Sleeeeeping Aides

[CoolHandLu]

Hey,

After my night shifts, I have a tough time sleeping. No problem getting to sleep, but I usually sleep like 5 hours and am SOL after that. I think my body's like, "Hey get your butt out of bed, it's daytime even if it is dark in your room." I wear earplugs, too, but it's not cutting it, leaving my zombied thereafter and afternoon naps escape me as well.

I have taken the occasional half dose to full dose of Immovane (which I believe is Ambien in the USA), but would rather not because I don't want to become dependant on it. Can anyone give me some tips on sleep? Is there anything non-addictive I can occasionally take?

Thanks.

[jujujor52]

i know how you feel. i did it for years when my children were small. i have a chiropractor that suggested i go to GNC and get L-Ornithine 500, which is a blend of natural herbs. try it it worked for me

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

I'm so jealous of people who can sleep anytime, anywhere. Unfortunately I have to resort to sleep aids, especially for sunny days when my body wants a quiet dark night instead. I use the PMs, Tylenol or Advil. Advil works best for me because they help with the aches and pains that go along with long shifts.

[MIA-RN1, RN]

I take the occasional benadryl when I can't sleep, but I do not have to sleep during the days.

ALso, I have heard of valerian root being good for sleep but I don't know the side efects. I know that Celestial Seasonings has one type of Sleepytime Tea with the valerian in it; I think you could find it at health food stores. (They also sell it without the valerian root at walmart and grocery stores).

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

When working nightshift, I took Valerian Root and Melatonin. It was enough to make me drowsy, but never knocked me out. Just to warn ya, the Valerian Root tastes AWFUL! I tried Ambien 5mg a few times, but it didn't even make me drowsy. However, I have severe insomnia even now, having a baby awake every 45 min-1hr every night. I get less than 4 hours of sleep a night (and it is broken) and I STILL have problems sleeping. So I am probably not your typical insomniac to get advice from..

[indigo girl]

Sleep is definitely my issue these bright, summer days as I continue to work nights with a 75 minute commute. I'm looking at a new herbal formula by Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD. Ingredients are: 1) L-Theanine 200 mg, an amino acid which in preliminary studies increased brain alpha waves, promoting a relaxed state 2)melatonin 1 mg, he says around age 40, your levels can decline naturally or change pattern of release by the pineal gland, so supplementing with the optimal amount gives your body back the level you need to re-establish normal sleep patterns (not that sleeping in the daytime is normal, mind you) 3)Valerian Extract 500 mg, used since the 1800's helps to improve sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), and is linked to better sleep quality 4)Hops Extract 120 mg, the key is to take hops with valerian because research suggests that it's the combination of these specific dosages together that may help to improve sleep, decrease the amount of time to fall asleep, and increase alpha wave activity 5) Lemon balm extract 300 mg, I grow this in my garden, and a tea made from it's leaves is lemony, and almost clear, and does make me drowsy, it's also well known to be an anitviral (used in ointment form for cold sores also). It is said to have a "calming, mood-enhancing effect". Used for over 2000 years in traditional medicine, that's a long time.

While I'm not crazy about the melatonin inclusion, I may try this as I do trust this particular doc. There is full guarantee with this so, if it does not work as promised, I can send it back.