behind me throwing a fit.

[Monky]

So it's been about 4 or 5 weeks now and I can honestly say I haven't had a single night of actual quality sleep in that time period. I've been to the VA and have a prescription on the way that we're going to try but that was a week ago and I still am waiting for it to arrive (the VA isn't exactly the fastest moving entity in the world). I realize I need to start exercising a bit more to tire myself out and help de-stress (perhaps even make time to go shooting)... but that aside is there anything you guys could recommend that could help me sleep better? I usually have no problem falling asleep, it's getting good, healthy sleep... Maybe I should start going to those cancer meetings and blood parasite meetings? (Fight Club reference)

No light in the room at all. No alarm clock, fire alarm light, nothing. Get black out curtains for the window.

It could also be your bed isn't supportive enough/firm enough for your size.

I bought a new tempurpedic and i sleep like a baby now. I don't find myself tossing and turning, if I'm tired I go right to sleep.

Are you drinking too much caffeine late?

Could be a lot of factors, drugs are not the way to go.

There are some 'natural' sleep aids you could try.. valerian root is one.

[Sparky]

3mg of melatonin. Chase that with 2 tylenol pm's. Knocks me right out.

[Tinelement]

Zannybars. (Alprazolam)

I have super high anxiety, when it kicks in I don't sleep for an hour a night. 2 Zbars and its nighty night! If its really bad and I can predict it, 2 Zbars and 2 shots of JD........

But then again.....



I can do that cause I was born in the 70's!

[sellersm]

Melatonin, 5http (it's what the body uses to make its own melatonin & seratonin), a homeopathic product known as Quietude from Boiron (natural grocers, whole foods sells it), a drink known as Neuro Sleep, comes in an orange bottle... valerian root as mentioned is helpful.

Remove 'stimulation' at least 30" before going to bed: computer, tv, games, cell phone, etc.

Also, we've had success with relaxation music: music therapy music recorded at 50 beats per minute. Like what a massage therapist might use...

[sellersm]

Also, if the rx is for Ambien, be aware that a big side-effect is short-term memory loss, so be careful what you do between the time you take it and goto sleep!!

[Ronin13]

Wow, I take one phone call and this filled right up! Thanks, and Monky, I've heard of valerian root, where can I get that? I like where your head's at, drugs being a not-so-great way to go, I'm thinking about getting some of that herbal decaf tea that is supposed to help you sleep and I've heard mixing it with honey is great (because honey is natural sugars that don't give you the jitters like glucose when they break down).

Sniper, I'll keep that in mind- I usually put on a movie or netflix on my computer (I have an external monitor connected) before bed and usually plan it so that it is over about the same time I go to sleep. And I don't know about doing 55 in the fast lane... I may drive a beemer, but I don't go crazy, I just right lane pass ya if you're going slow

[pdr240]

I do some stretching / deep breathing to help relax and try not to eat too much too late ... good luck, it sucks being awake at night.