Insomnia

[rafaellas]

Been having insomnia on and off. Have taken some herbal sleeping pills but am petrified of taking stronger things. Any suggestions?

Do you have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep or both?
Are you taking any stimulants? Are you stressed and worrying about stuff or feelign low?

My first line advice would be :

cut out all caffeine

avoid naps in the day

consider a small drop of alcohol or milky drink just before going to bed

Lavender oil/scent on your pillow
Massage from DP/DH if available

if you cannot sleep don't lie there in the dark - get up and do soemthing you find boring

Nytol works for short periods of insomina-nothing to be frightened of,it's just a antihistimine that makes you feel sleepy.

Agree with Pardon's suggestions.

Up your exercise.

Don't watch tv in the bedroom and light jolly novels if you read before switching the lights off.

I also use relaxation/meditation mp3's to help me relax.

My insomnia has been the kind that I suddenly find myself wide awake and alert in the middle of the night. I fall asleep very easily when I lie down, but once I wake up there's no going back. I do get up, but this recent bout has been going on for three days in a row now and it's starting to affect my day activities and humour.

Not particularly stressed, just the normal worrying, but haven't managed to get any exercise done with a one-year old at home.

I'll try Nytol (had heard of it before but always was afraid to try) as well as the lavender oil on the bedding. Thanks for those tips!