INSOMNIA....what are some remedies?

I've had major insomnia that started probably 6 months or so before the wedding (I also had it the entire summer I studied for the NY Bar Exam)...well, the insomnia hasn't improved, and I thought it would after the wedding.

Any suggestions?

I had insomnia all last summer. I am a teacher and since my schedule was all different, being off and all, I went nuts. The worst part was, I felt so alone because my husband of course was sleeping because he had to work and here I sat.

My best advice to you is, get as much air during the day as possible. I realized I wasnt going out much during the day because of the heat and I wasnt getting enough activity or sunlight to even make me remotely tired. So I made sure no matter how tired I was, I would wake up early enough to get out and do something during the day so my body could relax at night. I also drank sleepytime herbal tea which helped a lot and I read A LOT! I found that my eyes got more tired reading than looking at tv.

I know its so hard and annoying and its basically extremely taxing on our bodies, but you have to fall into a routine that is good for you and your body. I also read that insomnia has more to do with your brain than your body. During the summer, I was going through so much after we lost our stepfather and I just could not turn my brain off. I tried to focus on the books instead and it seemed to work.

Also, if you cant sleep, do not lay in bed! Its the worst thing you can do, it will get you no where. So I usually got up and did what I think you did last night, I would come on here and sometimes the screen would make me tired.

Good luck! I know how hard it can be!

I have insomnia. I have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. It certainly doesn't help having an fh who snores either. he has sleep apnea.

I take Melatonin, 3mg about 1 hour before I want to fall asleep. Does it work? For me, I believe it does. Some people say it doesn't help. There is also some research to suggest Valerian Root or Passionflower herbs can help insomnia.

It sometimes helps to figure out the reason for the insomnia. For me, I have always been a light sleeper. I can't sleep with the TV on. I think I am going to buy a white noise machine to have some background noise thats not too noticeable. I know I review my day before I go to sleep, so I have to learn how to relax!

I would also speak to a doctor. There may be a medical reason that you may not be aware of.

Hope this helps.

OHH Kathy I can sympathize. I have been having the same problem for the past few years. Some days I literally sleep 1 hour then trek into the city to work. Its awful and such a lonely feeling.

I do notice a trend when I am under a lot of stress or have a lot on my mind....the insomnia gets worse. I also notice when I don't work out I am never tired enough to sleep so I do some type of exercise everyday.

Unfortunately I dont know of any great remedy except what the other girls have mentioned. The only thing I would do is see a doctor. THere is a chance there could be a medical reason and also a shot it can be a hormonal thing.

Good Luck Sleeping!

I've had it ever since I became pregnant. I can fall asleep in a few minutes flat, then wake up a few hours later and that's it - I'm awake the rest of the night.

It definitely wears on you as time goes on. I have found that getting up and moving to another room, saythe couch in the living room, and listening to soft music or the TV, put me back to sleep. It doesn't pay to lie there awake in bed. And I nap whenever I can, although that's hard when you're working full time

Exercising a few time a day and watching your caffeine level may(if you are a coffee, soda drinker). Try doing some cardio exercise at least 3- 4times a week. It is a great stress reliever.

Good luck.