Quick question about sleeping pills

Thanks Debby; it wasn't last time I was there....many years ago.
still not available here!
 

I take 3 mg of melatonin, on occasion as needed. As I understand it, it is not a sleeping pill, but signals the brain that it is time to go to sleep. Keep away from computer screens and light sources, and take an hour before going to bed. (my routine). Everyone is different. Good sleep habits aren't found in a pill bottle.:)
View attachment 9961
 
Butterfly said:
For some reason, melatonin causes me to have very weird, vivid, upsetting dreams. I quit taking it -- didn't really help much with sleep, anyway.
Click to expand...

It definitely intensifies your dreams Butterfly, I stop taking it too when I have a nightmare...but when the dreams are good, they are excellent!

Bettyann said:
I believe that for an over the counter helper...Unisom is the best... far better than Benedryl and even the drs seem to prefer its use to Benedryl. Herbal products are good, so is Melatonin if that is all you need... but I usually take 1/2 of a Unisom per night...I too have had sleep problems for so many years, but this does the trick.
Click to expand...

I take 1/2 Unisom too, not every night, but when I do, it works. Solaray Sleep Blend SP-17 is an herbal capsule that works pretty well too.
 

Meanderer said:
I take 3 mg of melatonin, on occasion as needed. As I understand it, it is not a sleeping pill, but signals the brain that it is time to go to sleep. Keep away from computer screens and light sources, and take an hour before going to bed. (my routine). Everyone is different. Good sleep habits aren't found in a pill bottle.:)
View attachment 9961
Click to expand...

I have used 3 mg and now 5 mg doses of Melatonin and occasionally an Ambien. The 5 mg Melatonin works well for me and helps me fall asleep quickly with no adverse effects the next day. Over the counter remedies leave me groggy the next morning. The Ambien always works, but has the unpleasant side effect of memory loss from the night before.
 
I read in bed. Pretty soon I get sleepy and can't keep my eyes open.

So, I close my book, take off my glasses, turn off the lamp and am asleep until around
say, 2:30 AM when my bladder shakes me awake. Then, back to sleep until morning.

I can't remember when I last took a pill of ANY kind.
 
Consider a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or on a tissue placed near your pillow or in prizer form spray your bed area with this essential oil. It works for me more often than not. Be careful with the OTC meds especially if you have any health issues or are taking other medications the OTC's can interact with. Do check with your doctor before trying Melatonin, it's great for many, but be safe.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/115717-bad-side-effects-melatonin-supplements/
 
sorry--- do not use oils, they condense in the lower sacs of the lungs and cause lipoid pneumonia. no need to check with doc on the melatonin, it is a tryptamine derivative, which is part of the essential amino acid group. if you thing it necessary, be sure to check on cheese, and meats, as they contain tyrosine and tryptophan.
 
Anyone that tells you not to check with your doctor, not knowing anything about your health, you need to be leary about their advice all around. I'm no expert, but I wouldn't ever tell you that you shouldn't consult your doctor under any circumstances.
 
It also helps if you work hard all day and go to bed tired. (Occasionally):)

login-to-sleep-cartoon-by-Flickr-user-hikingartist.jpg
 
AprilT said:
Consider a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or on a tissue placed near your pillow or in prizer form spray your bed area with this essential oil. It works for me more often than not. Be careful with the OTC meds especially if you have any health issues or are taking other medications the OTC's can interact with. Do check with your doctor before trying Melatonin, it's great for many, but be safe.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/115717-bad-side-effects-melatonin-supplements/
Click to expand...

I agree with you about the Lavender, many people will also effectively use it for their dogs, just a spritz mixed with water on their bedding can help them to rest more peacefully. I've used a couple of drops in my bath, and it is very relaxing and smells great. http://www.natmedtalk.com/wiki/Lavender

You're right about the Melatonin, it is a natural hormone, and can be abused or overused. I started out taking 3 mg tablets, but find that only 1/2 - 1mg is needed for a restful sleep. Here's another page which shows some drug interactions, so I agree that everyone who's under a doctor's care for any medical condition, or taking any prescription meds, should definitely get doctor's approval before using any supplement or herb. http://www.rxlist.com/melatonin-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions
 
definitely and don't forget melatonin is made in the gut, large quantities in bananas and cherries, so make sure doc is aware., (as if he knew that)
 
Meanderer said:
View attachment 10049
Click to expand...


I had a day a few weeks ago where I got up in the morning and I felt incredible!!! I slept so well that I had lots of energy, my outlook on life was wonderful, but that only lasted til I went to bed that evening and the next morning it was back to feeling like I really could have used more sleep.......

My doctor actually mentioned that our bodies revert back to the kind of circadian rhythm that we had when we were babies as we get old. Fitful sleeps, lots of naps (sound familiar folks) so this is all perfectly natural. Sadly, that doesn't make me feel any better. I'm still tired most of the time.
 
I also have heard that as people age they require less sleep. I still need 7-8 hours to feel really rested.

So I looked and found this. Apparently it's a myth.

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/do-seniors-need-less-sleep

When it comes to myths about sleep, this one refuses to nod off -- and stay asleep. Contrary to popular opinion, older people don't need less sleep than the average person. In fact, adults require about the same amount of sleep from their 20s into old age, although the number of hours per night varies from person to person. But many older adults get much less sleep than they need, for a variety of reasons.
Click to expand...


Another reason for senior snooze troubles lies in a big difference between younger and older sleepers: the timing of rest. As adults age, advanced sleep phase syndrome sets in, causing the body's internal clock to adjust to earlier bed and wakeup times. But some seniors continue to stay up late, as they did in their younger years. Sleep deprivation is often the result.
Bottom line: It's important to find the root cause of sleepless nights, especially if, as in Gaertner's case, sleep issues are masking deeper medical problems. "See your doctor if you're not getting restful sleep at night and are unable to wake up refreshed," Gardner says. "Healthy sleep is something one should expect at all ages."
[h=3]Tips for getting more sleep[/h]If you're having trouble sleeping, try these techniques for getting more shut-eye:
Get set. Wake up at the same hour every day and exercise and eat meals at set times to help get sleep back on track.
Get sun. No matter your age, daylight is extremely important because it helps regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Spend as much time as possible outdoors or near sunlight.
Get checked. Medication can interrupt sleep. A doctor can recommend adjusting the timing or dose, or possibly switching to an alternative prescription.
Click to expand...
 
while melatonin production etc. is regulated by sunlight (or lack of) the circadian is regulated by cortisol and epinephrine. These suggest renal stress which affects rest during sleep. If you have a salt craving you are a candidate. As always check with your doctor to get Ambien and other related CNS depressants which will never solve the problem
 
yes, indeed, happy thoughts so we can fly like Peter Pan
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top