Sleeplessness

[Muppett]

Sorry, I'm sure this has been covered before, but I can't find anything. How do we deal with the sleeplessness once we stop drinking.
Every other aspect is working for me, but I just can't seem to fall asleep. Suggestions gratefully received. Thanks

[Lavande]

Sleeplessness

Hi Muppett,

Sleeplessness is a common complaint - been there & done it myself

Lots of folks find help with OTCs such as Calms Forte, Benadryl, etc.
I've also found Hypno CDs on insomnia & meditation CDs to be helpful. You can find lots of free stuff on the internet or purchase some from ebay sellers

I actually had problems sleeping before I started drinking daily (hormone related). I marvel at people who seem to be unaffected by life's turmoil & never lose sleep I was never one of those people!!

Good luck, you'll find something!

Lav

[lil.michelle]

Sleeplessness

I think we all go through this when we quit. I know I used to drink al till i was either passed out on the sofa or crawling into bed and then I'd pass out. I don't know how you feel on this but I took nightall to help me. It's an over the counter sleeping pill. They are addictive tho so maybe it's not a great idea If you're likely to get swap one addiction for another. If not, then you just need to ride it out. It gets better quickly!

[leaveinsilence]

Sleeplessness

It is a phase and it should pass, I was the same I never slept well when I was drinking, actually it was passing out not sleeping and it was the same for the first couple of weeks of being AF, now I'm the opposite and could sleep for England. I took some herbal sleeping tablets and drank plenty of chamomile tea before bed and that seemed to do the trick for me. I have used meditation CD's in the past too to help relax me enough to sleep, just try different things until you find something that works, warm bath and milky drink, all those old remedies, but try not to stress about it as that makes trying to sleep worse.:l



Good luck

[keepwalking]

Sleeplessness

Have a try on working on your sub conscience mind by repeating to yourself throughout the day " i will sleep well tonight", the power of the mind is incredible and the more you tell yourself you cant sleep the more unlikely it is that you will! So go for it, repeat after me....................... x

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Sleeplessness

If you like herbal tea, try Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime blend. I think it really helps. They have it available in Sleepytime Vanilla (my fav), or Sleepytime Extra which packs in a bit more valerian root for a boost of sleep aid. Non addictive and pretty yummy (at least the vanilla is, and the regular isn't bad either). Haven't tried the extra version as the regular ones work well. Also, try to get into a routine before bed...like have dinner early, drink a cup or two of herbal tea, don't drink coffee too late in the day...read before going to bed. A hot shower or bath can also do wonders. Add some lavender essential oil to a bath or foot bath and it will relax you into sleep faster. Hope some or all of these tips help!

[choice]

Sleeplessness

I feel for you. I've had sleeping trouble my entire life. When I stopped drinking it was brutal! Lying awake just going over all the information I was sponging up about not drinking and changing my life was causing over stimulation. One thing that has really helped me sleep now is regular exercise. Many months ago I would have cringed at this suggestion but it does help. I sleep better now then I have in a lot of years. I think I use to drink to try and relax,.... so I could sleep. It never was good sleep, and sometimes I think I might have been manipulated by my own addiction.

[witchywoman]

Sleeplessness

Hi
I have to echo what everyone has said, I found it took me about 6 weeks to really start sleeping any ware near normal, I not a great sleeper, but now even if i wake up alot, i ususally go back to sleep easily.
stick with it & definatly try the herba tea, I have tried that one as well in the past & found it worked.
good luck

[dancingon]

Sleeplessness

Melatonin is another one that some find helpful - there's a cherry drink available in healthstores with this component.

I've had sleep problems much of my life, long before I started drinking. Oddly enough, I sleep like a baby when I stop drinking and lie awake when I've been drinking, so I'm not much help.

The others have given some good suggestions. I'm inclined to think that lying awake worrying about not sleeping makes it worse. I read an article recently that pointed out that our Western idea about having to have 8 hours sleep in a row, in quiet, in our own room is decidedly odd to the rest of the world who often take 2 or 3 shorter naps in the middle of a noisy room.