Guess Benadryl is not the answer.

I have trouble sleeping off and on. My partner mentioned Benadryl and it was working so well. I was taking a pill and a half before bed and sleeping very well (due to the drowsiness). But I just read from the Mayo Clinic online that one shouldn't take them more than three or four nights in a row (due to tolerance). Oops - I took them for the whole stressful Christmas holiday. At least I got some sleep. I'm so sad I can't continue to take them. Of course it would be that when I find something that works it falls through.

Elana05 ...

You may want to investigate an all natural sleep aid / stress reducer by the name of "Melissa" which is put out by a company called "New Nordic, Inc.".

Depending on where you live, if you have a local "CVS Pharmacy" store in your area, they carry it in their natural health supplements section.

I believe that a 60 count package runs around the $28 to $30 USD mark.

Here is the link for it:

http://www.newnordic.com/template/t04.php?menuId=784

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Info on Melissa according to their website:


INNOVATION-

"New natural solution to stress and sleep disorders. Use well known, safe ingredients to calm you down during the day, or prepare for sound, deep sleep. Melissa will make you wake up refreshed and rested, ready to tackle the challenges of the day."

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ADVANTAGES-

- Effectively calms and fights stress
- Induces sleep and promotes deep sleep
- Non drowsy
- Non addictive
- All natural and safe
- Known ingredients, used for centuries

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DOSAGE:

For Sleep disorders; Take 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime. After two weeks use, 2 tablets is sufficient.
For Stress relief; Take 1 tablet during the day, as needed.

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INGREDIENTS PER TABLET:

• Lemon balm (herb) [10:1]: 300 mg ,
  
• L-theanine: 67 mg,
  
• Camomile (flower) [5:1]: 100 mg,
  
• Vitamin B1: 0,48 mg,
  
• Vitamin B2: 0,55 mg,
  
• Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide): 6 mg,
  
• Vitamin B6: 0,68 mg,
  
• Vitamin B12: 330 µg
  
• Magnesium: 100 mg
  

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PROPERTIES OF THE INGREDIENTS:


Lemon Balm

• Relieves stress
  
• Works synergistically with Camomile to promote sound sleep.
  
• Reduces sleep disturbance.
  

L-theanine

• Creates a sense of relaxation within 30-40 minutes.
  
• Stimulates creation of alpha waves in the brain, causing relaxation and more alertness
  
• Stimulates the production of GABA, leading to more serotonin and dopamine, both key relaxation agents.
  

Chamomile

• Well known from the use in teas.
  
• Effective sleep aid.
  

Magnesium

• Important for relaxing muscles and nerves.
  
• Relieves leg cramps.
  

B-vitamins

• Affects neurotransmitters in the brain, to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
  
• Lack of B-vitamins contribute to mood and sleep disturbances.
  

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PURITY

Free from salt, sugar, lactose, yeast, gluten and soy. No artificial coloring or sweeteners.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

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Once again, it is something to check out since the Benadryl is not meant to be taken several nights in a row. Myself, I have yet to try "Melissa", but I have heard good reviews about it here on the Internet and in vegetarian based culinary magazines.

Best wishes,

vertebrae

Benadryl is a powerful antihistamine. First, I think you should tell your doctor about your insomnia, and second if you get the okay, try Valerian (sometimes called Valerian root). You can buy it where they sell vitamins. It smells bad but once you've swallowed the capsules its okay, and I find it helpful for stress and for getting to sleep. I try not to take it every day; I have read people develop a tolerance and I am not sure if that is true. Another thing I noticed about my insomnia was that the older I have gotten the more caffeine affects me even hours after I've had a coffee or tea. If you are a caffeine drinker, try stopping caffeine really early in the day. If you think your insomnia is just stress and you know when it is going to happen (say at holidays); you could tell yourself you'll expect it, and not expect to fall asleep easily or early, and invest in a good book or movies for those nights.