sleep deprevation! :)

[pharmama]

Thanks for the advice. Where do you find Melatonin and what is it? I hope ppl keep responding to this because all the advice does and will help.

Melatonin is a hormone that plays a key role in your body's maintenance of it's circadian rhythm (ie- when your body 'knows' its time to sleep and when to be awake). It is naturally occurring in your body. There is decent evidence that melatonin supplements can be helpful particularly in temporary sleep cycle disruptions such as travel (jet lag) or other altered sleep patterns (we use it in some of our kids at the hospital who have difficulty sleeping while they're here since they are in a strange place and are often awakened for vital signs or medication administration at odd hours etc). Melatonin is also considered to be quite safe (see precaution below about supplements though).

It is available over the counter in the US and is usually found in the supplement section. Which brings me to the biggest drawback. Supplements are NOT tested by the FDA. There is little to NO guarantee that the bottle you are buying actually contains what it states on the label and in many cases supplements have been found to contain other harmful contaminants or ingredients. The idea that you are somehow safe with these "all natural" products is patently false.

I strongly encourage you to do some research to ensure you are purchasing reliable, quality products when you purchase supplements. Either the Consumer Lab seal or USP Verified Dietary Supplement seal on the package indicate that the product has been tested by at least one independent organization and verified to contain the ingredients listed (and only those listed).

 

[GusGus77]

I second melatonin. I usually take between 2-5mg about 20 minutes before bedtime. It worked as well for me as ambien.

 

[lk2500]

Most of the stuff suggested is probably pretty safe at the lowest dosages taken for short periods of time. You might want to talk to a doctor or at least a pharmacist before you try anything though.

Whatever you do BE SURE to try it out a few times before you go. Some of the stuff suggested could cause anything from vivid dreams (or worse) to a sweet night's sleep to absolutely nothing.

 

[mouseymommy]

Most of the stuff suggested is probably pretty safe at the lowest dosages taken for short periods of time. You might want to talk to a doctor or at least a pharmacist before you try anything though.

Whatever you do BE SURE to try it out a few times before you go. Some of the stuff suggested could cause anything from vivid dreams (or worse) to a sweet night's sleep to absolutely nothing.

I agree about testing these things out before you use them. I know several people who have used Ambien and Lunesta and they have all had crazy things happen. The stories are funny but kind of disturbing too! One woman ordered a big screen TV on the internet. Another ordered very expensive mountain bikes. Both thought they just dreamed it until the items were delivered! I went on a trip with my Grandma and she licked all the frosting off the cupcakes in the middle of the night. She also pulled a bunch of feathers out of the pillows. My Dad DROVE to the store, bought a bunch of lunch meat, bread, mayo, mustard, and cheese. Made a sandwich and went back to bed, leaving everything on the counter to spoil. He has been quite ill lately and he tried another sleep aid. He was rearranging his meds and talking to somebody about going behind the stove. Needless to say, my Dad no longer uses anything. My Aunt and Uncle use them every night and they say they don't do anything weird.

I usually can't sleep either, but I just try to deal with it and take a nap once we get there. It makes for a rough first day though!

 

[sara123]

All good suggestions!!

 

[GeneralTso]

ZZZZQuil.
It's Nyquil, but without the cold meds. It works. I promise you, it works.
It's purple, it works.

Promise

 

[sara123]

ZZZZQuil.
It's Nyquil, but without the cold meds. It works. I promise you, it works.
It's purple, it works.

Promise

Yep, I've used it before. It does work! Was wondering though, do u seem to feel groggy the next day?

 

[SA mom]

Melatonin is wonderful, but you do have find your correct dose as it will give the crazy dreams. 1 mg is standard. Many people/kids are fine with less. It depends how much your body is already making and how big you are. I've heard kids with autism taking a max of 6mg.

 

[lk2500]

Happened to be flipping stations and caught the segment about Melatonin on Dr. Oz.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/fact-sheet-melatonin

From reading this and also from some prior research I've done, I certainly wouldn't recommend taking it long term.

Safest things to try are deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, ear plugs, and white noise.

 

[pixiewings71]

ZZZZQuil.
It's Nyquil, but without the cold meds. It works. I promise you, it works.
It's purple, it works.

Promise

This is what I suggested on the first page, it's actually exactly the same thing as Benadryl. So basically it's an antihistamine. lol