Insomnia (any natural/herbal remedy)??

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive September 2005: Insomnia (any natural/herbal remedy)??

I've done the sleeping pill thing...tried the hot bath thing, warm milk etc. I even tried reading til I fell asleep and it took hours.

Anyone tried a natural/herbal sleep aid from a health store that has helped?

Starting next week I have to be up at 6:30 am and the way things are now I can't even fall asleep before 2am...

By Colette on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 05:58 am:

I have friends who swear by Melatonin, but I'd check with your doctor first. Did you try a Rx sleeping pill or over the counter?

By Cybermommyx4 on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 06:55 am:

If it is on occasion only, I take a dose of Nyquil - helps me fall asleep quickly, and I don't have a "hungover" feeling the next morning.

By Vicki on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 07:50 am:

I now get up at 5:30 am and the only thing that has helped me is doing it. Once you start getting up that early, you are ready for bed earlier. By 9pm I am pooped out now!! Have you tried getting up earlier?

By Marcia on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 09:02 am:

Melatonin works wonders! One of my kids has sleep issues, and her neurologist suggested it. In fact, he's always suggested it before meds.
You can get it at the health food store, it's cheap, and it's something your body naturally produces. Very safe.

By My3cuties on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 10:20 am:

Another vote for Melatonin. A lady I know gives it to her daughter to help her go to sleep. It's kind of sad/funny though cause the little girl asks for it now before bed and she is only 5. Good Luck, I have a hard time going to sleep sometimes without DH here.

By Shellyg on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 11:56 am:

Melatonin here for me also. Trader Joes sells chewable, mint flavored, 100 tablets for around 3.99
I too have a hard time falling asleep. I've been jogging a few miles before bed, followed by a warm bath or a dip in the jacuzzi... That seems to be helping.

By Amecmom on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 12:14 pm:

Valerian Root extract. (A company called Nature's Answer makes Slumber - which is Valerian root extract). Also a mix of Camomille and Belladonna. Check out your local natural food store or checck online.

I have had success with the above, but better success with Ambien. Took it in the hospital the two nights after I gave birth to my daughter so I could really get some sleep.

Hope this helps.
Ame

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 12:23 pm:

Former Melatonin user - it works!

By Missbookworm on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 12:44 pm:

Thanks sooooooo much you guys! I'm gonna try the melatonin. I'm already on evening primrose oil (skin stuff) my doctor keeps pushing "drugs" for stuff when I prefer natural. *sighs*

and yeah it was prescription sleeping pills and they didn't work too well for me at the highest dose so I stopped taking them...

By Monicamomof3 on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 02:27 pm:

Also- sometimes people are unable to sleep or maintain sleep due to a magnesium deficiency. Try that and also try an Ebson salt bath. That can reduce stress and enhance sleep.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 03:26 pm:

Melatonin should work good. I wouldn't use anything with Belladonna in it. All research shows how dangerous it is.

By Enchens on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 12:53 am:

did you try lavender? It's available in oils for a bath, sprays for the pillow and bedding, or heck, sometimes I use my kids' Johnson's bedtime bath shampoo...for myself.

By Amecmom on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 08:27 am:

Melissa, I've been using homeopathic teething and earache meds for my babies that contain Belladonna ... no danger, no issues for them. As with anything, if it's abused, then it's dangerous.
Ame