kirstee

Hi Rilsam:

I'm sure you'll find different people use different remedies to help their insomnia. Here's my input:

Take calcium 1,500-2,000mg daily, in divided doses, after meals and at bedtime. The calcium has a calming effect. Use calcium lactate or calcium chelate form (do not use lactate form if you are allergic to dairy products).

Take magnesium 1,000 mg daily which is needed to balance with calcium and relax the muscles.

Melatonin - start with 1.5 mg daily taken 2 hours or less before bedtime. If this is not effective, gradually increase the dosage until an effective level is reached (up to 5 mg daily). Melatonin is a natural hormone that promotes sounds sleep.

Vitamin B complex will help to promote a restful state

Pantothenic acid 50mg daily is good at relieving stress

Inositol 100 mg daily (at bedtime) enhances REM sleep

Just another thought: Fibro sufferers frequently have hypoglycemia. This condition can cause anxiety and fitfulness. If you have felt anxious, panicky, etc., you may be suffering from this condition. If this is the case, just before you retire try to eat something that contains fiber with a protein food, such as bran or rice crackers with raw cheese or almond butter. Eating something like this should maintain your blood sugar levels while you sleep. Try to avoid heavy meals, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.

Catnip and chamomile have mild sedative properties. Drinking chamomile tea several times throughout the day helps to calm and tone the nervous system, promoting restful sleep.

California poppy, hops, kava kava, passionflower, skull-cap and valerian root in capsule or extract form are all good for helping to overcome insomnia. It is best not to rely on one herb on a regular basis, but rotate among several. Take before bedtime.

Do you have restless leg syndrome (another fibro condition)?

Have you tried a hot bath a couple of hours before bed?

Blessings,
Kirstee