What do you take for helping you sleep?

[Pinkbeef]

GP gave me zopiclone (5 tablets) just to see how I got on with them in the hope I could have a few nights of improved sleep and make me feel a bit better. They didn’t seem to do anything but was a low dose.
I’ve tried the OTC sleep tablets like Boots Sleepeaze etc which also didn’t do anything.
Is there something you have had before that actually works?
I don’t take them every night, but need them occasionally to allow me to re charge.

I am another one who uses phenergan

Magnesium, every night.
5 HTP the week before my period (I get hormonal insomnia for some reason)
Meditation
Diphenhydramine (Nytol) if that doesn't work

Zopiclone used to work like magic for me, just 1 or 2 a month. Then one day it just magically stopped working. I haven't found any other way to resit my sleep pattern since then other than to stay up almost all night once a month. Sleeping for extra long helps too, but I never get the chance these days.

Light is really important and exercise. For me, a morning walk can work better magic on my sleep pattern than any drug can.

Piriton really helps me. I take it for allergies but when I forget, I really struggle to sleep.

I took amitriptyline for years which was amazing for helping me sleep (although it was prescribed for nerve pain).

@Pinkbeef how old are you? Do you know what's causing your poor sleep?
I had terrible insomnia as a peri menopausal symptom, slept through the night the second day I was on HRT, I was only 47 then

Kirkland sleep aid

Insomnia can be a primary condition or it can be a symptom of some underlying condition. Anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, stress are common primary causes of insomnia. Secondary insomnia can come from physical or psychological factors such as depression, indigestion, restless leg syndrome, or a chronic pain condition.
Personally, I've reduced the intake of coffee, I drink a nice coppa of camomile tea in the evening and I use Lavender in my diffuser half an hour before I go to bed; also Serenity blend rubbed on hands help me a lot. And most important, no gadgets before bed time.
I hope you find best solution for you
Good night

www.biovea.com/uk/product/detail/21502/melatonin-liquid-3mg-orange--2-fl-oz-59ml/?deptid=0&cid=0&mid=0&kw=melatonin

This. 100%

My son uses it too.

Phenergan does nothing for me. Neither does zopiclone or diazepam.

The only thing that works for me (perimenopause) is Night Nurse. I've taken amitriptyline and mirtazapine, but they didn't help sleep. Ditto phenergan and Piriton and diazepam. None of these was prescribed for sleep, but for other issues - but they didn't help me to sleep.

The only problem with Night Nurse is that I'm zombified for the best part of the following day, too.

@KathyWilliams

The only thing that works for me (perimenopause) is Night Nurse. I've taken amitriptyline and mirtazapine, but they didn't help sleep. Ditto phenergan and Piriton and diazepam. None of these was prescribed for sleep, but for other issues - but they didn't help me to sleep.

The only problem with Night Nurse is that I'm zombified for the best part of the following day, too.

Get the liquid version and then you can adjust the dosage so that it doesn't knock you out for longer than you want it to!

2mg diazepam tablets in increasing amounts as needed. I use them exceedingly rarely but theyre there if I need them. I don't know if its relevant but I have CPTSD, GAD and OCD (what a list lol) so I understand the overthinking at night hell. I had some success with zopiclone, my GP prescribed it when my family members died for short term use. I know it doesnt sound helpful but it really is a good idea to review your sleep hygiene.

I took a non drowsy Cetirizine the other night because I mildly reacted to something.
I slept for ten hours 😂

I don't take anything - and I hope that you are aware that there are entire books, as well as many articles, on all sorts of methods that don't involve medication.

Melatonin, but along side that good sleep hygiene, so I get up at the same time everyday, I don’t drink caffiene after 3pm, no screens in the hour before bed and the same bedtime each night.

I am prescribed zolpidem (10mg). It’s similar to zopiclone but doesn’t give you that horrible metallic taste in your mouth the next day. I’ve also just started amitriptyline at quite a high dose (for depression rather than pain) and that absolutely knocks me out (at the moment anyway). I have to take it early though otherwise I can’t function the next day, I’ve been on some sort of benzo for about 12 years too but my tolerance level for most things is quite high. Mirtazapine works really well for sleep too (although I couldn’t deal with the almost instant weight gain so stopped taking it) after about a week. Trazadone didn’t work for me but does for others.

Does anyone know if melatonin is safe to take with sertraline? It sounds amazing!

Melatonin, which I stock up on every year when I work in the states.

Nytol one a night in a blue pack works a
Dream for me- better than anything prescribed

50 mg Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride OTC Numark brand ('Sleep Aid') - works wonders for me.
I'm not a brilliant sleeper lately and if I've had a couple of awful sleepless nights on the trot I'll take one of these, read my book for an hour or so and next thing I know it's morning, absolutely flipping fantastic!

Phenergan for me too, most nights. Have had amitriptyline in the past but the dose I was on started to wear off.

I struggle to sleep so I use headphones and listen to podcasts, it concentrates my mind away from over thinking things and also helps me just drop off. It's been a life saver.

@Thinkbiglittleone

I struggle to sleep so I use headphones and listen to podcasts, it concentrates my mind away from over thinking things and also helps me just drop off. It's been a life saver.

Same here. Life changer. I've got a soft headband with built in small flat bluetooth speakers, so I can lie on my side. I set the timer for 30 mins and never get to the end. Currently listening to Louis Theroux podcasts on BBC sounds. He has a soporific voice.

@belimoo Excellent suggestion - thank you.