My friend has tried a few methods like reading himself to sleep, taking hot water baths at night, etc., but these methods don't seem to help. He also tried sleeping pills, but they were effective only for a few days. He's been suffering from insomnia for as long as he can remember. Any suggestions out there? Thanks.
203876
I had a bad problem with insomnia for many years, and did some research on it. Here are the things I’ve found that help the most.\n\n1. Don't take the sleeping pills. Although they are not addictive in the way we tend to think (you won't jones for them if you miss taking them) they are addictive in the sense that once you have taken them for a while, you will have to take them to get to sleep, but they won't have the same effect they used too. This is because you tend to not get the necessary REM sleep you need to be rested. If you must take a sleeping pill, take it well before you go to sleep. For instance, I prefer to take sleeping pills 2 hours before I go to sleep, so that the pill can get into my system and make me drowsy before I get into bed, then get out of my system (hopefully) early enough that I get some normal sleep.\n\n2. Try to go to bed at about the same time every night. You have some wiggle room on this, but if you stay out on Saturday night till 3, it'll be harder to go to sleep at 10PM Sunday.\n\n(Which somewhat contradicts:)\n\n3. If possible, don't go to bed if you're not sleepy. Note - one thing I have read and found to be true is that you have to be awake for 12 hours before you can go back to sleep. So if you sleep till noon, again, you won't be sleepy at 10PM. \n\n4. Don't spend more than 15-30 minutes trying to get to sleep. If you notice that you've been in bed more than 15 minutes, get out of bed and do something for a while. Make sure what you do isn't going to make you more hyper; e.g. no exercising or energetic music or writing posts to online debates. \n\n5. When you go to bed, choose a chore or some other task that you do not want to do and tell yourself that if you are still awake in thirty minutes you will do that task. Then, if you are still awake, get up and do your chosen task. This is my favorite suggestion, as it has worked nearly every time I've used it. .\n\nThose are the most useful suggestions I have. Other things you can try:\n\nBefore you start getting ready for sleep, turn off high energy music and turn the lights down. I love R&R music, but I went through a period where I had to turn the radio off every night about an hour before I went to bed, or I would be too wired to sleep. And our bodies react to reduced light by producing melatonin which puts us to sleep. \n\nGet plenty of exercise, but not right before bed. (Unless you're weird like me - exercise right before bed just puts me to sleep)\n\nAnother suggestion that might work is to relax your body, consciously, one area at a time, starting from your feet. You think about the ball of your left foot and relax it, then the ball of your right foot, then the arch of your left foot, etc. You have to concentrate (pretty hard) on what you are doing
477934
At age 15-16 I suffered greatly from this problem, napping during 2nd period royally f***ed my calculus grade...\n\nUnfortunately there's no 'magic' cure for your ailment, it's gonna take some work to overcome-\n\nHeres what I found useful:\n\nStart doing cardio, stop drinking caffeine, and make sure to keep your blood sugar up by eating every few hours.\n\nBy getting off substances like caffeine and by starting a cardio workout routine you will get your blood flowing and will tire yourself enough to get a good night's sleep.\n\nJust getting 10 hours of sleep isn't enough, you have to be getting at least 6-8 hours of deep sleep a night. Get into your bed, make sure you're comfortable, and make sure it stays dark through the night.\n\nTry not to use your bed for anything other than sleeping, if you read, eat, or watch TV in your bed at night, you'll confuse your brain and will subsequently make it harder for your brain to fall into a deep sleep.\n\nI used to have this problem, but getting off caffeine and exercising normally turned out to be the most effective for my problem. (and now, I'm down to only 6 hours of sleep a night!)\n\nI hope this helps!
255326
I so know what you mean. Sleep deprivation in these circumstances can make a person feel homicidal. Seriously. Inadvertently, my ex's snoring led to the end of our marriage (a long story which I will not bore you with here but suffice to say there were other things going on too!). \n\nThere are non-prescription nasal sprays that you can buy for him to try. If this fails, tell him to haul himself down to his doctor as there are lots of things that can be done to alleviate his condition before surgery becomes necessary.\n\nGood luck!
134247
you have to understand that insomnia is a mental disorder. there are few treatments that can help him. my recommendation is to take him to a doctor and give him prescription sleep aids, like lunesta. they usually work real well.
640058
Uhh...I think I understand what you are saying. When we have insomnia or something, sometimes it's caused from anxiety and stress. Adn best ways to fix those are to mentally just damn fix them, personally. It's hard though. And from what I can see, not many people seem to have an intelligent enough brain to solve their own problems. But on the other hand, some sleep problems are health problems. Sure, we can fix those, (seriously we fuckin can people!), but takin a drug to subside it so sleeping is possible in order to relax and rejuvinate, is good. There's too many factors to sleeping to blame it on sleeping pills or whatever. People just don't want to think. They want to do what it takes to get by, and if it means not doing anything, then they don't really care.
143913
There are two main types of insomnia, primary and secondary, although many people with insomnia have a combination of the two.  In primary insomnia, the insomnia is the problem on its own.  In secondary insomnia, the problem is caused by an underlying medical condition such as anxiety or depression, sleep apnea (where a person stops breathing during sleep, and actually wakes up as a result), narcolepsy, or restless legs syndrome.  Primary insomnia is relatively rare, while some of the causes of secondary insomnia are relatively common.  Your physician should take a thorough medical history before you see a specialist.  The sleep specialist may ask you to undergo a sleep study, where you are monitored during your sleep.  During this test, the presence of conditions interfering with sleep can be evaluated.  Treating the condition(s) causing secondary insomnia will often improve sleep.  For primary insomnia, some general principles may be helpful (called sleep hygeine).  These include maintaining a regular sleep and wake-up time, even on the weekends, setting aside time to relax before bedtime, using the bed only for sleeping (and sex) and never for reading or lounging, not eating or consuming caffeine within a few hours of bedtime, getting regular exercise (but not before bedtime), and getting out of bed during the night when you can't sleep (instead of staying in bed, tossing and turning).  These sound pretty basic, but it's really common for people to undermine their sleep cycle without realizing it.  Also, see: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep
229105
I am in the same situation. I have been taking sleeping pills every since going to Iraq. I recently decided to stop, because I was taking them everynight, and then taking energy pills every morning. I just quit. And it was hard. I still can't sleep right. But I have found that it I work out very very hard, I sleep at night. I have to exhaust myself, and my mind, and it is helping. I am getting much better.
548532
I have tried everything I can think of. Tests and medications. Herbs and vitamins. Rest and exercise. Going on strict diets with no sugar. Kept food, excercise, energy diaries.\n\nThe only thing tht has helped has been temzepam for the obligatory sleep problems. And even then, it only helps mildly with one symptom.\n\nLikewise, if you ever find out, I'd love to know.
343426
Yes, Ambien was prescribed to me and my doctor warned me of memory problems, including what you're experiencing. Oddly enough, I don't remember the experience...lol, and Im not just teasing, I really dont. I took it for a month but it didnt help me to sleep very well or it gave me nightmares or something. But he said something specific about short term memory loss. Like forgetting where you put your keys, what you said in a conversation, etc...where you wont forget things like your parents or childrens names, or who you are...etc. Good luck! Also, maybe try just plain Ambien, not the CR. What that does is release all through the night making it impossible to sleep off all the effects of the drug! J
199206
The world moves fast. I don't sleep myself. Try reading. Worse case there is always sleep meds. Sexxx also can work...
178697
ips for Getting A Better Night Sleep\n\n1. Avoid Alcohol\n* Alcohol can cause restlessness during the night. Caffeine and nicotine have substances in them that will keep you awake.\n\n2. Avoid Smoking\n* Nicotine has substances in it that will keep you awake.\n\n3. Avoid Caffeine\n* Caffeine has substances in it that will keep you awake.\n\n4. Exercise regularly\n* But do not exercise near your bedtime.\n\n5. Avoid sleep interruptions\n* Don't sleep with the pet, close your door, minimize light and noise.\n\n6. Relax before bedtime\n* A warm bath or light snack\n\n7. Avoid liquids before bedtime\n* Limits having to use the bathroom at night.\n\n8. Avoid long naps during the day\n* Naps can disrupt your sleeping pattern.\n\n9. Avoid trying to sleep\n* the more you "try" to sleep, the more difficult it becomes.\n\n10. Get up at the same time each morning\n* Too much time in bed can lead to restless sleep.\n\n11. Use your bed for sleeping\n* Not for unrelated activities like reading or watching tv.\n\n12. Check your medications\n* Medications might increase your sleep difficulties.
154640
Hi there. I have listed some info on Insomnia and Acne for you that I give to my patients. Hope this helps you out.\n\n \nDifficulty in falling or staying asleep. Insomnia affects almost one third of the population.\n\nSymptoms\n\nInability to fall asleep\n\nWaking up throughout the night and not being able to get back to sleep\n\nWaking up too early\n\nSymptoms of tiredness and irritability are commonly experienced during the day due to lack of sleep\n\n\n\nCauses\nOccasional and temporary disturbance of one's normal sleeping pattern is normal and not cause for concern - anxiety, depression, worry or excitement are the most common causes, and the insomnia goes away when the cause is resolved.\nOther causes include excessive pain, caffeine consumption, abuse of alcohol, certain recreational and medicinal drugs, and poor sleeping habits (such as excessive napping during the day, or doing shift work) .\n\n\nPhysical ailments that can interfere with your sleep include disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and digestive system. \n\n\n\nInsomnia, sometimes in conjunction with night sweats, can also be one of the symptoms of menopause. \nNatural Therapies\n\n\nValerian, Passionflower and Hops are sedative herbs that can help you to sleep; they should be taken approximately one hour before going to bed\n\nHelping your body to cope with stress commonly results in better sleeping patterns; try taking a B group vitamin complex supplement, preferably with magnesium, during the day to help your sleep at night time\n\nHypericum can help if depression is associated with insomnia \n\nPrevention\nA well-balanced lifestyle incorporating a healthy diet with regular exercise and relaxation is the best prevention from insomnia.\n\n\nEnsure your bedroom is quiet, dark and well-ventilated. Ear plugs and eye-shades may help to reduce noise and light, and are particularly valuable for shift workers.\n\nACNE\n\nAcne is usually considered an adolescent affliction affecting up to 80 percent of teenagers. Although acne occurs most commonly in adolescent males, it can affect people of any age.\n\nSymptoms\nAcne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, consists of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and deep cysts that appear mainly on the face and to a lesser extent on the chest, shoulders and back. \n\nAcne is often worse during winter, improving during summer. \n\n\nCauses\nAcne commences when the sebaceous ducts in the skin become blocked by skin overgrowth to form a whitehead, or by plugs of sebum which darken on exposure to air forming a blackhead. \n\n\nWhen the sebum trapped in the whitehead or blackhead is forced into the deeper skin layers, an inflammatory reaction causes a red lump called a papule. If infection follows, pus collects and the classic pimple (pustule) is seen. When the inflammatory condition is severe, large, painful cysts may form.\n\n\nAcne is associated with hormonal imbalance, and will typically develop during puberty when hormonal activity increases the size and activity of the sebaceous glands. Some women also experience acne as a component of pre-menstrual syndrome.\n\n\nThe naturopathic view is that acne is aggravated by ineffective elimination from the body, which may be related to a build up of toxins in the system due to an inability of the liver to effectively break down circulatory toxins. It can also be initiated by food sensitivities, poor diet and stress.\n\n\n\nNatural Therapies\n\n\n\n\nZinc is an essential mineral used for wound healing and the normal oil gland function of the skin. It is also involved in the maintenance of vitamin A levels, transport and usage; for protein synthesis, (particularly collagen synthesis); and to help maintain hormonal balance. \n\nBeta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A in the body. These two nutrients act as skin antioxidants, and may be of assistance in the treatment of acne, other skin conditions, and the healing of wounds. \n\nSulphur is traditionally indic
443823
There are many natural treatments for insomnia that should be considered before resorting to medications. \nTryptophan, melatonin, 5-HTP, Valerian, and St. John’s Wort may help with sleep. In difficult cases, use of these in combination have been successful.\n\nValerian is sometimes used as a treatment for anxiety. However, it is more commonly recommended as an aid for occasional insomnia. \n\nKava is probably better for anxiety but is sometimes recommended at higher doses to treat insomnia as well.\n\nMake sure that something you are currently taking is not causing the problem. Substances such as panax ginseng, hydrocortisone taken late in the day, caffeine, and too much alcohol, cocaine or sedatives can cause insomnia.\n\nOther suggestions\n\n Poor sleepers do not clear caffeine from their systems as rapidly as normal sleepers. Even one cup of coffee at breakfast only was enough to keep them awake at night. A two week trial of no caffeine may be beneficial.\nSleep in complete darkness. A recent study indicated that even dim artificial light may disrupt sleep and melatonin production.\nDon't nap. Sleep disturbances may encourage napping during the day, which can make it harder to fall asleep at a normal hour. Avoiding naps can promote sleep at an earlier hour.\nTry taking your watch off and any clocks out of the room. This simple technique has worked for a surprising number of people.\nReading for 45-60 minutes.\nAerobic exercise 3-5 times per week.\nMany with FMS need a water bed, sometimes even with an egg-crate pad. Some need a hard bed. Find out what works for you. Go to a store and try some.\nIf hypoglycemia is a problem, some are helped by a snack before going to bed.\nGo to bed only when you are sleepy but get up at the same time each morning.\nIf medication is necessary, find out which works for you. Don’t give up - good sleep is worth the search.\nVitamin B12 can help with fatigue, insomnia, depression, and the anxiety of getting older, especially if low stomach acid is suspected. Shots may be required for large doses.\nMild acting agents like homeopathic preparations, chamomile tea, a long relaxing bath, or a touch of sea salt on the tongue with a glass of water can be tried.
502071
Those doctors aren't very helpful sometimes, are they?  (  :\n\nYou're certainly not alone.  If it's serious enough that you can't sleep, then that in itself can be a real problem.  There are medications that MIGHT help, such as beta blockers (like propranolol and metoprolol), but these all have a bunch of other effects which it would be better to avoid if you can.\n\nSo you might want to try some lifestyle changes.  Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and exercise can all be triggers that increase the frequency of your arrythmias.  Unfortunately, so can stress - so worrying about whether you can get to sleep will unfortunately only make it harder to get to sleep!\n\nDeep breathing will help you relax, and some people report that magnesium, calcium, and fish oil supplements can help too.\n\nIt's worth a try, anyway.  If none of those work, you might at least get some consolation from others with similar problems.  The first link below is to a forum that seems to have a number of people with PVCs and PACs.  Hope that helps!
150415
I feel your pain!\nHere are some things that have worked for me-\nTry doing the same routine every night before you go to sleep- do a few yoga streches, take a shower and have a cup of tea (I recommend chamomile mango- Bigelow I think...) and THEN climb into bed.  \nTry an eye pillow- it blocks out the light and keeps you from staring around at you furniture while you curse yourself for not being asleep already :)\nTry doing some sort of exercise during the day- it makes you more tired- like running up and down some steps a few times.\nTry to go to sleep and get up at the same time each day.  I know it sounds nuts- who want to get up at seven on a weekend!?  But it seems to help me- it gives your body a schedule.\nTry not to do work on your bed- that way you can associate your bed with sleep adn relaxation only.  \nIf you're lying there for over 30 minutes, try getting up and walking around.  Go sit in the living room and just chill- no TV though.\nIf you're worrying about something- school. work, life- sit in your living room or somewhere other that your bedroom and let yourself think about it and obsess about it for maybe 20 minutes- whatever.  Maybe try to work out a solution.  And then say to yourself, ok! I'm done thinking about that- mean it! and then climb into bed.\nGOOD LUCK!!! I'm not saying that these always always always work for me but they're worth a try.\nZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.......... :)
73918
try melatonin, 3mg a night helps you get back a normal sleep cycle. its also NATURAL, no habit forming, and you dont feel groggy in the am, i use it every night.
37249
I have dealt with insomnia too, and one of the best things you can do is create a regular sleep/wake cycle. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time every morning. It can be hard at first, but it really does help, and you'll feel better emotionally.\nAlso, you can try these tips:\n-cut back on coffee, tea, and soft drinks that contain caffeine; instead drink clear soft drinks like 7-Up and Sprite, or caffeine-free sodas like root beer\n-avoid eating large, heavy meals before going to bed\n-don't exercise too soon before going to bed\n-relax yourself before bed with a hot bath, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation (see my link), etc.\n-have a glass of warm milk and half a turkey sandwich about 30 minutes before going to bed; both contain tryptophan, which will help you sleep\n-don't use your bedroom as a place to work, eat, watch TV, etc.; it should be a place to sleep and rest and that's it\n-avoid alcoholic drinks in the evening\n-listen to calm, soothing music before bed and while you're trying to sleep\n-sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow\n-keep your room at a cool temperature\n-practice deep breathing exercises (see link)\n-avoid naps if they interfere with your sleep/wake cycle\n-once you're in bed, visualize a safe, peaceful scene, like the beach or a rainy day\n-establish a bedtime ritual before going to sleep to key your body to relax; follow the ritual every night\n-keep your bedroom dark\n-sleep in a well-ventilated room\n-don't watch TV, read, or do any other mentally stimulating activity before bed\n-try to get into the habit of sleeping on your back... it's the best position for relaxing because it allows for deep, restful breathing\n\nGood luck!