Shanex Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 https://www.prevention.com/health/natural-sleep-remedies A decent article about trying to beat insomnia the natural way before asking the doc any Ambien or downers. Some of their points are well known by most people (turn off the tablet or phone an hour before hitting the sack, reading a book if you can't fall alseep within 20 minutes) others are more unheard of. I have been going through painful insomnias all week and before I ask for meds will take their advices and remedies as truth telling. Hopefully this also help others here. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 the is a newer Rx drug called Belsomra that is supposed to be pretty good Link to post Share on other sites
littleblackheart Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I was suffering from insomnia a few months back and felt cold all the time so I got some bloods done - it turns out I had an iron deficiency. I'm borderline anemic anyway but I'd lost a bit of weight (poor diet, not on purpose) and that affected my metabolism. I now take iron supplements and it seems to work. My friend (who is a doc) said insomnia is sometimes linked to your body not producing enough red blood cells. It may be worth getting blood tests done to be on the safe side? 2 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 It may be worth getting blood tests done to be on the safe side? yes, a trip to the local M.D. is indicated Link to post Share on other sites
FilterCoffee Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I was suffering from insomnia a few months back and felt cold all the time so I got some bloods done - it turns out I had an iron deficiency. I'm borderline anemic anyway but I'd lost a bit of weight (poor diet, not on purpose) and that affected my metabolism. I now take iron supplements and it seems to work. Have you checked your vitamin B12 levels? Mine are terribly low and I have similar symptoms. Link to post Share on other sites
littleblackheart Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 Have you checked your vitamin B12 levels? Mine are terribly low and I have similar symptoms. Yes, they are fine. I think there are 2 types of anemia, B12-deficiency and iron-drficiency (mine). I assume anemia gives the same symptoms whether it's one or the other. It's been fine since the tablets though, so maybe blood tests could help Shanex with his issue. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
divegrl Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. Thank you for sharing the article. I’ve also found Epsom salt baths with lavender about an hour before bed very helpful. You can also get lavender oil pills at the local health store. Please be careful of sleeping medications. These are “Z” drugs and have the same effects as benzodiazepines. They are highly addictive and should be used with caution. I hope you feel better!! 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Shanex Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share Posted January 20, 2018 Thank you divegrl, I actually hadn't thought about a hot bath before bed. It does help. As long as I can stay away from any sleeping pills, I will. No salt bath today and can't be bothered to purchase some now, but they will be on my next list when doing errands. Insomnia really is bad. Feeling exhausted does play on my mood. I need my 8 hours, have had only 4-5 all week and I'm really done with it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I need my 8 hours, have had only 4-5 all week and I'm really done with it. then go to the Dr. and get a Rx Link to post Share on other sites
IndigoNight Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 OP, How long have you been having trouble sleeping? If it has only been a week or so, not many doctors will prescribe anything for it. Typically, it has to be for a much longer period, and you will very likely have to go through a sleep study, and complete medical check up, if you haven't done so already. (Be sure to research the side effects of sleep medications before taking them. Many doctors will prescribe other medications off-label (not typically used for insomnia but often work well, without the severe side effects that many sleep medications have), instead of the standard sleep medications (Ambien, Belsomra, etc.). There are a LOT of things to try before using prescription medications. Chamomile tea, change in routine, yoga, meditation, natural/herbal supplements, exercise, hot bath, dietary changes, therapy, etc. You can find dozens of "foolproof" remedy articles online, and if you're lucky something will work for you. Most take more that one night to work/not work, so it really is a trial and error kind of thing. Everyone is different, and what works for some, won't necessarily work for others. Be very careful if you decide ro try Melatonin. Higher doses are rarely a good idea, and may cause more problems than it fixes if you overdo it. It is usually best if you try supplements like Melatonin, herbal sleep aids, etc. under the guidance of your doctor. Some things that can cause insomnia: New job, stress, new bed/old bad, change in sleeping location, weather, new relationship, partners sleeping habits (snoring, restless sleeper, etc.) relationship stress, dietary changes, change in work schedule, caffeine, medications, hormonal imbalance, vitamin or mineral deficiency (vitamin D (specifically D3) is a relatively common deficiency, especially if you are indoors often or live in a place that is overcast/cloudy more often than it is sunny. *Vitamin D3 needs to be taken with magnesium and calcium for it to absorb adequately.*) medical issues (thyroid is another common cause) etc. If something in your life has changed recently, is there any way to revert to pre-insomnia ways? Or, do you think with time you can adjust to those changes? Have you tried ear plugs, or an eye mask to block out distractions? If there is nothing you can pinpoint as the cause, and nothing is helping, definitely seek medical attention. Have your doctor run a complete blood panel, including vitamins and minerals. Sometimes it can be as simple as adjusting diet, or taking a vitamin/mineral supplement to get your sleep back on track. Your physician really is the best person to help you figure out what, if anything, you need. I have severe insomnia, and have been dealing with it for well over 30 years. For some insomniatic people there really is no remedy, and we just learn to deal with it. It's normal for me to not sleep at all for 3-5 days at a time. I have been doing it for so long, I actually function pretty "normally" on no, to very little, sleep. When I hit day 8 or 9 without sleep, not so much. My sleep specialist often consults with me about potential treatments for other patients, because I have tried the majority of them, and spent many a sleepless night in college classes educating myself on causes and treatment options. I've had insomnia for 20+ years longer than she has been treating it. My lack of sleep has helped her many times over the years. So, I suppose there is a silver lining to be found. I do apologize for such a long reply, but perhaps it will bore you to sleep I know how difficult not sleeping, and being tired all of the time, is. I wish you luck in getting your sleep back on track. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you think it will help. Your doctor is the best option, but I am happy to answer the more non-medical type questions. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
todreaminblue Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) i have insomnia at this period of time ...dont really know why...my blood pressure is up and i dont feel too good could be the meds i am on..and stress levels is ceiling height....i miss my furry friend who died keenly lately...i miss a friend who moved away and i havent seen him in forever it seems.....i miss his smile....the fact we dont even say hi anymore ...bugs me.... ....i read somewhere last night while i was browsing the net .....cant remember what site because i have forgetfulness because of insomnia.....that the best time to fall asleep (because of a chemical in your body is most produced then to promote sleep is between 1030 pm and 11 30 pm to aim for that time)....so i looked at my digital clock...and it said 130 am...and i thought there goes that idea tonight.....and kept browsing the net...went to bed at i dont know 3 something.. have you tried ambient music...deb Edited January 26, 2018 by todreaminblue 3 Link to post Share on other sites
todreaminblue Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) There are a LOT of things to try before using prescription medications. Chamomile tea, change in routine, yoga, meditation, natural/herbal supplements, exercise, hot bath, dietary changes, therapy, etc. You can find dozens of "foolproof" remedy articles online, and if you're lucky something will work for you. Most take more that one night to work/not work, so it really is a trial and error kind of thing. Everyone is different, and what works for some, won't necessarily work for others. Be very careful if you decide ro try Melatonin. Higher doses are rarely a good idea, and may cause more problems than it fixes if you overdo it. It is usually best if you try supplements like Melatonin, herbal sleep aids, etc. under the guidance of your doctor. still not tired can you keep writing please.....:0)...thank you for writing your ideas.. i would like to add shanex ...dont think so much before bed time....like trying to remember names..when i start to think is when my brain starts rushing...doesnt matter how tired my body is...i have to get up and sit up..do you have a lot on your mind at bed time...i am now going researching to find the chemical released after sex and orgasm that makes you sleepy and see if i can buy a truck of it ..edit Although women sometimes feel sleepy after sex, the phenomenon does seem more pronounced in men. ... Research shows that during ejaculation, men release a cocktail of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide (NO), and the hormone prolactin.Feb 1, 2013..... ISNT PROLACTIN MILK..when they gave me an injection of an antipsychotic i think it was depovera....my prolactin levels went to 300 times the norm..the doc nearly fainted......I was actually producing milk like i had triplets.....they took me off it pretty quick so had to put me back in hospital........so i wonder if milk is in your brain...is that the milk of human kindness....hahah..ahem..proof undeniable god has a sense of humor...and why kids get warmed milk before bed time.......deb Edited January 26, 2018 by todreaminblue 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Gr8fuln2020 Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 I have had issues with sleep over the years and I have found these things to be most important. 1. Strict bed time. I make certain that i am in bed, lights off, smartphone out of reach by 10PM each and every night. 2. Stop drinking coffee by 3PM. 3. Exercise daily. 4. Wake up around the same time. I get up at 5-530AM each morning. I get a solid 7-hours of sleep and I am good with that. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 what's the update Shanex? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Shanex Posted January 26, 2018 Author Share Posted January 26, 2018 what's the update Shanex? Much better. Thanks for asking. That was a super post IndigoNight, I really appreciate you took the time to write all that. I was going through a week of insomnia without finding the reason of it. I did the hot bath thing suggested by divegrl last week and it did help me to chill for the night. Since then Ive been sleeping even more than needed. About 9 hours. For now I still want to steer clear of any sleeping pills like Ambien or Zopiclone. I took them at some point but do not want to get ''hooked'' on them again. I did excercice a bit much, no coffee in the afternoon. Very few to no alcohol late in the evening and all is back on track. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 Much better. Thanks for asking. That was a super post IndigoNight, I really appreciate you took the time to write all that. I was going through a week of insomnia without finding the reason of it. I did the hot bath thing suggested by divegrl last week and it did help me to chill for the night. Since then Ive been sleeping even more than needed. About 9 hours. For now I still want to steer clear of any sleeping pills like Ambien or Zopiclone. I took them at some point but do not want to get ''hooked'' on them again. I did excercice a bit much, no coffee in the afternoon. Very few to no alcohol late in the evening and all is back on track. that's great news 1 Link to post Share on other sites
IndigoNight Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 still not tired can you keep writing please.....:0)...thank you for writing your ideas.. Todreaminblue, I definitely understand an overactive mind keeping you awake. As for sex, to me it would be a shot of adrenaline, and not useful for sleeping. So, what I use to calm my mind is adult coloring books. Instead of my mind thinking about 101 different things, I focus on the coloring, and it tends to soothe me. Coloring is also sometimes helpful for feeling stressed, anxious, or even depressed. I have many family and friends that I have gotten into coloring, and they all have said it helps calm their minds. If you think you might enjoy it, find an adult coloring book that appeals to you, some markers or colored pencils, turn off the tv (I listen to soothing music), and color until you feel more relaxed. I hope that helps. I am not sure why you would have been given depo provera for anything other than birth control. Perhaps is was depakote? One of the many side effects possible for depakote include insomnia. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Cookiesandough Posted January 28, 2018 Share Posted January 28, 2018 in on thread...I sleep an average of 3 hours a night now and it's driving me crazy. Been trying ASMR Link to post Share on other sites
todreaminblue Posted January 28, 2018 Share Posted January 28, 2018 Todreaminblue, I definitely understand an overactive mind keeping you awake. As for sex, to me it would be a shot of adrenaline, and not useful for sleeping. So, what I use to calm my mind is adult coloring books. Instead of my mind thinking about 101 different things, I focus on the coloring, and it tends to soothe me. Coloring is also sometimes helpful for feeling stressed, anxious, or even depressed. I have many family and friends that I have gotten into coloring, and they all have said it helps calm their minds. If you think you might enjoy it, find an adult coloring book that appeals to you, some markers or colored pencils, turn off the tv (I listen to soothing music), and color until you feel more relaxed. I hope that helps. I am not sure why you would have been given depo provera for anything other than birth control. Perhaps is was depakote? One of the many side effects possible for depakote include insomnia. sex makes me sleepy after its like a sedative which probably either my body produces prolactin or oxytocin..... apparently i keep talking though i am completely relaxed after sex.....languid......smilin...... anyway you are right i looked it up depo is a birth control it is intramuscular....what it actually was that they gave me that raised my prolactin levels was ....respirodone i was court ordered to take it because i refused oral medication.....its also used to control sexual dysfunction in rapists..i take offense and exception to that fact..that particular drug they gave me messed me up......as i said i had symptoms of pregnancy and produced milk like a cow....i like to think i was so full of the milk of human kindness to begin with.....they overdosed me on the stuff...it had absolutely no effect on my sex drive not that i needed it to anyway.......i dont feel i have ever really recovered from them guinea pigging me..... as far as colorign goes i have a heap of adult coloring books and coloured pencils and textas.....i have had to rebuy them over and over because my adult kids steal them all....and dont give them back.....they have drug addictions and while they are on stimulants they get bored and color in all night....or my granddaughter doesnt have what she needs for school so i give her what i have left.....when i have some more money ill rebuy again ... at the moment i dont have money to spare....my ex is sending me a big box...of pencils and colors and drawing aids...paints.....for me and my granddaughter..... which relates to me not sleeping......i am stressed ..and my outlets are beign taken from me...... getting on here and escaping for a while helps..helping others getting outside my own issues that i have no control over.........stops me waiting for three am phone calls...which do come ....and i dread them...... i also feel and i looked it up is that i am in the middle of a spiritual awakening,i have the checklist signed sealed and delivered for this..i should be a basket case...but i am not..and i feel really proud that i am not a basket case how many people can say that...smilin.......maybe because i have hope in my heart ...i never give up...keep hopin....and because i actually know i need to rest......when i can.....thanks indigo you are so right about coloring...colors feed the spirit and it is soothing always has been for me...i do my art really bold and colorful.....deb. Link to post Share on other sites
drakon12 Posted January 28, 2018 Share Posted January 28, 2018 I just masturbate before going to bed in case of I'm having trouble sleeping. Not the healthiest thing, but works for me. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
todreaminblue Posted January 28, 2018 Share Posted January 28, 2018 I just masturbate before going to bed in case of I'm having trouble sleeping. Not the healthiest thing, but works for me. wouldnt work for me...even if i wanted to... i share a bed.......my granddaughter sleeps next to me...deb Link to post Share on other sites
drakon12 Posted January 28, 2018 Share Posted January 28, 2018 wouldnt work for me...even if i wanted to... i share a bed.......my granddaughter sleeps next to me...deb Ah that's bad to hear. Also, I like to get my earphones and listening to some upbeat music and getting that energy out of my system before going to bed. It helps me relax and sleep better. To me, it's like when I have too much energy in my body I cannot sleep. Maybe it's like that for you too. If not, I'll let you know if I find another method 1 Link to post Share on other sites
unit1 Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 After 5 years insomnia , I finally got normal 7 hours sleep.... did a lot meditation, aura healing, etc. (but lately started to wake up very early ,not know why....) 2 Link to post Share on other sites
healing light Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I've been a severe insomniac for 20 years with a lot of health complications. I relate to IndigoNight. Turns out I'm heavy metal poisoned. So, here are the things that have helped me. Some will sound weird: Acupuncture (!!) Epsom salt baths Grounding with bare feet on the earth/soil/sand and getting sufficient sunlight during the day EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique/"tapping") Staying away from electronics (download flux app on your phone and computer to filter blue light in the evening) No clocks/cell phones, etc. within 10 ft of the bed Turning off WiFi at night Switching my position in bed near the full/new moon Regularly washing sheets (if you have a dust mite allergy) Binaural beats (input in each ear is different to help sync your brain into a relaxed state--check out BrainSync) Gentle stretching/exercise (like yoga) Rubbing my palms against the bottoms of my feet 100x at night (old Chinese remedy to help the channels commonly related to sleep communicate) Somatic therapy Clay baths Blocking out all light sources Going to bed before 11pm/at same time every night Massage Energy healing (like Rudy Hunter) Dietary suggestions: No caffeine/MSG/processed or overly salty foods Magnesium/calcium supplement at night (I keep this at my bedside and increase the dose throughout the night--helps with my tremors and to relax me even if it doesn't put me to sleep. Can't praise magnesium enough) Quality B vitamins Liver (for the iron and other trace minerals) Silica Liposomal Vitamin C Collagen hydrolysate Consuming yin/blood building foods regularly (like sweet potato, avocados, cherries, etc.) I know I'm missing stuff but those are some things to consider before drugging yourself. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
divegrl Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I've been a severe insomniac for 20 years with a lot of health complications. I relate to IndigoNight. Turns out I'm heavy metal poisoned. So, here are the things that have helped me. Some will sound weird: Acupuncture (!!) Epsom salt baths Grounding with bare feet on the earth/soil/sand and getting sufficient sunlight during the day EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique/"tapping") Staying away from electronics (download flux app on your phone and computer to filter blue light in the evening) No clocks/cell phones, etc. within 10 ft of the bed Turning off WiFi at night Switching my position in bed near the full/new moon Regularly washing sheets (if you have a dust mite allergy) Binaural beats (input in each ear is different to help sync your brain into a relaxed state--check out BrainSync) Gentle stretching/exercise (like yoga) Rubbing my palms against the bottoms of my feet 100x at night (old Chinese remedy to help the channels commonly related to sleep communicate) Somatic therapy Clay baths Blocking out all light sources Going to bed before 11pm/at same time every night Massage Energy healing (like Rudy Hunter) Dietary suggestions: No caffeine/MSG/processed or overly salty foods Magnesium/calcium supplement at night (I keep this at my bedside and increase the dose throughout the night--helps with my tremors and to relax me even if it doesn't put me to sleep. Can't praise magnesium enough) Quality B vitamins Liver (for the iron and other trace minerals) Silica Liposomal Vitamin C Collagen hydrolysate Consuming yin/blood building foods regularly (like sweet potato, avocados, cherries, etc.) I know I'm missing stuff but those are some things to consider before drugging yourself. Beautiful post healing light. I’ve done most of the above to support regular sleep patterns. ? Can I ask why the bed should be turned towards the full/new moon? Thanks my friend!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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