INSOMNIA

Hi Jendays,
I have the same issue as well. I finally gave in to the use of pills (a mix of 'scripts' & supplements) in order to start getting rest.

My issues with sleep (or the lack thereof!) got to the point of being debilitating & I couldn't carry on any longer.

So sorry I dont' have any suggestions unless you would like to know what supplements I take- I would be happy to share that- if you would like. =)

Best of luck. Hope you find a solution soon!!!

I never had a sleep problem until Lyme disease. I too got exhausted and debilitated from lack of sleep. So I finally gave in to Ambian CR along with a combination of suppliments that include melatonin, kava kava, and valerian--it works. I hope you find relief soon.

I have Valerian Root here...in liquid and in pill form. I've had it for about a year but I've always been too nervous to take it!

Not being able to sleep is horrible. I feel for you. I would try the herbal remedies before resorting to the chemical ones, which can be addictive and have bad side effects. I have used the herbs mentioned and they worked for a while. I also used L Triptophan which works really well. Corydallis root is the most effective herb I know of. It works like a drug but has no bad side effects. You can buy it from several companies online. Zhang sells it in his Herbsom. I was taking this when I was on levaquin and could not sleep. It put me out in about 15 minutes. Last night I could not sleep and after two hours I got up and took corydallis root. I don't remember anything else after that. I hope you get some rest.

I am SO sorry, Jendays.  I have had sleep issues for most of my adult life -- except for some pretty healthy periods when I worked out and walked 3mi/day. But I went thru a phase where I could not sleep for more than 2 hours per nite for over 2 months. It was so very painful, that is why I am so sorry for you.  That is the closest to the censored 'S' word I ever was.

Melatonin helped a little, but only when I was healthy. Benedryl when the problem is not severe.  Valarian root and some of the others did not help me at all.  I feel like the problem goes so much deeper than these can reach.  The only thing that gets me to sleep is my antidepressant, amiltriptalyne (sp).  I believe (and it is prescribed for) it can also take some of the edge off of some chronic pain.

Still, when insomia gets bad, it is BAD. Last nite w/ 100 mgs amil and 3 1/2 xanax, I woke up every hour on the hour.  The good part about these drugs tho, is that at least I can go back to sleep, I just don't get enough.  I would love to get off the drugs altogether, and somehow I know that I could get rid of them if I could just stop smoking!

Also, Jendays, I always sleep w/a fan beside the bed. It is perfect for drowning out all the little noises that disturb you when trying to sleep. That is something you should definitely try. Now, I cannot sleep at all w/ too much quiet!

Again, I truly sympathize w/ you, esp since plenty of rest is what you need while you are this ill!

if i could run about 3 miles, i would have no problem sleeping prolly..

i hear ya jen, it sucks big time!!! i go to sleep at 12am or 1am wake up at 3am then back wake up at 5am then toss and turn all morning..

Jen,

Do you have the pill form? If so, I'd start off with just one. Some people take more than one. I wish I could send you what I take. It really helps me so much.

The valerian root may not help you at all but it's worth a try. If you do take it, make sure it is spaced out a few ours from your Valium.

Alcohol??? Well, that will probably knock anyone out! Did it work yet? LOL.

On a more serious note, I'd take the pills instead. You don't want to take that liquid with alcohol with all of your meds. I know it's a small amour but just my opinion.