Sleep Aides

[chesterpdt186]

I use Melatonin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin
and I find it extremely effective in getting thru the night without an anxiety attack.
Side effects are usally upset stomach and vivid dreams
(some friends have had um night terrors from this)

Has anyone used this for extended period of time (longer then a week)?
Or
What do you use to get to sleep, that can be taken for longer then a week

 

[kaligal]

I've heard very little about Sleep MD, but what I've heard is good. Some people like Melatonin.

Diphenhydramine works well. You can find it labeled as Benadryl, Unisom or Tylenol Simply Sleep...and many other names, including generic ones. A lot of people get a "hungover" feeling, though.

There are a gazillion prescription drugs, the most popular are Rozerem and Ambien. People who take Rozerem also report a "hungover" feeling. Ambien works great short term - knocks you out and no hangover - but so many people say that it stops working for them after a while.

Lots of people who have trouble sleeping drink caffeinated stuff and think it has no effect, because it didn't in the past or they don't feel hyped up.

However, most sleep problems are solved if the person gets regular exercise, quits the caffeine and keeps a regular bedtime in a quiet, cool room.

But your doctor is really the person you should ask.

 

[kahblue]

My special needs 13 year old son has been using melatonin for a couple of years. It's natural and has no side affects. His doctor said it was safe to use every night.

I've also heard reports that using it every night may make it less effective and should be used 3-4 days and then a break of a day or two. My son has no problem with it (he takes the liquid dose).

KIM

 

[chesterpdt186]

I only take the 5mg. Seems as long as i do not drink any caffeine or smoke withing 1hr of taking the meltonin, it puts me to sleep within a hr or less.

I am working on the exercise, and have reduced alot of the caffeine i drink.

Good to know that i am not permently messing my brain up.. College killed enough brain cells i cant afford to lose anymore.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

Just started DH on melatonin (3mg) last week. His doctor recommended it as he has been having trouble sleeping for any great length during the week. He works overnight and had only been getting about 5 hours of sleep a day for months. Since starting the melatonin he has been sleeping a lot better and hasn't experienced any side effects that he's noted. I hope this will get him back on track, break the cycle he's been in, and then ideally he won't have to keep taking it and/or have to increase the dosage. I have taken it myself once before and it works well for me, too, although I felt groggy in the morning.

 

[Heather.Mohler]

Good to know that i am not permently messing my brain up.. College killed enough brain cells i cant afford to lose anymore.

Whew - amen! I take melatonin and it works olay. The first time I took it I felt as if domeone had stabbed me in the stomach. Rough stuff. My mother takes Ambien and sleep-eats, so be careful if anyones goes that route. Could be dangerous for any small pets in the house...