Insomnia

[Pebbles2]

A good pal of mine is having trouble sleeping and does not want to take sleeping pills as she is on her own with a small child.

Any suggestions?


Pebs

[Celyn]

Hi Pebs! Valerian, hops, skullcap are among the herbs that are meant to help, although I am inclined to think that getting fairly strong valerian tablets from a health/wholefood type of shop is a lot more likely to be of use than some of those proprietary "herbal insomnia" thingies widely sold. Valerian in tablet form does not really have its (in)famously unpleasant smell (though still enough to make it attractive to cats - works like catnip on them - they love it).

And camomile is meant to be relaxing also, though more, I think, as a sort of wind-down evening drink than exactly to get one to sleep.

Well, proof that camomile tea, for instance, is very little use lies in the fact that I will go and fetch some nice links for you, but,having had little sleep, I am off to fetch coffee first! LOL

[crying-charlie]

Hi Pebbs, your pal can't get to sleep when you hit the pillow? They are wide-awake in the middle of the night and all shagged out by daybreak? Insomnia affects one in twenty young people in the UK. Here's what could be depriving your friend of that much needed shut eye:

Their mattress: may be to blame for keeping them up at night. They should aim to strike a balance between comfort and support. Your spine should be level when lying on your back, without being too hard on your shoulders or hips. If it's all a bit soggy, try boosting support by slipping a board underneath the mattress.


Lack of exercise: can leave you feeling restless and twitchy. Working out on a regular basis will help you burn up that excess energy, but don't do it last thing at night. Sleep won't come quick unless you give yourself time to wind down first.


Illness: can often be the cause of sleep loss, especially if you're in pain or suffering from respiratory disorders. If it's a long-term problem, or it's really causing you grief, your GP may be able to help.


Sex: certainly helps some people drop off, like a stone in the case of some men, but it can have the opposite effect on many others. If you're enjoying regular sheet action last thing at night, but it's leaving you awake afterwards, then try rescheduling things and see if it makes a difference. It may seem like a sacrifice, but consider the insomniacs who aren't getting any at all.


Anxiety & stress: are both common sleep obstacles as personal problems can often seem worse last thing at night. Talking things through with someone you trust can get things in perspective, or ask your GP to recommend an appropriate course of counseling.


Drugs: such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine (in tobacco), stimulants and some antidepressants can screw up your sleep patterns. Cutting down or quitting should hasten your arrival in the Land of Nod, but always seek the advice of your doctor if you're taking prescribed medication and you suspect it's keeping you awake.


Feeding your face: eating last thing at night will only crank up your digestive system at a time when your body wants to slow down and recharge. Eating earlier might earn you more zeds, while avoiding the risk of heartburn and indigestion.

[sharonmiller]

i had the same problem
i stopped having tea at night also smoking,eating
and last but not least i stopped watching tv late.
and went to bed before jim because he snorrrrreesszzzzz

[sharonmiller]

hey charlie hows it going

[temp]

Originally posted by sharonmiller
hey charlie hows it going

hi nothing to do with the subject-sorry! but love the picture at the end of your message,where did you find it?

[Marhar]

Tell your friend to try "Kalms", They are a herbal preparayion and contain Hops, Valerian and Gention, and they do promote a good sleeping pattern, and that is from experiance. They are available from most chemists.

Marhar