Tips for dealing with ADHD without medication?

[CaseyJane21]

I had only recently been diagnosed before I fell pregnant. I was taking dexamphetamine and found it helped me significantly but of course had to stop when I found out I was pregnant. I have really been struggling with hyperactivity which really affects my sleep, mood, anxiety. Has anyone got any suggestions for helping me settle down? I think preservatives make me worse so have been trying to cut them out.

[Sandman2]

   I also found this info in a ADHD guide.   Hint - expand the window so it is easier to read.
         Strategies to Improve Sleep
Sleep Hygiene
Optimize sleep hygiene: maintain a quiet and comfortable sleep environment. Maintain a consistent time
of going to bed and waking in the morning. If the patient is allowed to sleep late in the day this will
phase delay the circadian rhythm. Exposure to passive stimulation activities such as watching television,
playing computer games or going on chat lines will disrupt the initiation of sleep, despite beliefs that these
activities promote fatigue. It is better that the individual do active stimulation such as reading as a means to
make themselves mentally fatigued. It is helpful if the individual is physically active through the day (though
not within two hours of bedtime) to aid in physical exhaustion. Limit the use of the bed to sleep and sex
only as this will create a positive association. The bed is not for watching TV, eating or doing homework. As
patients often have a difficult time getting up in the morning, it is best to ask the individual what would be
the best way for them to be approached. Strategies such as giving a sugar-free carbonated drink first thing in
the morning (which causes the eyes to water and wakes a child up) or warming up the room (otherwise the
room feels cold and the bed feels warm) have also been anecdotally tried.
Validated Treatments for Sleep Disturbance
The only over the counter preparation that has been tested in randomized, double blind trials for insomnia
in children with ADHD is melatonin. Two trials demonstrated efficacy, one in combination with sleep
hygiene221 and one without sleep hygiene225, 263. The CADDRA Guidelines Committee feels that this data
demonstrating efficacy, safety and very low cost make this a first line intervention when initiation of sleep
is a problem, either off or on medication. Melatonin 3-6 mg should be administered at least 30 minutes
(up to 2-3 hours) before the desired bedtime and is a safe and effective way of treating initial insomnia
associated with ADHD. We have no available information on the safety and efficacy of melatonin use longterm.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT 7C
7.24 Version: March 2014. Refer to www.caddra.ca for latest updates.
Non-validated Treatments for Sleep Disturbance
None of the following suggestions have been investigated proving their efficacy. More research is required.
At all times, the patient should consult his/her doctor regarding these choices.
Dietary snacks that maybe sedating: Dietary interventions are often foods that are high in tryptophan,
a common amino acid found in many foods including turkey, beans, rice, hummus, lentils, hazelnuts,
peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, tuna, soy milk, cow’s milk and other dairy products. An example of
an ideal bedtime snack is a peanut butter sandwich with ground sesame seeds and a glass of warm whole
milk, consumed one hour before sleep.
Naturopathic remedies Valerian root (450-900 mg extract) has not been clinically investigated but is felt to
be relatively safe and anecdotal reports suggest efficacy

[CaseyJane21]

Ok thanks heaps I'll check it out :)

[Sandman2]

   Ya, they blocked the main name.  Lets see if this will fool them, its psych and attached to that (as in all one word) is central.  If this goes through, just add those two words to the *** and you are good to go.

[Sandman2]

   Physical activities usually really do help.  I don't know what trimester you are in, but the more you can exercise the better you will feel.
   This site has several really good hints for sleep strategies.  Usually I can't post the full link so I may have to message it to you.  But its
        http://************.com/blog/archives/2014/01/11/sleep-strategies-for-adults-with-adhd/
        And check with your doc about the more natural sleep aids like melatonin or even Benadryl.  And there are always the teas by Yogi, Like "BedTime" which I think would be safe to take.