INSOMNIA

4 or 5 nights in a row!!!!

SUCKS

Insomnia is something I've dealt with since childhood, I'm now 61. For me it runs in cycles. I can go a month or two with good sleep and insomnia will pop up and stay for a long period of time.

Insomnia is associated with fibro... anxiety, depression or physical pain. It can be caused by diet or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I take a good multiple vitamin and supplements and try to eat healthy. Getting a good balance of nutrients is supposed to calm the nerves and promote sleep. Exercise is something I do on a daily basis along with relaxation therapy. I avoid taking naps during the day and always wind down before bedtime. Pain is often the culprit that keeps me awake or wakes me up. I do have a prescription for muscle relaxers, but don't take them on a daily basis...I'm on plenty of other meds, including heart medication, so I have to be careful of what I take. Quiet meditation is something I rely on often and find it helpful.

Try not to let insomnia perpetuate itself by thinking you won't be able to sleep when you hit the bed. Nights that I can't sleep, I get up and watch TV or read. Sometimes, I make myself a cup of decaffeinated tea. Listening to soft music or listening to relaxation CD's have helped too. I have one that is a blend of the ocean surf and soothing music. It is great to use visualization and deep breathing while listening to it.

Hope you will be able to enjoy some sweet dreams :)

Hugs, Robin

My dr has me on Tramadol and they block melatonin. quite a few of the pain relievers and other meds block it too. I do take melatonin from time to time and have muscle relaxers to take to fall asleep. It usually comes in spurts of a few days at a time for me. I find I am dragging really bad on those days.

I have had insomnia since I was in high school. My mother had it; my sister has it; my brother has it; my daughter and son have it; you can see it runs in my family.

I was on Ambien for a long time; it helped, too. But I had episodes of binge eating with it and I finally quit it cold turkey. Since I have been on gabapentin for nerve pain, that has helped a lot, and I also take trazodone along with it.

I hope you can find some relief.