i cant sleep i dont know what to do - Sleep Disorders Message Board

RRR1 · 11-28-2004, 12:50 PM

for the past week i cant sleep and when i do i wake up 7 times a night.all i worry about all day is am i going to sleep or not and im sure thats not helping.last night i went to bed real late at 3 am i could not sleep i think i woke up at 4 and then again at 8 8:30 9 9:30 etc i dont get it what is my problem.can anyone give me some things to do to make me sleep at night?should i try sleeping pills from the store?any info will help im really tired and very upset about this.

kayakmom · 11-28-2004, 02:32 PM

First thing is to figure out if there is a specific reason. For me, taking over the counter meds for a sinus problem caused the sleep issues....anything NONDROWSY messes me up for days!

The problem with over the counter sleep meds is they can make it harder when you stop taking them. You get used to them pretty fast and they mask what might be going on....

First step would be to talk to your doctor.....One over the counter thing that might help is Melatonin. It is something your body produces anyway and sometimes it just is not making enough. A week or so of taking it and you are able to sleep again more naturally.....but not if something else is going on....

Talk to your doctor and see what he says....Hope you can get some sleep!!

Other things to look at?
Cut caffeine use, especially after noon
do not eat or exersize right before bed
create a quiet and calming sleep area( no working on paperwork in bed, or tv watching.)
white noise, like a fan may help you sleep....

AnnieZC · 11-29-2004, 03:44 PM

I can relate -- for me it's usually stress that can keep me awake. I fall asleep ok, but then wake up several hours later and seem to be awake for most of the rest of the night.

The pharmacist recommended this herbal medication with: Valerian Root Extract 200 mg., Hops Extract 100mg., Passion Flower Extract 100 mg., and Catnip Extract 100 mg. Says to take 3 or 4 -- I've been taking 2.... pharmacist said to try that to start.

It has done wonders for me!! I do still wake up sometimes, but I seem to get back to sleep and not be as anxious about being awake etc.

RRR1 · 11-30-2004, 08:54 AM

id like to try that do you know what its called?i do suffer from depression and am on paxil so i hope that would be ok for me to take.i just wanna be able to sleep and if i wake up i want to get back to sleep fast.