Do I take another pill or just stay awake?

Question

Okay, I've been taking Excedrin PM for a couple weeks now to help me sleep. I decided not to take any tonight because I've been feeling pretty tired all day... well I laid in bed forever wondering why I couldn't sleep and then it dawned on me that its because I didn't take my sleeping pills! This worries me because I don't want to be addicted to them, but on the other hand, I would like to get some sleep tonight. Its almost 3:30am and I am wide awake! I have a class tomorrow, so I need some rest... I am tempted to take some pills now, but they might make me sleep too long since its so late. What should I do? And how harmful would it be to keep taking them every night? And what else can I do to make myself sleepy? Ughhh, I just want to be able to get some sleep!

Answer 1

It's too late to take another pill.  Try reducing your caffeine intake and maybe you'll sleep at night.  I had trouble sleeping at night until I cut back on the caffeine.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Sleeping aides can come addictive fast. For some, in a matter of days.

It sounds like that already be the case with you. At this point, just rest until you do sleep. It will take a few nights to get on a schedule without the aides, so you will need patience.

You could try a warm cup of non caffeinated tea or warm milk, and a short hot bath. After, just get comfortable, close your eyes and rest. Even if you can't sleep. Concentrate on resting rather than sleeping... otherwise you will drive yourself nuts.