What have you found that gets you more than a few hours of ZZZZs? My neurologist wants me to take ambien. My rheumatologist suggests muscle relaxant. And benedryl makes me wound up. I am not drinker but I am exhausted...What have you found that works? (I know turn off the computer earlier (%)...but besides that)
I personally would avoid ambien. I've heard that people sleep walk when they take it and it is also addictive.
I know what it is like to have trouble sleeping. In my case I can't turn my mind off at night. Anxious thoughts running through my mind. I like to read before I go to bed. It winds me down for the night. GoodLuck!
Angel
Benedryl will give me a great night sleep, but I found out I can't take that pill during the day for allergies, then another at night to sleep because in the morning things will seem strange, like everything is enhanced... it was pretty weird.
I agree with Gershun, try to avoid ambien. My sig other uses that pill and he said he is fine while taking it, but I think he is in denial about the side effects.
Just very recently I have stopped eating chocolate, oh my gosh that is so hard to do... I have noticed I am now sleeping through the night... maybe just a coincidence, so the jury is still out on that.
Yes, staying up late on the computer or kindle type device will keep one awake. I try to sign off at 9:30p.
My favorite method is breathing exercises. Deep slow breath in - hold - then slow breath out. I do 5 seconds for each part but there are other ones. I use it more for panic attacks but it helps with sleep too.
Yes I think I am keeping an ear open for mom too.
I guess I need to develop a better set of bedtime routines and will try some of natural routines and other suggestions. I let you know how it goes!
My neurologist saw no problem with me taking ambien every night...I told him that was nuts. I do keep some handy but only use them very sparingly if at all. Back to the melatonin and better sleep routine. Thanks all...
Sound sleep is very important to good physical and mental health. To go without sound sleep for any period of time can lead to a condition similar to Battle Fatigue, not good. This is what my doctor told me when I had a loved one living with me who was prone to seizures and bouts of delusion. I could not fall into deep sleep because I was anxious something might happen, in time I got very sick. This was not an elder care situation and when my loved one finally stabilized and was able to move to independent living I finally began to sleep again. I wish now I had gotten some help for sleep during the 3 1/2 years he was with us.
Sugars and starches are like kindling. Natural fats are like logs. Think of yourself as a wood burning stove. Would you rather sustain yourself with kindling, or with a slow-burning log?
Chocolate for dessert at night makes it worse, sadly. And Edahmen has a great suggestion, that I nap in the afternoon when my hubby does. If I put my head down, I am into a deep sleep almost at once. BUT that quiet hour or so is when I can get other things done, or just play on the computer...
Thanks everyone.
My 90-year-old dad also swears by cocoa right before bedtime for good sleep as well. (I discovered hot cocoa years ago when I needed to take a quick nap after my lunch so that I could work a 3-11 shift without falling asleep.)
The long harsh winter certainly hasn't helped any of us but now spring is here and I'll be outside working around the property in the fresh air. In spring, summer & fall I'm up early and drop into bed at days end, out like a light.