Insomnia Tips Please

[purtig]

I have been getting insomnia for the last 4 months or so. I do have sleeping tablets I can take, but I don't want to rely on them and sometimes they don't work. I also have a 1 year old who wakes for the day between 5-5.30am without fail, so I really need my sleep. I am a light sleeper and find it hard to 'turn off' my brain.

Things I do already are....
have a warm milk half an hour before bed
have 2 panadol at around same time (I usually have a headache)
try and turn off the computer an hour before bed
I do read in bed but only 1 chapter or so
I don't watch tv in bed

If you can think of anything, please, any advice would be appreciated.

[LittleMissyMoo]

You poor thing it sucks not getting any sleep. I had pretty bad insomnia for a while and here's what I did.

Excercise every day but not 3 hours before bed time.
Do not read/watch tv before bed.
Healthy diet.
Meditation/relaxation/yoga classes to get rid of any anxiety or stress.
Get some Tranquil Calm tablets from the health food shop. They're 100% natural.
Drink herbal tea instead of caffine.
Use lavender products (shower gel, bath gel, moisturiser). They induce calm.

Give them a go and good luck!

[samsausage]

Just wanted to send you some , I've had worsening insomnia for 3 months now and it is truly horrid.

LittleMissyMoo has already given you some great advice, I'm starting a course of hypnotherapy in a couple of weeks in the hope that will help.

Take care - it WILL end

[Natsmummy]

I'll be watching this with interest as I've had terrible insomnia for the last 2 months. I feel so tired all the time but when I get into bed I just can't switch off, and I don't want to take sleeping tablets as I worry that DS would need me and I'd be too groggy.

[purtig]

Being groggy worries me too. I only take half a tablet if I am not asleep by 11.30pm, though a few times I have taken the other half after still being awake half an hour later, on my doctor's advice. When I have taken something I make sure I am sleeping with the door wide open so I will still hear ds. I had to take one once when DH was away and i was so scared but had been awake since 4am that morning so felt I really needed it.

I have just purchased some 'Tranquil Night' tablets to try.

[Feral]

I know how annoying insomnia can be, I have had it on and off over the years.

Littlemissymoo has given you some great tips,
I recommend Valerian root, a natural herbal remedy, can be taken as tablets, from chemist or health food shop, just ask -it is sometimes called 'sleep ezy' also comes as herbal tea- have a cup before bed.
If you feel you have tension, a nice bath can be very relaxing and sleep inducing
If anxiety is a problem, try having a note book near your bed and quickly make a note of anything on your mind, then tell yourself not to worry about these things- have a good nights sleep.
Soothing music works well, have the volume low so you can drift of to sleep.

Good luck, sweet dreams