[Pink3032]

Sometimes i have trouble sleeping.Does anybody know ways that i can fall asleep naturally without. Having to take anything? Ive been taking tylenol pm some nights and sometimes i take the xanex to go to sleep but i know that i cant depend on the meds to go to sleep.

Have you tried doing something relaxing before going to sleep? Something that isn't too excitable while still being enjoyable and calming (ex: music...?).

[cherrykix]

I find its easiest for me to fall asleep if I stick to a routine. Wash face, brush teeth, set alarms, sometimes take a bath if I really need calming down. I have a list of things I need to do before bed and if I do them, I feel accomplished and satisfied.

[bipolar angel]

Well, I'm not sleeping these days either..but in past have tried-and sometines worked-relaxing shower/bath; listening to relaxing music, watch tv, read, deep breathing/counting up to 100/back, meditation, yoga, no caffeine later in day, journaling, sprsyong pillow/bedding with lavender/vanilla spray-scents relax me, chammamoile tea,***melatonin herbal supplement, I am NOT md, check with your md/pharmacist before using this herbal supplement-if ok with your meds. But my psych md is person who told me/what dose take with my meds

[Pink3032]

Thanks to everyone that responded to my post.the advice was helpful and i will try some of the things suggested. In the post i talk about taking a sleep aid sometimes to sleep i don't do anything like that on the regular and i only take my xanex sometimes if i cant sleep.i dont do that all the time either.i just take xanex on an as needed basis only and its a low dose. I just didn't want anyone to think that im a pill popper. I dont get down like that. i love myself to much to do that.

[Marielle]

I put on some headphones, fire up the tablet, and watch ASMR videos.

This link explains what they are:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/0...ld-of-a-s-m-r/

My favorite ASMRtists are Gentle Whispering, Olivia's Kissper, and Visual Sounds 1.

Oh, and BTW, if you're going to take Tylenol PM to sleep, you might as well just take Benadryl or Unisom, as the PM part of Tylenol PM is the same stuff--just an antihistamine. There's no point in taking acetaminophen unless you are in pain, and taking it for too long is not good for your liver. Acetaminophen is not this benign, mild drug people in the U.S. tend to think it is. It's tightly regulated in the U.K. because it doesn't take much to be toxic.

[hollywillgosick]

You should check out your local health food store and see what they've got for natural sleep aids. I've heard Valerian root works nicely, and also can give you interesting and vivid dreams.

[Dan208]

I've also been having trouble sleeping for quite a while now and am looking at ways to help. It's not so much of a problem falling asleep, but I tend to wake up numerous times a night (upwards of 5 or 6 on a really bad night). Usually my mind starts racing and I can't get back to sleep.

I've tried melatonin (half dose doesn't do anything, full dose makes me feel hungover the next day), self hypnosis/relaxation, OTC sleep aids (occasionally) without much success.

Going for a nighttime walk can be nice. If not, doing some light exercises after dinner, like yoga, can help. Don't watch television or use the computer just before bed. Sometimes reading books helps (plus you get your literature fix).

Also, Chopin Nocturne Op.9 No. 2 is lovely to fall asleep to.

[HonestlyLying]

Hi Pink-

I think asking if anyone else can't sleep on this forum is a loaded question. But a very good one. I have been awake for the past four days. I've had 3 one hour naps during that period.

I don't know how to induce sleep w/o strong medication. Sometimes I start a Netflix flick and whammy, the next thing I know it's 3am and I missed the whole movie.

I know that staying out bed during any pastimes like watching TV or reading is supposed to help prevent insomnia.

Sleep tight!

Lauren Ann

[mountain human]

Originally Posted by hollywillgosick

You should check out your local health food store and see what they've got for natural sleep aids. I've heard Valerian root works nicely, and also can give you interesting and vivid dreams.

You can get Valerian Root at any retail store for a fraction of the price of a health food store, doesn't seem to have any serious side effects/addictive nature. Some people use it for anxiety also. Google Valerian Root vs. Valerian Root extract. Good luck!