I know it’s a cliche but I find hot milk/chocolate really helps me sleep when I’m struggling to nod off. I’ve found the effectiveness depends on a couple of things, first full fat milk, semi skimmed or skimmed just don’t seem to work. Second is heat it slowly in a pan on the cooker, zapping it in the microwave doesn’t cut it. It’s apparently got something to do with the way the fats and protein denaturate when heated.
Here is my son's own invention. Works for me. Use it fall asleep or sleep interrupted. Stay in your bed. None of this going to another room and read---problem with that is you are waking yourself up even more. Here it is: Slowly take deep breath through your nose until lungs are full (about count of 6)Then hold breath for 3 seconds. Then exhale thru your mouth. Exhale fully and slowly. Now start to count down from 100 to zero.[ I have never gotten to 20] One complete cycle: Deep breathe, Hold 3 seconds. Fully exhale. Then count. If your mind wanders or you lose count, start over again at 100.
do you have caffeine anytime during the day? If so, try and eliminate that. I seem to be "allergic" to caffeine - it's effects don't go away in a few hours like it does for other people.
@tolepma I was on Ambien long ago had awful time getting of it. Now I have a cup of warm milk with cinnamon in and take a melatonin does the trick for me
@JustinMcClanahan I don't mind at all! After two or three nights of sleeping at least 8 hours or more, I don't feel the need to go to bed on time, thus making falling asleep problematic. By taking it a few times a week, I am getting good, uninterrupted sleep. I do not wake feeling groggy or have any problems the next day when I take the Silenor.
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Mar 5, 2019
Hi, all - many of you have talked about your insomnia in this discussion and things that have or have not worked well to relieve it. I'd love to hear an update, and I think it will help many others in this thread.
@grandmapark - Sounds like eliminating caffeine in the daytime has helped you. Will you share a bit more about any insomnia challenges you have experienced?
@granny55 - you were asking about doxepin (Silenor) and the sleep issues you've had for years, wondering if there are side effects. I believe that @sandytoes14 has talked about taking that medication and may have some input for you, as may others in this conversation.
@kariulrich - you'd mentioned insomnia previously in this discussion. Wondering how that is going for you lately?
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Hi, @glosrobbo - thanks for sharing this tip about the hot milk/chocolate. Here's another thread you may find interesting on cocoa on Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-benefit-of-cocoa
Have you had a history of insomnia, @glosrobbo?
Here is my son's own invention. Works for me. Use it fall asleep or sleep interrupted. Stay in your bed. None of this going to another room and read---problem with that is you are waking yourself up even more. Here it is: Slowly take deep breath through your nose until lungs are full (about count of 6)Then hold breath for 3 seconds. Then exhale thru your mouth. Exhale fully and slowly. Now start to count down from 100 to zero.[ I have never gotten to 20] One complete cycle: Deep breathe, Hold 3 seconds. Fully exhale. Then count. If your mind wanders or you lose count, start over again at 100.
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4 Reactionsdo you have caffeine anytime during the day? If so, try and eliminate that. I seem to be "allergic" to caffeine - it's effects don't go away in a few hours like it does for other people.
I do have 2 cups but only before 3:00. I’m really hoping I can get off Ambien especially since I’m having problems with it at certain times.
@tolepma I was on Ambien long ago had awful time getting of it. Now I have a cup of warm milk with cinnamon in and take a melatonin does the trick for me
I tried last night without Ambien but got very poor sleep. I’ve tried a few things but none have helped.
@tolepma It takes awhile to get of I had alot of sleepless nights before the Ambien got out of my system ,stick to it and it will work good luck
Hi I have never tried silenor and have had sleep issues for many years are there any side affects? Thanks
Hi, all - many of you have talked about your insomnia in this discussion and things that have or have not worked well to relieve it. I'd love to hear an update, and I think it will help many others in this thread.
@grandmapark - Sounds like eliminating caffeine in the daytime has helped you. Will you share a bit more about any insomnia challenges you have experienced?
@granny55 - you were asking about doxepin (Silenor) and the sleep issues you've had for years, wondering if there are side effects. I believe that @sandytoes14 has talked about taking that medication and may have some input for you, as may others in this conversation.
@kariulrich - you'd mentioned insomnia previously in this discussion. Wondering how that is going for you lately?
I would like some suggestions on this as well. Also I get up after an hour once I fall asleep and then it starts all over again.