Is it harmful to take tylenol pm a few nights a week?

Question

I have serious sleep troubles. It has been taking me up to 3 hours to fall asleep. I haven't fallen asleep when i wanted to in days. And to top that i have to get up at 5:45 tomorrow for the first day of school.

Lately I've been taking tylenol pm when i have trouble falling asleep. Am I forming a bad habit or is this harmless? Is it okay sparingly, but not okay multiple times a week?

anything else i could do? I already exercise an hour a day in the morning, I eat healthy, I drink herbal tea at night, my room is quiet and dark. Idk what else i can do!

Answer 1

the worst part about this is the habit it's forming. you're already thinking you have to take meds to fall asleep. here's some tips you can try... and one of the biggest things you need to learn to do... stop worrying about falling asleep. it'll stress you out to the point that you can't.

up and down. do 20min up (I like 15) doing something easy... read a book, at the computer, something non-committal like cleaning or tv. make sure you pay attention to the time... it goes fast. then lay down for 20min.

read a book with the lights on while laying down.

learn meditation, find something that you can focus on, it really helps.

aroma therapy's

don't watch tv an hour before bed... your brain won't shut down.

stop drinking coffee and other caffeine 5 hours before bed.

have a routine for going to bed.

a shower can help... depends on the person though.

if you're worried about what needs done the next day, afraid you'll forget something then prepack everything the night before, get up and make a list of what you need to remember. it'll give you peace of mind.

exercising is good! keep it up!

I hope you get some good tips to fall asleep... it's hard work.

Answer 2

  Tylenol is not very good an your tummy, but it wont hurt to take it a few times a week, you should go see your doctor and tell him, he could give you something to help that would be safe and non-habit forming.