What works to really help you sleep deep. Melatonin did nothing.

i just started meditating and it really helps. i found one i could download that was a sleep mediation. it's about a 1/2 hour and does wonders! each time i've had to use it, i'm fast asleep before the end of the session. i usually put my headphones on so there are less distractions.

I find that on days when I exercise hard, or even walk a lot until I'm tired, that I fall into a much deeper and longer sleep.

--Rheanna

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midsummer, is it a problem of not GETTING (onset) to sleep, or STAYING (maintenance) asleep? could you also give some background information regarding yourself.

alex.

A close friend of mine has had great success with evening primrose oil. She said it really knocks her out even more strongly than any of the more common sleep meds.

For me, if I have trouble sleeping, I pass the time by reading (a novel, NOT the internet!! computer screen is stimulating!!!).... That way I feel like I am "beating the system" because during the day I really have no time to read, and often when I do read, I start to fall asleep (daytime or nighttime). For me it's a win/win situation.. If the reading doesn't put me to sleep, then it's extra time for me to enjoy whatever it is I'm reading!!

I think we're like babies, where some of us thrive best on a regular, exact sleep schedule, where others of us do better if we're allowed to sleep at more erratic times... For me, for instance, I've slept for 19 hours over the last 25 hours.... But now I'll probably go for a week with lots of energy and only need 3-5 hours of sleep per night... When I try to force myself into a pattern of 8-9 hours at the same time every night, my body rebels.

Getting tired is the problem. Once asleep, usually okay. I am looking for a natural alternative that is okay to take now and then to help me get tired.

Valerian root works well for some people (experiment with the dosage). Also, there are products that contain various calming herbs, such as chamomile and passion flower, along with valerian root. These products usually just calm and relax, which is what you said you need, so they might actually help you fall asleep.

Ocean dreams,

what brand do you recommend?

The only brand I've ever tried is the Vitamin Shoppe's brand. It is standardized and seems to be good quality.

Getting tired is the problem. Once asleep, usually okay. I am looking for a natural alternative that is okay to take now and then to help me get tired.

the very best formula I've found after trying valerian and combos, melatonin (which is pretty good if it's the kind you put under your tongue) is Hyland's Insomnia. I buy it over the internet. You put 2 or 3 tiny VERY FAST MELTING tablets under your tongue and you are very sleepy within 20 min. :p