Advice for insomnia / staying asleep?

[thankyouhon]

Besides the pain, actually being able to go or stay asleep has been a HUGE issue for me. At first I stayed up until the early mornings (I'm talking 6 or 7) And then it changed to being able to fall asleep but only getting 5 hours. I recently got prescribed ambien and it seems to help. I try not to take it every day though because I don't want to get hooked. I can now get 6 hours a day which is okay but not great.

Does anyone have any experience with natural / non prescription ways to get to sleep? Maybe switching up their diet or taking certain vitamins? I do try to work out every day but that doesn't seem to make any difference. I limited my caffeine intake to once a week since it worsens my symptoms.

 

[Hsmommy]

I've used a dual-action Melatonin with success. Essentially, it's a timed release formulation that releases it in stages throughout the night. Here in Canada, it's made by Webber Naturals. I'm sure there are other brands available.

Hsmommy

 

[moe1959]

Amnitriptolane works for some. Ask your Dr.

 

[thankyouhon]

Thank you for the advice. I will try the melatonin, Hsmommy. Did not have much success in the past, but I never used dual release before. I really don't want another prescription.

 

[fibromomof2]

I struggle with sleep every night. I am on prescriptions for other things that are supposed to make me sleepy but I think they have the opposite effect. I've tried melatonin and while it might help me relax, I do not achieve restorative sleep with it.

What kind of workout do you do each day? I struggle to find something I can do consistently with the amount of pain and fatigue I have.

 

[GingerFashionista]

For sleep, I take Kavinace Ultra PM by Neuroscience at bedtime. It has a combination of a few supplements that support sleep.

For exercise when I am fatigued, I like to do restorative yoga. It is very restful and not fast-paced; a lot of the class is actually spent lying down in various poses, but it does get the body moving.

 

[Forgetmenot]

Six hours isn't bad for someone with fibro.thats about what I get.of course everyone need diffrent amounts of sleep.
I am the same as moe,I use amitripoline ,but as I have bi polar I'm on a drug that pretty much knocks me out.with out that I'd never sleep.because I can't turn off at night..

 

[thankyouhon]

For working out, I walk or bike for at least thirty minutes a day. But my pain is not so severe.

 

[DK_engineer]

Even after I fall asleep I am prone to waking up. I find that it helps to wear a sleeping mask and earplugs.

 

[Knowles]

I take trazadone when I need help falling asleep. I also take gabapentin most nights at bedtime. I find the gabapentin helps me stay asleep. I am no expert but being on a consistent sleep schedule and having a good sleeping environment is helpful. I do not wake up feeling as exhausted or as often as before I began going to bed at the same time every night. I also use a sound machine from Lectrofan. It isn't birds or waves, etc. It is various fan sounds and white noise. Great device. My doctor is adamant about the benefits of getting exercise. I have found some overall improvement by walking each day. I know my limits. I'm not trying to win a race, just cross the finish line.