Recommendations for sleep aids?

@barrydl, you might be interested in the discussions in the Sleep Health support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/sleep-health/

Here are 2 related discussions to your questions:
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/difficulty-falling-asleep-and-staying-asleep/
- Natural sleep aids https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/natural-sleep-aids/

Barry, you mention that you are in decent physical condition. Do you exercise or get daily physical activity to help promote good sleep?

@colleenyoung Yes, I do. I walk an average of 5 times a week usually for 3 or more miles per day. This morning I did a flat walk of 3 miles at 17 miles/hour. My fastest yet. I also spend two days doing the Peloton, lifting weights and stretching to strengthen my core.

Trazodone works very well without the "morning hangover".
Also, my Pulmonologist says I have Parasomnia (not getting to REM stage in time or staying long enough) and that a small dose of Clonazepam is helpful.

Trazodone or Mirtazapine, both at low doses, gave me sufficient sleep for years.

@david707 David, are you still taking Trazodone or Mirtazapine? How do you purchase them? OTC or with prescriptions? What were/are. the "low doses"? Any side effects? Thanks for reaching out. Much appreciated. Barry

Hi
I’m an 80yr old male
I see all of the “salt” diets to lose the bottom belly fat which I have
Are there any that actually work?

@barrydl Both are prescriptions. Trazodone is been around for quite awhile and is an anti-depressant but has become popular lately as a sleep aid because it makes you sleepy. I took it for years after my doctors quit prescribing Ambien because of my age. After years of taking the Trazodone, I noticed a couple fingers popping up and down. Looking at side effects this was listed. So I researched and discovered Mirtazapine, a newer antidepressant, that likewise has been used to help with sleep and, surprise.....it also has no sexual side-effects as all the others that I know and have been on. Either medicine can be taken at the lowest possible dose which is best used as a sleep aid. I like that you exercise daily. I am near 80. I used to walk a mile daily and do some yoga. Because my lower back is suffering from my age, I will start doing chair yoga. Wishing you all the best.

Hey David, thanks so much for your advice. I most definitely will be speaking with my primary physician about taking Mirtazapine. I'm leary of Trazodone given your finger popping experience. Regarding your lower back pain I have complete empathy. I was suffering quite a bit and finally went to a specialist who examined my lower back with a number of XRAYS. Aging had reduced the cartilage in the lower back area that was bothering me the most. The physician recommended that I go to a physical THERAPIST (not a trainer) to learn exercises that strengthen your core muscles that provide "back-up" support. I went to the same PT for 5-6 weeks and now have an exercise regimen that leaves me without any back pain. You might consider asking your doctor for such a recommendation. It sure worked for me. I'll keep you posted on the Mirtazapine. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

@jimkellyog

Sorry but I have no idea whether they work. Exercise and a healthy diet probably make sense but not easy to do when you're an Octogenarian. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving! Eat the turkey but stay away from the Pumpkin Pie. Barry