While I'm thinking about it

[kierthos]

Do any of you have any recommendations for sleep-aids? I've gotten maybe 6-7 hours of good sleep in the last three days, and it's really starting to take it's toll on me. I seem to be having trouble going to sleep AND staying asleep.

And it sucks.

Comments

[spooktress.livejournal.com]

If you're talking aside from prescription drugs, Celestial Seasonings makes something called Sleepytime Tea that I rather like. It doesn't actually make me sleepy, but the sedate act of sipping tea for a while does seem to help me relax enough to fall asleep some nights. This may work with any non-caffeinated tea, but I've heard enough from people who actually feel this tea blend makes a difference that you might as well give it a shot.

If you're a reader, laying in bed with a book for up to half an hour before you fall asleep can be a way to extend your body's rest period. Since most people fidget/move very little while reading, your body starts going through some of the normal "shutting down for the night" functions, which will help you get to the useful sleep faster once you finally do conk out.

Some people swear by warm milk, sugar-free hot cocoa, baths before bedtime, etc. Can't say I've had luck with any of those, though. Best wishes.

[kierthos.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm looking more for "This medicine will knock you the fuck out", but I'll look into the Sleepytime tea thing.

[spooktress.livejournal.com]

Most people have luck with Ambien.
If not, Trazadone usually does the trick.

Though if you're looking for OTC stuff, some antihistamines have been released for that purpose, and I think Lunesta or some other (previously prescription) med has been angling for an OTC stamp. I'm not sure whether it panned out or not.

Hell, even taking a Benadryl knocks some people right the fuck out. Most grocery/drug stores will have a section for OTC sleep aides right beside the aspirin/cold/bottled pills section.

Some people have a lot of success with taking a Melatonin capsule before bed. I know a few people who've had great luck with it. I'd be careful with it, though, and try it for the first time on a night you don't NEED your sleep. Depending on your body chemistry, it might completely wire you for the rest of the night. I wasn't so smart about giving it a try, and ended up not only awake, but pretty much strung out for an additional 12 hours.

Hope this helps