I can't sleep. Help!!!

Question

K so I have Insomnia and my doctor prescribed valium 5mg but when i take it I get tired for like 15 minutes but never falls asleep. What do you think is wrong with me? what other sleep aid can I use.

I don't need anyone telling me this is not good for me, if thats the case do not comment. Thank you.

Answer 1

Although it's common to have the occasional sleepless night, insomnia is the lack of sleep on a regular basis.

Here are natural remedies that are used to treat insomnia.

1) Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb that has been long used as a remedy for insomnia. Today, it is an accepted over-the-counter insomnia remedy in Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.

Unlike many other sleep medications, valerian is not believed to be addictive or cause grogginess in the morning.

Valerian is usually taken between an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work. It shouldn't be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness.Valerian shouldn't be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn't be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be taken before driving or operating machinery. Consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended.

2) Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. The pineal gland in the brain makes serotonin which is then converted into melatonin at night when exposure to light decreases.

Melatonin is typically taken about 30 minutes before the desired bedtime. Some experts caution that melatonin should not be used by people with depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases, and other serious illness. Pregnant and nursing women should not use melatonin.

3) Kava

Kava is an anti-anxiety herb that may be helpful for anxiety-related insomnia. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants.

4) Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are one of the most effective ways to increase sleep time, fall asleep faster, and feel more rested in the morning. They require a minimum of 20 minutes before going to bed. There are many different techniques:

Visualization involves imagining a relaxing scene. You can try it in bed before falling asleep. Involve all your senses.The more vivid the visualization and the more senses you involve, the more effective it will be.Relaxation Response - A mind/body technique based on the principles of Transcendental Meditation.Mindfulness - A type of meditation that essentially involves focusing on your mind on the present.Yoga combines deep breathing, meditation, and stretching. A Harvard study found that daily yoga for eight weeks improved total sleep time, the time to fall asleep. If you've never tried yoga before, not to worry. There are many gentle yoga styles to choose from.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a promising natural remedy for sleep. If you've never tried a relaxation technique before, this technique is easy to learn and simple to master.

5) Diet

Cut out caffeine

Caffeine can have a pronounced effect on sleep, causing insomnia and restlessness. In addition to coffee, tea, and soft drinks, look for hidden sources of caffeine such as chocolate, cough and cold medicine, and other over-the-counter medicine.

Avoid sweets

Although sugar can give a burst of energy, it's short-lived and can cause uneven blood sugar levels. This can disrupt sleep in the middle of the night as blood sugar levels fall.Eat foods that help you sleep

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin. Carbohydrate snacks such whole grain crackers before bedtime may help to promote sleep. Just be sure to stay away from sweets.Eat magnesium-rich foods.Magnesium is a natural sedative. Deficiency of magnesium can result in difficulty sleeping, constipation, muscle tremors or cramps, anxiety, irritability, and pain. It has also been use for people with restless leg syndrome.

Foods rich in magnesium are legumes and seeds, dark leafy green vegetables, wheat bran, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, and whole grains.

Answer 2

There is a herbal supplement called melatonin, it is sold in the vitamin isle.  You take it right before bed time, it resets your internal clock so you can fall asleep and stay asleep.  

Do not take it with any other meds - never a good idea to mix meds.  

Answer 3

Yea i have the same thing. I havent slept right for about... 5 months. I spend all night on the computer or watching late night TV. I suggest that in combination to Valium, you try to lay in bed and relax as much as possible. I know i shouldnt say this but Nyquil helps too but youll grow a dependancy and resistance to it. Soon itll be more and more

Answer 4

count sheep

Answer 5

do you do enough during the day to make you tired at night?

Answer 6

I have the same, and the tips on this site help me : http://www.well.com/~mick/insomnia/

Especially the toe curling one! Good luck!!!

Answer 7

try not to thinkk, wonder , or solve something. Let ur miind relaxx for the sake of body- relaxing, turn off the lights and anything that you accompanies you through ur waking..

hope it works

Answer 8

try a natural product. Had the same problem years back. even tried valium. but when i told my doctor that it just make me feel tired but still  can't sleep. she gave me melatrol. it's a natural product  that can help you relax thus sleeping will not be a problem. Maybe you should try it.

Answer 9

I use an over the counter sleep aid call Sominex.  The instructions say to take 2, but I take 3, and ive even drank on top of it, so i would consider it pretty safe.  It takes about 20-30 minutes to feel it, and it will give me in the area of 6-8 hours of sleep, without a Nyquil type of medicine hangover.  I work in a job that has me change from day to night shift often, and I take them until I get used to the change.  And the box doesn't mention anything about becoming dependent on them, and I haven't experience any dependance symptoms.

I would consider it a good idea to go back to your doctor and explain your problem to them

Answer 10

Try warming some milk.  Or maybe try some turkey.  It could help,but does not for everyone.

Answer 11

Do not take naps during the day.  There are other sleep aids out there such as ambien, lunesta and others.  Some of them might help you.  Just be careful with them and don't become dependent on them.

Answer 12

Try not taking the valium for a night or two. Lay in bed and if you have a television in your bedroom turn it on and just relax and close your eyes. Think about your on a beach in florida, california, or the bahama's. Hope this helps.

Answer 13

hubby had the same problem too. We also tried this melatrol and problem is gone. for more info visit http://www.melatrol.com/?aid=830371 they are giving a free trial, you just have to pay for the shipping.

Answer 14

You don't need no medicine to sleep...u just fall asleep when you're tired!

sooo just lay down.and turn the tv on and clear ur mind dont think about anything....and u will fall asleep!

Answer 15

try to see if they can prescribe something else.  

Answer 16

maybe, on a serious note, hypnosis would be good?