How to get sleepy? or fall asleep

[Kenny21]

Hi, im 20 and have had  problem falling asleep since arpund 11 years of age.

So the problem i have is getting sleepy! Ive been taking Unisom tablets for a few months now and have been working pretty well.

If i do not take Unisom, i never get sleepy. i just stay awake and end up thinking about why i cant sleep and makes it worse.

So my question is does anyone have any advice or techniques to help them fall asleep or get sleepy? or is this some type of condition? I would appreciate any info, Thanks!

[Suri123]

Hi Kenny21, thanks for your reply. I agree with you for taking the Unisom (Diphenhydramine) as it has helped you to sleep fairly but it is basically a "antihistamine given for allergy and causes sedation, tiredness, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, drying and thickening of oral". As it causes drowsiness, better to avoid 2-3 hours before you drive. You can know more of the drug through this link:
http://www.medicinenet.com/diphenhydramine/article.htm
Get evaluated to know the cause of sleep deprivation and plan the care. I appreciate your positive approach. Take care and keep updating.

[Kenny21]

I have been taking Unisom for several months actually, maybe about 6 months now. It is my self medication. I actually used to have a hard time going through the day because i would get really tired and stressed out but couldnt sleep at night. But since i started to take Unisom and work out it doesnt feel like it affects me much nowadays. The main problem is being able to fall asleep and stay asleep and Unisom has helped me so far. But i will try and go see a doctor about this since you have somewhat convinced me to go! Thanks for all your input so far!

[Suri123]

Hi Kenny21, thanks for your reply. Since when you are taking Unisom tablets and had a doctor prescribed it or you had as a self-medication? I do agree, you might be having a terrible time in coping with the daily activities and your studies as the stress involved might be very disturbing. It is better to avoid a bulky spicy meal, smoking/alcohol in evenings. I am sure a sleep study will be helpful so get it done and get evaluated by a sleep doctor with whom you can discuss and ask for Abien/Elevil/Endep. Follow those healthy sleep tips, which may be helpful. Take care and keep updating.

[Kenny21]

Thanks genius0, i have tried that lots of times but just doesn't seem to work for me.

and hey suri123, thanks for all that info! I appreciate it. I have not heard of ambien or elavil but i will definitely look into them. Some of those things you have described are things i had started to slowly incorporate in the past few months which have helped me a bit, i think. but i  do tend to eat a big meal at night but i never thought that affected my sleep. I really have not looked into going to a physician because i feel the only real thing they will be able to do is prescribe medication, but if getting a sleep pattern can really help me i will try and see. And thanks for the link i will try those out asap.

[Suri123]

Hi Kenny21, how are you and hope you are feeling well? I hope you might have gone to a doctor seeking medical assistance by now? Stress does play an important role in sleep disorders, which can be aggravated with increase in stress level either physical or mental. A repeat sleep study can let you know the present status and give an idea to the physician to plan the drug review. Hope this link may give you some basic sleep tips: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep/HQ01387
Take care and keep updating the progress.

[Suri123]

Hi Kenny21, Hope you are doing better now and able to get some sleep? I feel you might have been under lot of stress due to sleep deprivation for many years and study pressure. Try to relax and plan a healthy sleeping habit on a long-term basis. Avoid coffee/tea, smoking, alcohol and a bulky spicy meal at nights. Do regular casual exercise, concentrate on some fine work like reading a book, listening to soft music, have warm shower and a gentle body massage prior to sleep. Continue Unisom, but better to get a review from the attending physician. Ambien is good choice for treatment of insomnia, but it is intended for short-term use. Elavil/Endep can be tried if you are not comfortable with Ambien and it is a non-addictive drug. Avoid tickling clocks, very bright-blinking lights, and very tight clothing or bedding. If you still do not feel any improvement, consult a sleep specialist and get sleep test done to know present status of sleep pattern. Take care and update on your progress.

[genius08]

I'm just a high school student so I may not professional, but I usually close my eyes and think of something good happening in life and I fall asleep. But it'll still be good to get professional help. Hope I was of a little help to you. bye