Sleeping aids...what works or didn't work for you? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

diannenet · 01-22-2011, 09:46 PM

I have been taking Ambien for years and have never had any of the strange side effects I've read that others have. Ever since menopause began years ago, I have had severe insomnia and that is the only thing that works for me. And when I wake up in the morning I feel refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. I don't have that "drugged" feeling when I get up. I tried all the OTC drugs and natural drugs and nothing works for me except Ambien (NOT Ambien CR). But as with all medicines, they affect people differently.

Princes mom · 01-24-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diannenet

I have been taking Ambien for years and have never had any of the strange side effects I've read that others have. Ever since menopause began years ago, I have had severe insomnia and that is the only thing that works for me. And when I wake up in the morning I feel refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. I don't have that "drugged" feeling when I get up. I tried all the OTC drugs and natural drugs and nothing works for me except Ambien (NOT Ambien CR). But as with all medicines, they affect people differently.

I have a doctor's appointment on Friday; I'll post her opinion.

diannenet · 01-24-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princes mom

I have a doctor's appointment on Friday; I'll post her opinion.

Good luck! Will be anxious to hear what your dr. has to say.

boopster · 01-24-2011, 09:15 PM

I have problems sleeping frequently as well. Sometimes due to minor aches and pains, and sometimes due to bazillions of thoughts running through my head. I got an adjustable bed and it has made a huge difference - amazing how much better you can sleep when you are physically comfortable. I know you're not supposed to have TV in the bedroom, but I turn it on and put the volume down so low I have to really work to hear. For some reason, that usually puts me right to sleep. If it doesnt, I will take a Tylenol PM. One usually makes me sleep all night. Two make me oversleep.

lisaly · 01-24-2011, 09:45 PM

I have a lot of problems sleeping, but I take Ambien and it helps. I still wake several times a night, but I have a more restful sleep than I would if I didn't take it. I took it tonight about four hours ago, and I am not feeling drugged at all. I like to take it earlier so that it is out of my system by the time I have to drive in the morning. I usually accomplish a great deal more things after I take it and before I go to bed at night. When I first took it on occasion, it was usually at one or two in the morning when I couldn't sleep at all. I still got up before five to get ready for work, and didn't feel medicated at all. I've heard that Ambien causes weird side effects for some people, but I have no problems with it whatsoever. My husband doesn't either, and he has taken it longer than I have. I have forgotten having a discussion with my husband a few times in the middle of the night, and I recall it later when he reminds me of it, but that has happened when I haven't taken anything at all. You need to think about how the sleep deprivation is affecting your life. Forgetting things is just one of the ways it can affect you. I know my immune system is not the greatest due to lack of sleep. I've tried benadryl, but that doesn't work as well for me and I can feel medicated with it. It is the same thing that's in Tylenol PM without the Tylenol. I have had problems being a light sleeper since I've been young, and it has gotten much worse more recently. Ambien isn't the kind of medication that will make me feel tired and put me to sleep. The reason why it works for me is that, when I do sleep, it is a more restful sleep. When I needed to take care of Ashley, I had no problems staying up all night, even after taking it. One time last year my husband needed to go to the ER within an hour after I took Ambien. I ended up being up for twenty four hours, and I still had no problems staying awake, even with it in my system. I guess that's why I feel it works the best for me, since I don't feel like I'm taking anything at all, I am able to function after I take it, and I can get a more restful sleep with it. I hope things go well for you at the doctor.

rtsmichele · 01-24-2011, 10:36 PM

You can also try some essential oils. This recipe say to bathe but I mix it with Grape seed oil and dab some on my nose before bed time. I also leave a small jar of it with a small rag on my night stand. If I wake up in the night I put some on the rag and stuff it inside my pillow. It helps me drift back off to sleep.

Essential Oils Recipes for Sleeping: Relaxing Bath for Insomnia:
5 drops of lavender oil
3 drop of chamomile oil
3 drop of Ylang Ylang oil
Instructions: Add the oils to a warm bath and soak for at least fifteen minutes.

Princes mom · 01-29-2011, 06:13 PM

The doctor put me on amitriptyline 25mg. I took one last night and slept well...I only woke up once, and went back to sleep. I took one this evening about 7ish, and I'm waiting for it to kick in.

Patti · 01-29-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princes mom

The doctor put me on amitriptyline 25mg. I took one last night and slept well...I only woke up once, and went back to sleep. I took one this evening about 7ish, and I'm waiting for it to kick in.

That's great. Any weird side effects? I need to check into that.

Princes mom · 01-30-2011, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patti

That's great. Any weird side effects? I need to check into that.

No, no side effects, yet. It seems that it doesn't force you to sleep, but when I do settle down, I sleep really well. I've only taken it twice, so far.

QuickSilver · 01-30-2011, 08:04 PM

I've never heard of Remerol. I might ask to try this.

Currently, I take Ambien to fall asleep, Lorazepam to STAY asleep, and Melatonin to really cement it. It's not my ideal solution, but it's worked for years.

I think it depends a lot on why you have insomnia. Early morning waking tends to be caused by depression and/or anxiety. I'm not sure if 2 am counts as "early morning waking" for you or not -- it's defined as a few hours before you get up.

I think the solution will depend on what the root causes are. People have mentioned physical discomfort, hormonal changes, side effects from other drugs, etc, etc. What do you think is the issue for you?

I tried Tylenol PM, but I didn't find it to be a good long term solution. It made me very groggy the next day, and if I take it more than a few days in a row, I get violently ill.

I also had a sleep study a long time ago, though I didn't find it all that helpful. Here are some basic tips I've learned over the years:

- Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, even weekends.

- Don't nap.

- If you do have insomnia, stick to your schedule. The fatigue should help you sleep more soundly the next night. Some people simply overestimate the amount of sleep they need.

- Only use your bed for sleep & sex. Try not to watch tv in the bedroom.

- If you are positive you cannot sleep, get up and do something else in another room, so your bed is only associated with sleep.

- Establish a quiet bedtime routine of ~30 minutes. Give yourself time to relax. Don't watch the news at night, as it can be upsetting.

- I used a "meditation sleep" tape for a while, and I reliably fell asleep to it. It's basically someone with a very soothing voice talking you through a guided meditation.

- If you wake up in the middle of the night because you are anxious, keep a notepad by the bed. When you wake up, jot down your thoughts and a basic plan of attack for the following day. Then let it go.

- Stop drinking caffeine at least five hours before bedtime.

- Try to get as much sunlight as possible during the day to set your circadian rythmns well. Exercise can also help with this.

Hope some of that helps.

alisonJ · 02-06-2011, 06:33 PM

I was given amitriptylene for neck pain--I had a pinched nerve. After 2-3 weeks I started developing lesions on my skin. Watch out for those. As soon as I stopped taking amitriptylene they faded away.

I recommend melatonin --At least 5 mg. Most tablets are 3 mg, so take 2. That and cardiovascular excercise before NOON helps. If you exercise too late in the day you will have trouble falling asleep.

If I may ask, how old are you? I really began having problems sleeping after age 50.

xxmxaxrxyxx · 02-06-2011, 07:29 PM

Ambien CR when i was employed and had insurance to cover it...it help me fall asleep and stay asleep since i had a problem with sleeping as if sleeping was my enemy. lol...and if and when i was able to fall asleep and something woke me up i was never able to fall right back to sleep and it messes up my sleeping hours and i too am restless and tired in the morning.

Now that i am unemployed with no insurance i am taking Melatonin vitamins i got at walmart. It helps me fall asleep.

Princes mom · 08-25-2011, 05:39 AM

I just tried Silenor for the first time last night, and really like it. My problems are mostly staying asleep and sometimes falling asleep. I did not wake up hung over.

Silenor® (doxepin) | For People with Insomnia who Have Difficulty Staying Asleep

01-22-2011, 09:46 PM	#16
diannenet Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,363	I have been taking Ambien for years and have never had any of the strange side effects I've read that others have. Ever since menopause began years ago, I have had severe insomnia and that is the only thing that works for me. And when I wake up in the morning I feel refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. I don't have that "drugged" feeling when I get up. I tried all the OTC drugs and natural drugs and nothing works for me except Ambien (NOT Ambien CR). But as with all medicines, they affect people differently. __________________ *Dianne Toby Speedy*

01-29-2011, 06:13 PM	#22
Princes mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 4,566	The doctor put me on amitriptyline 25mg. I took one last night and slept well...I only woke up once, and went back to sleep. I took one this evening about 7ish, and I'm waiting for it to kick in. __________________ Prince, rest in peace. We miss you and love you so much.

01-30-2011, 08:04 PM	#25
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I've never heard of Remerol. I might ask to try this. Currently, I take Ambien to fall asleep, Lorazepam to STAY asleep, and Melatonin to really cement it. It's not my ideal solution, but it's worked for years. I think it depends a lot on why you have insomnia. Early morning waking tends to be caused by depression and/or anxiety. I'm not sure if 2 am counts as "early morning waking" for you or not -- it's defined as a few hours before you get up. I think the solution will depend on what the root causes are. People have mentioned physical discomfort, hormonal changes, side effects from other drugs, etc, etc. What do you think is the issue for you? I tried Tylenol PM, but I didn't find it to be a good long term solution. It made me very groggy the next day, and if I take it more than a few days in a row, I get violently ill. I also had a sleep study a long time ago, though I didn't find it all that helpful. Here are some basic tips I've learned over the years: - Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, even weekends. - Don't nap. - If you do have insomnia, stick to your schedule. The fatigue should help you sleep more soundly the next night. Some people simply overestimate the amount of sleep they need. - Only use your bed for sleep & sex. Try not to watch tv in the bedroom. - If you are positive you cannot sleep, get up and do something else in another room, so your bed is only associated with sleep. - Establish a quiet bedtime routine of ~30 minutes. Give yourself time to relax. Don't watch the news at night, as it can be upsetting. - I used a "meditation sleep" tape for a while, and I reliably fell asleep to it. It's basically someone with a very soothing voice talking you through a guided meditation. - If you wake up in the middle of the night because you are anxious, keep a notepad by the bed. When you wake up, jot down your thoughts and a basic plan of attack for the following day. Then let it go. - Stop drinking caffeine at least five hours before bedtime. - Try to get as much sunlight as possible during the day to set your circadian rythmns well. Exercise can also help with this. Hope some of that helps. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. Last edited by QuickSilver; 01-30-2011 at 08:06 PM.

02-06-2011, 06:33 PM	#26
alisonJ YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 1,840	I was given amitriptylene for neck pain--I had a pinched nerve. After 2-3 weeks I started developing lesions on my skin. Watch out for those. As soon as I stopped taking amitriptylene they faded away. I recommend melatonin --At least 5 mg. Most tablets are 3 mg, so take 2. That and cardiovascular excercise before NOON helps. If you exercise too late in the day you will have trouble falling asleep. If I may ask, how old are you? I really began having problems sleeping after age 50. __________________ Alison--Edith Jones's mother www.edithjonesproject.com

02-06-2011, 07:29 PM	#27
xxmxaxrxyxx Missing Yoshi Everyday! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 15,110 Blog Entries: 3	Ambien CR when i was employed and had insurance to cover it...it help me fall asleep and stay asleep since i had a problem with sleeping as if sleeping was my enemy. lol...and if and when i was able to fall asleep and something woke me up i was never able to fall right back to sleep and it messes up my sleeping hours and i too am restless and tired in the morning. Now that i am unemployed with no insurance i am taking Melatonin vitamins i got at walmart. It helps me fall asleep. __________________ Yoshi Mei Ling Ting Ting Ting Ki Sun Hye Yukio Kioshi

01-24-2011, 09:15 PM	#19
boopster Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 1,643 Blog Entries: 1	I have problems sleeping frequently as well. Sometimes due to minor aches and pains, and sometimes due to bazillions of thoughts running through my head. I got an adjustable bed and it has made a huge difference - amazing how much better you can sleep when you are physically comfortable. I know you're not supposed to have TV in the bedroom, but I turn it on and put the volume down so low I have to really work to hear. For some reason, that usually puts me right to sleep. If it doesnt, I will take a Tylenol PM. One usually makes me sleep all night. Two make me oversleep.

01-24-2011, 09:45 PM	#20
lisaly Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 5,892	I have a lot of problems sleeping, but I take Ambien and it helps. I still wake several times a night, but I have a more restful sleep than I would if I didn't take it. I took it tonight about four hours ago, and I am not feeling drugged at all. I like to take it earlier so that it is out of my system by the time I have to drive in the morning. I usually accomplish a great deal more things after I take it and before I go to bed at night. When I first took it on occasion, it was usually at one or two in the morning when I couldn't sleep at all. I still got up before five to get ready for work, and didn't feel medicated at all. I've heard that Ambien causes weird side effects for some people, but I have no problems with it whatsoever. My husband doesn't either, and he has taken it longer than I have. I have forgotten having a discussion with my husband a few times in the middle of the night, and I recall it later when he reminds me of it, but that has happened when I haven't taken anything at all. You need to think about how the sleep deprivation is affecting your life. Forgetting things is just one of the ways it can affect you. I know my immune system is not the greatest due to lack of sleep. I've tried benadryl, but that doesn't work as well for me and I can feel medicated with it. It is the same thing that's in Tylenol PM without the Tylenol. I have had problems being a light sleeper since I've been young, and it has gotten much worse more recently. Ambien isn't the kind of medication that will make me feel tired and put me to sleep. The reason why it works for me is that, when I do sleep, it is a more restful sleep. When I needed to take care of Ashley, I had no problems staying up all night, even after taking it. One time last year my husband needed to go to the ER within an hour after I took Ambien. I ended up being up for twenty four hours, and I still had no problems staying awake, even with it in my system. I guess that's why I feel it works the best for me, since I don't feel like I'm taking anything at all, I am able to function after I take it, and I can get a more restful sleep with it. I hope things go well for you at the doctor.

01-24-2011, 10:36 PM	#21
rtsmichele YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 289	You can also try some essential oils. This recipe say to bathe but I mix it with Grape seed oil and dab some on my nose before bed time. I also leave a small jar of it with a small rag on my night stand. If I wake up in the night I put some on the rag and stuff it inside my pillow. It helps me drift back off to sleep. Essential Oils Recipes for Sleeping: Relaxing Bath for Insomnia: 5 drops of lavender oil 3 drop of chamomile oil 3 drop of Ylang Ylang oil Instructions: Add the oils to a warm bath and soak for at least fifteen minutes.

08-25-2011, 05:39 AM	#28
Princes mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 4,566	I just tried Silenor for the first time last night, and really like it. My problems are mostly staying asleep and sometimes falling asleep. I did not wake up hung over. Silenor® (doxepin) \| For People with Insomnia who Have Difficulty Staying Asleep __________________ Prince, rest in peace. We miss you and love you so much.