Counting sheep...just Ain't Crackin' It.

All the women in my family over 30 claim that they are much more sensitive to caffine than when they were younger and cannot have any after lunchtime or it keeps them awake.

Depending on your age it could be hormonally related. Even as young as mid-30's it's not uncommon to have early perimenopausal hormone imbalance which can cause a whole host of symptoms not the least of which is insomnia. Check out Louise Gittelman's book, "Before the Change..." for some good info on balancing hormones.

I'm in the midst of full blown menopause and have serious bouts with insomnia-I know how debilitating it is! Besides hormone balancing (keeping blood sugar balanced is key-the book has guidelines that really help) some supplements I use that may help are GABA and L-theanine (amino acids for calm) and 5-HTP (made from a bean, gives the body what it needs to produce seratonin) and very strong chamomile tea before bed. Melatonin does help me most of the time (not always) and you might consider trying it in conjunction with any of these other things-sometimes it's a combination of things that work.

Good luck!

I don't have this problem, but I just read an interesting book which makes me think you may want to try Hormone Replacement Therapy. It can be useful for people of all ages, so you may want to look into it. Is there anything stressful going on that could be preventing you from falling asleep? Or maybe you could try to walk in the evenings which might help relax you or make you more tired...Good luck!

My mom and I both used to use Natural Calm when we had trouble sleeping and it would help. Google it for more info, but it is a magnesium suppliment and we used to get it at a vitamin store.

The other thing that helps me is falling asleep to Friends or some other sit-com re-runs. When I'm lying in bed at night my mind will get too active, but if I'm half watching shows that I've seen before it helps me relax.

Good luck!

I have always been an insomniac and night person. But I did develop much more sensitivity to caffeine when I got pregnant and it never went away. Perhaps dropping the afternoon tea (or drinking decaf) will help. I can't drink coffee of any kind after lunchtime or it keeps me up. Also many sodas (including some orange and root beers) and chocolate have caffeine. Regular sudafed (the kind that in now behind the pharmacy counter) is a stimulant. I have had times when it is just plain stress keeping me up. I have tried some prescriptions but they only helped sometimes (other times I took it and was still awake). Good luck playing detective and getting yourself back on track.

Definitely have the answer -- Moon Drops -- they are homeopathic and work amazing. I take one every single night as I hit the pillow, and never wake up the whole night. They are all natural, do not give you any drugged out weird feeling at all, you wake up well rested.....they are safe for kids too (I always have them on overseas flights for the kids and I)....
You can buy them at most health food stores, but they are cheaper online, I buy them buy the case. You can also find them on amazon.com, I get mine at vitacost.com

http://www.vitacost.com:80/Historical-Remedies-Homeopathi...

Caffeine can become a bigger problem as you grow older. I've had to give it up completely since I reached my 40's – now in my 60's I can't even get away with decaf.

Since so many have answered that it might be caffeine, but you say that has not changed, I won't comment on that. Let's treat it as something more psychological ... what has changed? Do you have a new routine? New medications? New stresses? School just started for my kids, so I'm sleeping differently just because of that.

I've had insomnia since I was a child, and I've had to train my brain to think differently so that I can go to sleep at night. I still often wake up early (I'm answering this before 4:30 a.m.), but I sleep much better with a bit of managing. I started keeping a list book or diary by the bed so that I can write down the things I need to do the next day (these tasks were making me worry the night before--even stupid things like taking out the trash), and I also often read a book right before bed--just a few pages--enough to take my mind off my daily life completely, so that I don't go to bed wondering why my husband didn't tell me he liked the new recipe, or wonder if the kids are going to take FOREVER to get ready again in the morning.

Although what you eat and drink will certainly affect sleep patterns, I find that my mind is the culprit in most cases. This morning, though, I'm up because my husband turned on the window air conditioner, and by four it was hard to breathe (I don't like dry air). I also find I'm particular about sound and light--white noise is almost necessary, and light is an absolute no-no--even the light from his cell phone. Sure people might laugh at you--my husband does me, and I've been particular all my life--but you need sleep.

I hope some of these options work for you. If not, feel free to e-mail me through this, and I can help you think of some more possibilities. Hopefully your insomnia won't last long.

Please talk to your doctor to see if you can find a medical reason. Chances are, it's psychological - stress, anxiety, etc. At least, it is for me. I can't shut my brain down at night. It's likely been 10 years since I last had a "good" night's sleep.

Diphenhydramine (benadryl) is the active ingredient in Tylenol PM, Advil PM, and Unisom. It has no affect on me, but it can have an effect on other people helping lull them into a good sleep.

Your doctor or pharmacist should be able to tell you which products, both herbal and Rx/OTC are safe to use. I've really heard mixed opinions from physicians about melatonin.

I started finally sleeping better during chemo and realized one of the anti-nausea drugs was helping me shut my brain down long enough to sleep. I have a prescription for that now, and while it's not great, it helps me get to sleep. 2 small kids, a cat, a dog and a snoring husband often disrupt my sleep.

Good luck - you're not alone!

Try a little dad of 100% pure lavender on your pillow, I use it and it helps me sleep like a baby. J.

Take a look at your schedule and eating habits. Do not intake more than half of your calories after 6 pm (that means no snacking after dinner). You can also try boosting your protein and calorie intakes before noon by having a midmorning power bar. If you exercise, try to do that before noon. All these things will change your metabolism and start telling your body that it is time to shut down at night. You should see some results after a few days, but it takes a good 3-4 weeks for it work every night. I will also warn you that the first few days will be tough as your natural rhythyms change and you might feel very sluggish.
Good luck,
C.

I agree that caffeine tolerance changes throughout life but I also wanted to mention something I learned recently, on the odd chance it might apply to you. I learned that blue lights, like the ones that lit my kids' humidifier and clock/sound machine, mess with your circadian rhythms. These are what cause us to naturally wake when morning arrives. The blue triggers us to believe that morning has come and can prevent you from entering deep sleep. I took the blue-light makers out of their room and their sleep definitely improved. Best of luck!

http://www.YummyLiquidVitamins.com My hubby and I have been taking this and see a HUGE difference! It's less than $50 per month, you just 'shake it and take it'. It has tons of things in it, good for people with diabeties, etc. Watch the 3 min video on the website. Let me know if you have any questions, good luck!