Can't Stay Asleep

[trailerparkmedic]

I haven't been able to sleep through the night for about a week now. I'm almost certain it is stress related and I won't be rid of the stress for 2 more weeks.

Anyone have any (preferably non-drug) suggestions on how to stay asleep? I tried catnip tea once and had the craziest dreams, so I'd like to avoid that.

[MaggieTheCat]

Melatonin is supposed to help people stay asleep (it's an herb I think.) I tried it a few times and didn't like it, personally. I got weird dreams and it didn't actually help me sleep. My parents take it every night, though.

There are some herbal teas that are supposed to help make you sleepy. Check your supermarket, or http://www.republicoftea.com/Default.aspx or http://www.adagio.com/ if you like ordering online.

Personally I like a warm cup of milk with a drizzle of honey in it. I don't let it get too hot...I heat mine up for about 50 seconds in my microwave and then stir maybe 1/2 tablespoon of honey in. Makes me very sleepy.

[Cazzi]

Seconded with the warm milk or hot chocolate, if I'm feeling particularly daring I slip a slosh of brandy or rum in there, but I wouldn't recommend that for a nightly drink

One of my friends swears by a banana before bed and/or a nice warm bath.

Also, I'd try not to have any caffeine or sugary fizzy stuff after mid afternoon if possible.

Good luck

[Der Cute]

Cazzi's right.

Have you been able to meditate (not the ohm stuff) enough to wind yourself down?
Do you feel squirrely in your brain when you're laying down for bed?
Calm self down, give yourself 'PERMISSION' to sleep, consciously shove all issues out the brain's window, and concentrate on breathing.

Lavender and chamomile are both relaxing, and chamomile tea can help. Also a lavender based body soap, warm shower b4 bed?

[BookstoreEscapee]

Seconded with the warm milk or hot chocolate, if I'm feeling particularly daring I slip a slosh of brandy or rum in there, but I wouldn't recommend that for a nightly drink

Chocolate has some caffeine, though. Depending on how much actual chocolate is in your mix, it might actually keep you up.
Slide 6:

It’s no surprise that an evening cup of coffee might disrupt your sleep. Even moderate caffeine can cause sleep disturbances. But don’t forget about less obvious caffeine sources, like chocolate, cola, tea and decaffeinated coffee. For better sleep, cut all caffeine from your diet after noon each day.

Alcohol might make you sleepy but it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.
From WebMD:

Alcohol often is thought of as a sedative or calming drug. However, while alcohol may induce sleep, the quality of sleep is often fragmented during the second half of the sleep period when the alcohol's relaxing effect wears off. As a result, alcohol induced sleep prevents you from getting the deep sleep you need since alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep.

[Whiskey]

Alcohol might make you sleepy but it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.

Alcohol is the only thing that gets me to sleep through the night. I take heavy sedatives to sleep otherwise.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I take an herbal supplement called Midnite if I have trouble falling asleep. Melatonin is one of the ingredients.

I'll have a glass of milk before bed sometimes also. And any day where I have to get to sleep early because I have to get up early, I steer completely clear of caffeine.

[blas]

I swear by Melatonin, I'm a 3rd shifter.

It doesn't make you fall asleep, but it calms you down so that you can relax and not wiggle around angrily in your bed. It mellows me out so all I have to do is shut my brain off and get to sleep. It has stopped a lot of my broken sleep.

[Solumina]

If I have a bit of insomnia I drink Kava Stress Relief by Yogi Tea. It tastes kind of like apple pie without the apples, which sounds silly but I can't think of another way to explain it. Just remember to brew it in very warm but not really hot water for the best effect. Also be warned that it can produce a euphoric state which can lead to giggles and/or philosophic discussions.

[DeltaSierra]

Another vote for melatonin. I don't sleep well, and have been taking it for the last 15 years (with Dr's approval) with zero side effects.

[bean]

I used to swear by Melatonin, Kava Kava, Valerian Root, you name it...

I've tried just about every prescription sleep aid under the sun.

The only thing that reliably knocks me out is generic diphenhydramine (also known as Benadryl). 50mg, and it's lights out 30-45 min later. Hard to get going the next day though.