Looking for a natural solution

NoaHicks6610

I have been suffering from a touch of insomnia lately (it's 3 am and I'm still wide awake!). I really don't like to take over the counter sleep aids. But I'm at a loss here. Any suggestions on something natural I can try to get my sleep pattern back to normal?

NavyClan

what time do you eat dinner? Do you workout at night? Are there things in your routine that could be keeping you up? I'd work at it from that approach first if you're not keen on taking anything to help you sleep. Could you get up earlier so you're more exhausted at night and go to bed sooner? I mentioned on H&F that I take melatonin, it's something your body produces on its own at night, but taking it gets it in my system faster than waiting for my body to kick in gear. 

GreenGardener

I don't have insomnia, but I use Rescue Remedy when I can't sleep.  It relaxes me just enough to do the trick.  They sell it at most health food stores.  Might be worth a try.

WendyGR

sleepytime tea works for me

Lisa78

My DH is a terrible insomniac and told me for years that meditation would never work for him. He finally gave in and tried some he downloaded for free on itunes, and he's not had an issue with sleep since. He particularly finds the "body scan" type meditations to be helpful, and never makes it through one before he passes out!

Not sleeping is incredibly frustrating - hope you find something that works!

 

uncannycanuck

I've used melatonin with mixed results. It doesn't have any side effects (for me), though, and is relatively natural.

Cognitive behavorial therapy has proven results. It's beat Ambien in a published study. Essentially, you have to learn to defeat the thoughts in your head that make you anxious about sleeping (like, I need 7 hours or I'll be a zombie tomorrow, why can't I sleep, I need to sleep...), and then all the sleep hygiene stuff I'm sure you're aware of (no caffiene, don't exercise too close to bedtime, use the bedroom only for sleep and sex, etc.).

Here's one article with more info. I haven't been for actual therapy with a real person, but I've found reading about the technique really helpful.

annabelle.27

Melatonin works great for me, but not so well for my husband. It's worth a shot though

SuperGreen

Lisa78:

He particularly finds the "body scan" type meditations to be helpful, and never makes it through one before he passes out!

This is what I do too, although I don't listen to anything I just recite it in my head.  We do body scan meditation in yoga class every week so I know how it goes.  I usually recall getting to my belly, but nothing below that.

Reysgirl

My dad swears by Valerian Root.  I just bought some but haven't tried it yet.

NoaHicks6610

NavyClan:

what time do you eat dinner? Do you workout at night? Are there things in your routine that could be keeping you up? I'd work at it from that approach first if you're not keen on taking anything to help you sleep. Could you get up earlier so you're more exhausted at night and go to bed sooner? I mentioned on H&F that I take melatonin, it's something your body produces on its own at night, but taking it gets it in my system faster than waiting for my body to kick in gear. 

I do eat kinda late sometimes... Hadn't thought about that. There is a lot about my routine that could be keeping me up, come to think about it. Mostly stressers.

Thanks everyone for the input! 

NavyClan

NoaHicks6610:

NavyClan:

what time do you eat dinner? Do you workout at night? Are there things in your routine that could be keeping you up? I'd work at it from that approach first if you're not keen on taking anything to help you sleep. Could you get up earlier so you're more exhausted at night and go to bed sooner? I mentioned on H&F that I take melatonin, it's something your body produces on its own at night, but taking it gets it in my system faster than waiting for my body to kick in gear. 

I do eat kinda late sometimes... Hadn't thought about that. There is a lot about my routine that could be keeping me up, come to think about it. Mostly stressers.

Thanks everyone for the input! 

Soo been there on the stressers thing. That's one of the reasons I take the melatonin, it just helps me drift to sleep without the drowsy feeling. But you might try making a new routine for yourself. Give your body 20-30 mins each night of turning off the tv/computer, drink some tea, wash your face, take a shower, put on some smell good lotion, etc. Once you do that every night it will both help you wind down and train your body that oh hey, it's time for bed now. Hope you start sleeping better soon, I know how much that sucks.