How can I cure my insomnia without medication?
97559
Obscure gave a good answer (remind me to rate that answer too:)  Let me just add one thing I do when i have trouble drifting off to dreamland, I get myself so dead tired by running for an hour (in the ealier part of the evening of course) or have a hard exercise.  A good sex is also a good form of making you sleep like a log.
831056
Treatment for insomnia\nIn many cases, insomnia is caused by another disease or psychological problem. In this case, medical or psychological help may be useful. All sedative drugs have the potential of causing psychological dependence where the individual can't psychologically accept that they can sleep without drugs. Certain classes of sedatives such as benzodiazepines and newer non-benzodiazepine drugs can also cause physical dependence which manifests in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not carefully titrated down.\n\nMany insomniacs rely on sleeping tablets and other sedatives to get rest. The most commonly used class of hypnotics prescribed for insomnia are the benzodiazepines. This includes drugs such as temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam and midazolam. These medications can be addictive, especially after taking them over long periods of time.\n\nNon-benzodiazepine prescription drugs, including Ambien and Lunesta, have a cleaner side effect profile than the older benzodiazepines, however there are controversies over whether these non-benzodiazepine drugs are superior to benzodiazpines. These drugs appear to cause both psychological and physical dependence, and can also cause the same memory and cognitive disturbances as the benzodiazepines along with morning sedation.\n\nMelatonin agonists, including Ramelteon (Rozerem), seem to lack the potential for abuse and dependence. This class of drugs has a relatively mild side effect profile and lower likelihood of causing morning sedation.\n\nThe antihistamine diphenhydramine is widely used in nonprescription sleep aids, with a 50 mg recommended dose mandated by the FDA. In the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries, a 50 to 100 mg recommended dose is permitted. While it is available over the counter, the effectiveness of these agents may decrease over time and the incidence of next-day sedation is higher than for most of the newer prescription drugs. Dependence does not seem to be an issue with this class of drugs.\n\nSome antidepressants such as mirtazapine, trazodone and doxepin have a sedative effect, and are prescribed off label to treat insomnia. The major drawback of these drugs is that they have antihistaminergic, anticholinergic and antiadrenergic properties which can lead to many side effects. Some also alter sleep architecture.\n\nLow doses of Atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine(Seroquel) are also prescribed for their sedative effect but the danger of neurological and cognitive side effects make these drugs a poor choice to treat insomnia.\n\nSome insomniacs use herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and passion-flower. Valerian has undergone the most studies and appears to be modestly effective.\n\nAlcohol may have sedative properties, but the REM suppressing effects of the drug prevent restful, quality sleep. Middle-of-the-night awakenings due to alcohol consumption are common, and hangovers can also lead to morning grogginess.\n\nSome traditional remedies for insomnia have included drinking warm milk before bedtime*, taking a warm bath in the evening; exercising vigorously for half an hour in the afternoon, eating a large lunch and then having only a light evening meal at least three hours before bed, avoiding mentally stimulating activities in the evening hours, and making sure to get up early in the morning and to retire to bed at a reasonable hour. Pomegranates are also believed to be able to help insomniacs sleep.\n\nAdding honey to warm milk helps get the tryptophan in your system faster. Tryptophan absorption is normally inhibited or deterred by other amino acids but in the presence of sugar tryptophan is absorbed more quickly. \nTraditional Chinese medicine has included treatment for insomnia throughout its history. A typical approach may utilize acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle analysis, herbology and other techniques, with the goal of resolving the problem at a subtle level. Although t
718652
Here are some things that have helped me:\n\n1) Exercise early in the evening\n2) Drinking less liquid before bed \n3) Reading or otherwise relaxing without the TV on before bed\n4) Stay up a little later\n5) Take a Tylenol PM before bed\n6) Take a warm shower or bath before bed
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Chamomile tea is a natural sedative, and the basic herbal answer for insomnia.  Drink one cup per hour for three hours before bed.\n\nIf that doesn't work quickly enough, add a couple of drops of valerian.  Valerian is a powerful natural tranquilizer, and became popular after widespread use in World War II.\n\nChamomile tea is, of course, available in any grocery store. (Although it may be called something cute like "Nighty Night" or "Sleepy Time.")\nValerian, in liquid form, can be found at any health food store.
94256
insomnia is a learned disorder. maybe from your parents or friends. it cant only be gotten rid of through relearning a sleep patter. your body gets used to a certian rythm and it begians to learn this trythm. like how you can wake op at the same time everyday. when under stress sometimes you can have insomniatic bouts, but usually its from constantly staying up late or what not so you body learns tht pattern then you try to go back to your old patter and its not so easy. just try going to bed earlier for awahile and you'll see what iu mean. some bodies take awhile to learn a pattern some are very fast it all depends on how you function.
281246
LOVE the previous answer.\nAs for my experiences:\n1. get eight hours of sleep or at least try to wake up the same time everyday.\n2. try taking a 20 minute nap in the afternoon.\n3. Eat a light snack. Something with a bit of whole grains and some protein is best. \n4. Avoid heavy foods with lots of sugar and fat.\n5. Exercise.\n6. Take a break and do something that interests you.\n7. Aviod keeping the heat on too high. Warmth makes you drowsy.\n8. If you are at a desk for long periods of time, get up every hour to stretch and walk a bit.\n\nIf you are still having problems, see your physician as you may have sleep apnea or some sort of sleeping disorder.
929925
The Homeopathic Remedy PASSIFLORA INCARNATA in mother tincture (Q) potency, 20 drops in about 2 sips of warm water half an hour before meals thrice a day will have her sleeping peacefully and without any harmful tranqulizers, she should keep on taking it till her insomnia is totally cured without any side effects or complications of any kind and its totally non addictive. If this does not helps  after taking it for three days, give her NUX VOMICA 30 half an hour before bed time and ask her to lay down she will be asleep before she notices it :-). 100% relief without and comlications or side effects.\nTake care and God Bless you
365675
I went through a similar cycle with no help from anywhere.  Drugs left me zonked the next day too.  Eventually I found relief through my own little techniques.  Stress doesn't help mind you.  She has to find a pattern that suits her.  The trick is that when your head hits the pillow it can't say "OK go to sleep, go to sleep this time".  The n the cycle has already begun.  I drink a warm malted milk and then always force my imagination to go somewhere.  For me the start is always very science fiction, but that is just me.  Before you know it the mind can wonder on its own and zzzzzzzz.....  Just advise mind you, insomnia is different for everyone and there are different types.  The other main variety is waking up 3 hours into sleep and then being stuck awake.
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If u can take tea take a cup of tea when feel sleep.\nRub your ears it refresh ur brain.\nDo some warm up exercises.\nSmoke cigarate..
587357
I received accupuncture from a qualified Traditional Chinese Medince doctor with very good results.  TCM is very effective and helps seek the reasons behind your insomnia.
544382
take medicine and just relax and sleep
185345
try melatonin, 3mg a night helps you get back a normal sleep cycle. its also NATURAL, no habit forming, and you dont feel groggy in the am, i use it every night.
154577
Caffeine.\n\nHere are some things that can help. \n1. Limit daily intake of caffeine especially after 6 pm. \n2. Try to avoid watching TV and hour before bed, if your mind is too stimulated it can keep you awake. 3. Drink enough water during the day, preferably half your body weight in ounces. Water is a metabolism regulator, if yours is stable you will sleep better. \n4. Try to exercise 3-5 times a week, when you sleep your body rebuilds itself, so exercising will allow the body to make you tired by emitting chemicals that allow you to get more restful sleep. \n5. Try to relax about an hour before bed, limit stimulation to your brain, meditate, read relaxing material, listen to soothing music. \n6. One of the best natural treatments for sleep deprivation is lavender extract. Some people dont like it but you put a few drops on your pillow and you will be out like a light.\n\nRegardless of your other issues you have going, some which you may have little control over such as stress, these are small things you can control that can help you sleep better.
1127815
If you haven't already, see a sleep specialist.  In my experience, many insomniacs have an underlying sleep disorder causing the problem.  \n\nAlso, practice good sleep hygiene-\n\nDon't try to sleep if you don't feel tired.  Start with loose goals, like trying to get to sleep before midnight.  Forcing yourself to sleep and watching the clock only increases anxiety.\n\nTry and avoid napping in the late afternoon and evening, and keep naps short.\n\nNo nicotine, caffeine, or alcohol within six hours of bedtime, no large meals prior to bedtime (but do have a light snack, an empty stomach can be just as disruptive).\n\nExcercise regularly, but complete your excercises at least four hours before bedtime.\n\nDon't stare at the clock- it is better to get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy than to lie in bed tossing and turning.\n\nDon't use your bed for things like watching TV and reading, you want your body and mind to equate lying in bed with sleeping.  With one obvious exception :) you should only use your bed for sleeping.\n\nYour ultimate aim should be to get a sleep schedule that works for you and stick with it!  One of the worst things we all do is having different sleep/wake times on weekends.  You have to make sleep a priority, and in today's world, that's remarkably hard to do.\n\nAnd lastly, much easier said than done- find a way to clear your mind before you get in bed.  If you need to, see someone about your anxiety issues as well.  On the bright side, if you're successful at getting regular sleep, that will be a huge help to your mood and general health.\n\nBest of luck!!!
440468
1. dont have any caffeine 6 hours before bedtime..including coffee, chocolate, tea.\n2. go for a 30 min walk 2 hours before bedtime...works off and stress by releasing the antistress hormone. plus gives u time to think and "figure things out", so ur not doing it in bed.\n3. try playing some soft intrumental music or meditation in while in bed.\n4. possibly try the herb called "melatonin" from GNC 0.5mg..instructions are on the label. this is the hormone needed for us to sleep..u may lack it.\n5.  if all else fails talk to ur doctor, maybe its just temporary and he needs to prescribe a mild sleep aid.
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I feel your pain!\nHere are some things that have worked for me-\nTry doing the same routine every night before you go to sleep- do a few yoga streches, take a shower and have a cup of tea (I recommend chamomile mango- Bigelow I think...) and THEN climb into bed.  \nTry an eye pillow- it blocks out the light and keeps you from staring around at you furniture while you curse yourself for not being asleep already :)\nTry doing some sort of exercise during the day- it makes you more tired- like running up and down some steps a few times.\nTry to go to sleep and get up at the same time each day.  I know it sounds nuts- who want to get up at seven on a weekend!?  But it seems to help me- it gives your body a schedule.\nTry not to do work on your bed- that way you can associate your bed with sleep adn relaxation only.  \nIf you're lying there for over 30 minutes, try getting up and walking around.  Go sit in the living room and just chill- no TV though.\nIf you're worrying about something- school. work, life- sit in your living room or somewhere other that your bedroom and let yourself think about it and obsess about it for maybe 20 minutes- whatever.  Maybe try to work out a solution.  And then say to yourself, ok! I'm done thinking about that- mean it! and then climb into bed.\nGOOD LUCK!!! I'm not saying that these always always always work for me but they're worth a try.\nZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.......... :)
63281
Read a book.  Take Valerian Root and drink Chamomile tea and warm milk ... stay away from activities that may "stimulate" the mind ... listen to music, and fortunately I have a subliminal tape that induces sleep .... listen calming music ... listen comedians, because when the "mind" is happy, it is much easier to fall asleep.