Can hypnotics really help w/sleep & if so would Lunesta be in that category?
85717
Please listen. Try PURE essential lavender oil. You can purchase this at many places now; health food stores and the like.Just drop NO MORE than 3 drops per side on your pillowcase.It will work better than any med. without side effects and you won't become addicted to it and it's cheaper and healthier for you and everyone else. Please try it  . . IT WILL WORK!!!
1162063
I have a few suggestions for you...\n\nI have insomnia and problems sleeping and staying asleep etc, due to a head injury, so I've tried nearly everything to get myself to sleep.\n\nFirst off, if you're in bed and you're not sleeping, get out of it and do something else. Try to keep your bed as a "sleep only" area. \nThat way, when you get in the bed again, you associate it with sleep.. and not like paperwork or phonecalls, etc.\n\nSecondly, tea or warm anything helps sometimes. There's actually a specific tea out there that I found at Albertsons, made by Celestial Seasonings, called Sleepy Time EXTRA. And there's a red flag that says "VALERIAN MAKES IT EXTRA!". Valerian root is a natural sedative. Taken in low doses I have found that it calms, or, in a tea such as the Sleepy Time (It's Chamomile Mint I think, really good with a little honey) it puts ya right to sleep. (high dose)\n\nThere's also another natural sleep aid called Kava. My mom found it in the healthfood store (Rainbow Market) in a little drink called Elixr. The bottle says to drink the whole thing, but I tried just one tablespoon and I was out like a light. I did some research on it, and apparantly the more frequently you take it, the higher dosages you'll need to be able to sleep. (http://www.elixirtonics.com/)\n\nAnd of course there's sleeping pills. Walgreens has "Tylenol PM". That works, or "Simply Sleep", which is essentially the same thing. But it was nice because it did not have me feeling groggy and ridiculous or hung over in the morning. I just woke up feeling refreshed.\n\nYou could also consider prescription sleeping pills. I just got an Ambien prescription... I tried it once and hated it though, guess it works differently for different people, etc. I was miserable all night and felt unrested and a prisoner in my own body. Like my body was dead, couldn't move, but my mind was racing. I was overheating and sweating and couldn't do a damn thing about it. So.. I haven't decided if I hate that or not, I'll have to give it another shot, but I'm hesitant to even bother... \n\nReading helps too.\n\nOr turn on the radio on a quiet channel, or a soothing cd or something, and get it nice and dark and before ya know it, it's time to wake up. It really works.  Just don't put on a station or something that you'll be singing along with, it doesn't quite work out.\n\nAnd sometimes I go in the yard and just breathe. The darkness and the cold air makes me want to bundle up in my bed and usually I just knock right out. Sometimes with a little coaxing from a warm drink too. (non alcoholic of course)\n\nWell then I heard some people drink (alcohol) to relax and calm down and eventually sleep but that's apparantly highly unrecommended.\n\nI always fall asleep on my side with the pillow even under my neck. Maybe you're having trouble with either your pillow or your sleeping position? I read online somewhere that sleeping on your back is bad for people that are prone to snoring who have sleep apnea, because it's harder to breathe and it's not a restful night if they even get to sleep. And I also read that sleeping flat on the belly isn't that great either because your neck is craned to one side, and could lead to neck problems. \nIf you're a belly sleeper, maybe try sleeping with one leg up so that you're not totally flat on the bed. It will also make it so that your neck isn't completely craned to the side, and the pillow can be adjusted around the head and maybe a separate one for under the chest or knee for good elevation so you don't suffocate yourself.\n\nOh and maybe a body pillow too... ever try just holding something to sleep? It could help... pillow, teddy bear, someone.\n\nSometimes when you feel really safe where you are, you'll just knock right out, without a second thought.\n\nGood luck, hope you can catch some
647487
I've had really good success with melatonin.  Its a natural substance that's secreted by our pineal glands and regulates our sleep cycles.  I started taking it to help overcome jet lag but now, when I can't "turn my head off" I'll take it and get sleepy within 1/2 an hour and generally sleep very well.  No side effects as its completely natural and already produced for this exact purpose, by our bodies.
466785
Wow, that's awful.\n\nI haven't had too much trouble with insomnia, but the few times I have, tylenol pm (over the counter) helped me wind down enough to sleep.\n\nAfter four days, I'm sure you've already tried the standards: milk ( contains natural stuff that helps you sleep..doesn't have to be warm - yuk!), a nice glass of wine, warm bath, etc.  \n\nGood luck, man.  Hope you don't get this because you've finally been able to sleep.
915090
Those doctors aren't very helpful sometimes, are they?  (  :\n\nYou're certainly not alone.  If it's serious enough that you can't sleep, then that in itself can be a real problem.  There are medications that MIGHT help, such as beta blockers (like propranolol and metoprolol), but these all have a bunch of other effects which it would be better to avoid if you can.\n\nSo you might want to try some lifestyle changes.  Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and exercise can all be triggers that increase the frequency of your arrythmias.  Unfortunately, so can stress - so worrying about whether you can get to sleep will unfortunately only make it harder to get to sleep!\n\nDeep breathing will help you relax, and some people report that magnesium, calcium, and fish oil supplements can help too.\n\nIt's worth a try, anyway.  If none of those work, you might at least get some consolation from others with similar problems.  The first link below is to a forum that seems to have a number of people with PVCs and PACs.  Hope that helps!
133553
Lunesta is good, it will help you to sleep, but the bad taste in your mouth the next morning is why i stopped taking it.  If you can handle it, you have the most realistic dreams.
429828
Yup that would be me lol.Usually cause even though i want to sleep my brain does not "shut off" I a;ways joke and say i make my best plans in my sleep.There is a herb on the market by Jamisone called realax and sleep.Says you can take up to 4 but i find 1 does me just find.It basically calms the mind allowing you to fully relax when you sleep so you actually get a good sleep.I bet thats why you feel tired even though you say you get lots of sleep.Could be a vitamin deficiency as well but more likley to be what i said.Its a all natural product not a drug or sleeping pill so why not try it and see if it works.I dont even take them every night .The matress companies want you to believe its your matress dont bye into their pitches .I dont know about you but when i am tired i can sleep almost any where lol.
456791
The story of my life!  I often have trouble sleeping and at times no matter what I do helps.  Somethings I have tried that do seem to help from time to time.  \n\nA good round of sex. \n\nA glass of milk.\n\nExercising about 1 hour before you go to bed.\n\nThen there are medications.  I use Ambien from time to time, but it is a prescription so probably no help for tonight.  If you do decide to go with Ambien, a word of caution.  I only use them in dire circumstances.  They make me totally goofy.  I do really silly things, and often have amnesia the next day. \n\nHope you have sweet dreams tonight.  Good Luck!
354877
i have used a natural substance called melatonin. it naturally occurs in the body to tell your brain that it is time to go to sleep. it is sold in health food stores, and probably in wal mart too. it is non-addictive and it actually works.
701184
It doesn't make you drowsy that I know of. I have taken it before and was fine. My husband just took one about 2 hours ago and he is still up and going! So I would have to say no, it won't :o)\n\nI did want to add that I HATE THEIR COMMERCIALS THOUGH! THEY ARE DISGUSTING!!!
327668
yes. for long-term insomnia. it worked.\n\nwhen i was being treated I didn't think it was working, i felt awake, aware and in control - but then after sessions, i noticed that i was sleeping better and better as time went on.\n\nwhat REALLY helped was that she recorded a session with me and gave the tape to me so I could listen to it whenever I needed to.  \n\nI would definitely give it a go for whatever you are looking into it for.\n\nI know people who have tried it to give up smoking and it's worked for them.  To cure long-term insomnia AND smoking, I think it's gotta be able to help LOTS of other stuff too.
1004747
There are 3 major types of sleeping pills, the oldest is phenobarbital which is rarely used due to the potential of lethal overdose. The second is the benzodiazipem (Valium) class which is difficult to OD on but is very habit forming. the third is the newest - Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta. All are made by combining certain chemicals and compressing them into pill form. the actual ingredients, amounts and and order of combining them I don't recall since it has been 15 years since I studied Organic Chemistry. Hope this helps.
1006558
Ambien does the same thing to me - lasts about 6-7 hours, but that is pretty typical of a "good" nights sleep for me.  \n\nThere are other things out on the market now, like Lunesta and another one that may work differently, may not make you have that "hung over" feeling.  It's worth mentioning to your Dr. \n\nGood Luck
459530
Dear Ron,\n     Please stop taking that stuff!!!  There are much better, healthier ways to get a good night's rest.  If you are unable to sleep, your body is trying to tell you something.  Taking a drug simply masks an underlying problem.  Here are a few well-known, proven points about getting a good night's rest.  It may take a while for your body's health and equilibrium to be restored, so please be persistent and patient.  A good night's sleep is a reward that should be cherished and persistently sought:\n      1.  Eliminate ALL caffeine from your diet (coffee, tea, chocolate, caffeinated sodas, etc).  Caffeine is a stimulant that will keep you wide awake for hours.  If you are addicted to coffee or other brown drinks, use plenty of prayer and will power to overcome the addiction.\n      2.  Eliminate ALL alcohol from your diet.  Alcohol is also proven to disrupt sleep patterns.\n      3.  Eat your last meal at least 4 hours before you go to bed.  No late-night snacks.  Digestion stimulates your body and can cause insomnia.  Eat your largest meal in the morning.\n      4.  Drink plenty of pure, clean water.  Water will help your body to regulate itself.\n      5.  Eat a low fat, healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Rich foods can be disruptive and are unnatural.  Your body was not designed to accommodate them.  Do not overeat.\n      6.  Establish a regular time to go to bed and to awaken.  Your body will gradually adjust if you have a regular time to sleep and awaken.  Try to go to bed early and arise early, if possible (research has shown that sleep that occurs BEFORE midnight has a more restorative effect on the body than sleep that occurs after midnight).\n     7.  Get regular exercise, but not too soon before bed.  This is particularly important if your job is sedentary and/or requires great mental effort.  It is important to keep your body strong and healthy.\n     8.  Do not consume drugs, legal or illegal.\n     9.  Each night as you are resting in bed, think of all the things for which you are thankful.  Thank your Creator for these.  Your sleep will be blessed, and you will be at peace!\n    10.  Finally, if you have tried all the things listed above, and still have occassional sleeplessness, try taking a plant-based calcium/magnesium supplement.  These minerals help to relax the muscles, regulate breathing, and soothe over-stimulated nerves.\n        May God richly bless your efforts!!!
836801
There are many natural treatments for insomnia that should be considered before resorting to medications. \nTryptophan, melatonin, 5-HTP, Valerian, and St. John’s Wort may help with sleep. In difficult cases, use of these in combination have been successful.\n\nValerian is sometimes used as a treatment for anxiety. However, it is more commonly recommended as an aid for occasional insomnia. \n\nKava is probably better for anxiety but is sometimes recommended at higher doses to treat insomnia as well.\n\nMake sure that something you are currently taking is not causing the problem. Substances such as panax ginseng, hydrocortisone taken late in the day, caffeine, and too much alcohol, cocaine or sedatives can cause insomnia.\n\nOther suggestions\n\n Poor sleepers do not clear caffeine from their systems as rapidly as normal sleepers. Even one cup of coffee at breakfast only was enough to keep them awake at night. A two week trial of no caffeine may be beneficial.\nSleep in complete darkness. A recent study indicated that even dim artificial light may disrupt sleep and melatonin production.\nDon't nap. Sleep disturbances may encourage napping during the day, which can make it harder to fall asleep at a normal hour. Avoiding naps can promote sleep at an earlier hour.\nTry taking your watch off and any clocks out of the room. This simple technique has worked for a surprising number of people.\nReading for 45-60 minutes.\nAerobic exercise 3-5 times per week.\nMany with FMS need a water bed, sometimes even with an egg-crate pad. Some need a hard bed. Find out what works for you. Go to a store and try some.\nIf hypoglycemia is a problem, some are helped by a snack before going to bed.\nGo to bed only when you are sleepy but get up at the same time each morning.\nIf medication is necessary, find out which works for you. Don’t give up - good sleep is worth the search.\nVitamin B12 can help with fatigue, insomnia, depression, and the anxiety of getting older, especially if low stomach acid is suspected. Shots may be required for large doses.\nMild acting agents like homeopathic preparations, chamomile tea, a long relaxing bath, or a touch of sea salt on the tongue with a glass of water can be tried.
910107
melatonin is a chemical in the body that is higher at night, lower in the morning, so the thinking is: more melatonin at night can help you sleep.  that can be true, but not for all people, because melatonin does rise and fall throughout the day.  try the half pill daily if you want for a week or so, then a full pill (3mg) for a week.  if you still aren't pleased i doubt that melatonin will work for you.  good luck.  you can also try regular sleeping/waking habits and sitting in bed reading about a half hour befoe bedtime to let the body calm down.
825447
Please follow your doctors orders, and do not exceed the recommended daily dosage originally prescribed. If you need something to help you sleep, ask your doctor. There are many prescription medications available. And the drugs name is Fioricet.\n\nGood luck.