Sleep - Best Meds

[jewel1968]

I have a doctor's appointment next week to discuss my sleep or lack thereof. I have tried all the usual over the counter stuff and natural stuff but am still really struggling. I think the main reasons are:

• stress
• my workstation is in my bedroom
• chronic pain (back and joints)
• dry eyes
• menopause

Has anyone got any suggestions I should pursue with the doc?

Thanks

Anybody? Thanks

My doctor was always very reluctant to prescribe anything that would help with sop.

I have stocked up on Tylenol pm and use it of things get bad. Knocks me out

Thanks @ideasplease322.

Look at supplements.

My sleep has improved with (mainly) magnesium supplements (others also used)

drugs don't work long term, I do occasionally use prescription drugs for occasional nights but not every night as it just doesn't work.

Blood tests may help define supplements that will help

I strongly recommend melatonin if you haven't tried it already. It's sold OTC where I live but I understand it's prescription only in the UK.

I'm a lifelong insomniac who has tried all sorts of prescription sleeping pills since my teens. Natural remedies have never touched the sides! Melatonin gets me into a very natural feeling sleep, not completely out cold, but wears off in time for me to not feel groggy in the morning.

I drink a magnesium drink just before bed, makes a huge difference. Found some cream last week that had magesium with melatonin in which I'm ordering next week.

Here it is .....

I was prescribed a low dose of Mirtazapine to help me sleep as well as an antidepressant. It made me feel groggy for a couple of weeks until I got used to it but I defo slept better immediately.

Re Mirtazapine, I took it for about 6 years and, while it's a great anti-depressant that helps you sleep, bear in mind that weight gain is one of the side effects. Also, I found it very difficult to wake up in the morning while on them but I'm petite so they may have affected me more!

@BeesAnkles I had those side effects too. I just really needed to sleep though 😂

If you are going through the menopause, it's likely to be the cause of it. I slept really well even in my most stressful time until the menopause hit.

Your GP is likely to suggest adapting your lifestyle, exercise, plenty of drink, going to bed ang waking up at the sane time every day even weekends. Limit alcohol, give up caffeine, no screen 1 hour before bed etc...

Medication: you can try hrt, it helps some menopausal women with sleep, not others.

Alternative is Mirtazapine or Amitriptyline. Both have similar side effects. I don't about the first but Amitriptyline can be taken as when needed so twice a week for at least two better nights and not as much of the side effects over all.

Melatonin certainly help falling asleep. You can order it from reliable sources on the I Gerber from the States where it's available over the counter.

If your GP prescribed some sleeping pills, it will be for a short course. They are addictive and wear off anyway. Not the solution.

@YouBoggleMyMind tbh I didn't mind the weight gain either as I was always too skinny so it was nice having a few curves!

Can I ask whether the weight gain was due to increase appetite or did you gain it eating exactly the same as before? How much did you gain?

Did you take Mirtazapine every day or a few times a week?

@dontdisturbmenow

Can I ask whether the weight gain was due to increase appetite or did you gain it eating exactly the same as before? How much did you gain?

Did you take Mirtazapine every day or a few times a week?

Mirtazapine causes an increase in appetite, especially sugar cravings if memory serves. I went from being someone who could eat half a chocolate and save the rest for later, to someone who had to eat a whole tub of Ben & Jerry's in one sitting! I think it may cause carb cravings in general...

I have taken 15mg and 30mg and gained weight with both doses. I took it every day. I think I gained between 6 and 8 kg and lost it as soon as I came off them.

Had sleep problems for 25 years now, it's beyond tiring so I hear you!!

I've been in amitriptyline since 2009 as I have fibromyalgia as well. I don't find it helps with sleep much
I use melatonin (buy mine from Puritans pride in the US), but make sure I have a 2 weeks break from it every 6 weeks or so

I have also been prescribed zopiclone for over 10 years. I get 28 tablets every 6 months and take no more than 2 a week (more often than not just 1) and try to only use it at weekends. (I work in pharmaceuticals so know how addictive it can be)

I avoid caffeine (gives me migraines anyway) and also get migraines if I don't sleep so need to try and keep it under control.

I try to exercise when I can and am able but am really struggling at the moment with both sleep and exercise - think it's cos I'm not going out and it's dark very early (I start work in the dark, finish work in the dark and don't get to see much daylight) 😢

I also take a magnesium supplement daily (though not sure it has any effect on me, anti histamine also have no drowsy effects on me)

Magnesium oil on my skin and valerian root have really helped my sleep recently. I know it’s not pharmaceutical level but it’s worked amazingly well I’m so happy . I’ve had sleep issues for 20 years. Also calmed my anxiety massively. I have always steered away from sleep drugs as my mum had them and they were horrible things. (Medication changes but no not for me at all)

Melatonin helps some people. The doctor prescribed me old fashioned anti histamine the drowsy ones years ago during a bad spell. They got me back in a routine.

Thanks all. I have tried magnesium. Think it helps. Certainly not keen on weight gain.

I do suspect menopause is a big factor. Melatonin sounds interesting. Think I will explore that.

I do exercise and drink one cup of coffee and only drink alcohol couple days a week.