[BuggsBunny]

I'm on enough meds to put a horse to sleep, but I've been up all night again. At this point, there is no sense in trying to get to sleep, I have to be up in two hours anyway. I am so flipping tired of sleepless nights that I want to scream. Anyone have any ideas on how to fall asleep when the meds don't work?

[diezdici]

There are herbs that help to relax, relieve anxiety, and help relieve insomnia (passion flower, valerian, chamomile, etc.) I'm not sure if it's OK to take them when you're on meds or not. It might be something to look into.

[Rohag]

Hello, BuggsBunny! Something that more-or-less works for me to initiate sleep (staying asleep is another matter) is listening to TV/radio content just interesting enough to take my mind off the process of falling asleep but not interesting enough to thoroughly engage my attention.

The more I think about sleeping or the more I try to sleep, the less I sleep.

Per doctors' advice, if I cannot sleep or get back to sleep, I just get up.

[BuggsBunny]

Thanks, both of you. I'm afraid of taking anything herbal as I am already on 18 different medications (multiple disorders). Listening to a DVD sounds good, though. And if I can't sleep, after a bit, I do get up. It's one of the insomnia rules. Don't lie in bed and toss and turn. But not thinking about not falling asleep, that's a new idea. I'll have to remember that one tonight.
Thanks again!

[jitters]

Everything I wanted to say has been said, so I'll just add that "magnesium tea" (magnesium citrate powder mixed with hot water & a little cool for tasting) is a fab muscle/mind relaxer. I get the kind called "Natural Calm" - always knocks me out if I'm a little tired to begin with and just can't manage to fall asleep. It's essentially a magnesium supplement, so I don't think there are any medication contraindications, though it's always a good idea to check WebMD or similar beforehand.

Good luck!

[Callmebj]

Some good suggestions here already Buggs; I get those nights too. Sleepless all night really sucks. No reason it seems, not hurting, not worrying, but I think sometimes it happens if I have a lot of people or activity around me later evening. Sometimes it seems to be the food I eat a little late...not that it hurts my stomach or anything.
I usually get up and use the computer or read. I do have a reliable sleeping med; to be used not very often; but the trouble with it, one has to take it about an hour before bedtime...and you've got to have at least 8-9 hours of sleep time. I can use
an alieve or tylenol tablet and it often helps.