Sleeplessness (Is This a Word?)

melatonin. sleepytime tea. valerian. lavender tucked into pillow case. warm bubble bath before bed. calcium supplements. a really boring book<G>.
:) khairete
S.

Sleepless is a word, but most people would say insomnia, and everyone gets it from time to time. Melotonin, Valerian, Sleepy Time Tea (chamomile), warm milk at bedtime, vigorous exorcise (early in the day, not near bedtime), keeping bedroom for sleeping (no tv or computer), slightly cool temperature in the bedroom, eat dinner several hours before bedtime, no alcohol, waking up and going to bed same times every day - are all strategies that can help.

Insomnia is what it's called, melatonin or l-tryptophan are natural sleep aids to try instead of drugs. Herbs people try include chamomile, passion flower, and valerian. Relaxation music and using brainwave entraining sounds (delta waves) to help sleep could also be useful. Some hypnosis sessions and some energy healing sessions could also clear away the tension/stress that affect sleep. Also check the thyroid, mineral and vitamin deficiencies could be contributing to the problem. Sleeping pills and antidepressant drugs are hazardous and often addictive, so it's wise of her to reject her doctor's drug suggestions and seek better alternatives.

I don't know if it is word, but it is real. I agree with the lavender in the pillow. It is relaxing. Is she stressed or just restless? She may have to start with the root of the problem.

There are a lot of things she can do - working out is one. Reducing caffeine and alcohol is another. Losing weight helps if she is overweight. I've greatly reduced my sleeplessness (and yes, it's a word!) though natural nutritional supplementation. I've reduced my use of anti-depressants as well and my doctor is thrilled with everything.

I do suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and if that is a possibility, your friend could/should have a sleep study. This is more common if there is weight gain but not necessarily.

If the doctor is just throwing pills at her, she can look into other methods. But if there is a question of apnea and her breathing actually stops (which wakes her), then it should be checked thru a sleep study and not ignored.

Using sleep aids for a little bit can do some good or so i have read in a parenting magazine. When i was really exicted or anxious about something, i found i had a hard time sleeping. I took half a unisom cause a whole one made me feel way too drugged.

Now after 2 kids i have found using a sound machine works just as well. When its on the white noise, it seems like i dont hear every little noise in or outside the house and it helps turn off my brain from thinking about anything and everything. I can still hear my 5yr or the baby cry for me in the middle of the night.

Also, turning off the tv and/or computer at least a half hour before going to bed helps too.

No pharmaceutical drugs, please. Yes, it's a word. Whenever I can't sleep, I do pop a Tylenol PM occasionally. That doctor is probably getting some kind of kickback.

It is nutrition folks- really. Get a Calcium/ Magnesuim- one of those you add water to,and then Standard Process(I don't know another company that does this) has a separate Vitamin B- they call it G that is for vaso dialation which means it lets the body relax.
I can give her a website to help her, contact me if you'd like that.
No drugs- very long term effects. Well done to you helping your friend.
best, k