Insomnia

[Loveache]

Would any of you like to share any insomnia cures? I have barely slept for weeks and it's driving me (and DP) mad. Have seen the doctor, got a short-term prescription for standard dose zopiclone. (Which worked beautifully before, about 5 years ago). The first pill this time worked but the others since have done literally nothing. (I am a veteran insomniac at this stage so know about the no caffeine and no electronics at bedtime etc). All tips gratefully received!

Running. Run till you are so tired you jsut flop into bed. Won't work instantly but will over time.

I feel your pain OP. I would recommend Melatonin which I buy online from Biovea. It's not an instant remedy as it needs to build up in your body but it works for me. I take it until I'm sleeping better then I stop again. I also like the Bachs Rescue Remedy night drops.

Are you worrying about something or bored witless?

What about trying some meditating.

Magnesium supplement before bed. Epsom/magnesium salt bath. But may not be hardcore enough? Writing down all your worries / to do list.

Hay fever tablets

Or

If you have a smart phone, go to YouTube and search for "sleep music". It'll give you a choice of relaxing sounds. My personal favourite is the raining one. Puts your mind in a more dream like state. Try it.

There was an article in The Times recently by a doctor who ran a sleep clinic. He said that, even when people swear they haven't slept a wink, they have dozed and got far more than they realise and accepting this is a big part of the battle. (Interestingly, he said people are often quite angry when shown the printouts showing they have slept and refuse to believe them!) When I am wide awake now I just try not to stress about it and reassure myself that I am resting and that I will sleep enough. Oddly it seems to help

I read an article once which suggested trying really hard to stay awake, with the author reckoning that worked like a charm. I've not tried it.

Another veteran insomniac here who is going through a bad patch, so I'm half-placemarking for tips myself.

Oh yes, I've had some success in the past with mindfulness and meditation, but I've got out of practice.

That's great. Yes, it's something that has to be practiced for sure. I'd have never of believed before I started it just how hard it is to clear the mind and stop fidgeting!

A friend is bringing me back melatonin from her holiday next week- I'll keep you posted.

I suffer with sleepless nights too but I recently had some sessions with a personal trainer, first few weeks I was sleeping like a baby! Literally, for the first time since childhood I went up to be at 8.30pm and slept like a baby despite it being still daylight outside.. that's NEVER happened to me... so I'm seconding the exercise suggestion up thread.. also, hypnosis?

Loveache is that safe enough?

I second the magnesium supplements before bed.

If I wake up in the night (rarely) I have a small glass of milk and a biscuit. Sometimes our blood sugars are low in the middle of the night. Then zzzz.

Masturbation? Helps me nod off when I have insomnia.

Seconding melatonin but be prepared that it can give you very vivid dreams!

Some anti-histimines work great, I've had best results with atarax (hydroxyzine)

Benzos (Oxazepam works best for me without any addiction issues) also work well but doctors are often reluctant to prescribe them (and for good reasons as they addictive but if insomnia is very bad then it can be worth it)

Am a veteran too and have tried most medications and those ones have been the best without too much negatives.