Sleep Aids

[Midge61]

Are there any natural sleep aids available that have some record of effectiveness without the serious side effects of prescription sleep medications?

[alynnm]

Try Herbal Nerve. It's a sedative and can help you sleep and take away nervousness and agitation. It has Valerian root in it and creates a soothing effect. I take it and it works wonderfully.  If your from Canada then you can get it from Shoppers Drug Mart. If not then just go to your local pharmacy and ask if they have something.

[Midge61]

Thanks for your comment.  My doctor said I could try valerian root or melatonin as  options to the prescription sedative I am taking now.  I'm glad to know this has worked for you!  

[sick and tired 47]

I have used melatonin, it works for me most of the time and I take a low dose ( 1/4 to 1/2 of 3 mg pill).
Also if around middle age get hormones checked... low progesterone causes insomnia ( from experience).
Good luck!

[Midge61]

I just tried melatonin last night with no success - does it take a few days to work?  I am middle aged so I have just called my doctor to schedule an appt. - thanks for the tip!

[sick and tired 47]

It worked immediately for me... in fact I have to take very low dose or I feel like I have been hit hard next day. I have read it is best to take regularly, but I HATE taking any pills except vitamins so I do not use it unless I need. Lately I have not been sleeping well at all.... and the melatonin puts me to sleep but I wake up about 4 am. So frustrating...
  I was on low dose of progesterone and dr took me off and my insomnia got so much worse. I am now back on progesterone and it is slooooooooowly getting better. Read up on hormones since you said you were middle age like me. They can greaitly affect sleep, mental attitude, health, ect...
I NEVER had sleep issues before in my life. My head would hit the pillow and out for the night- although I have always been a light sleeper. Now I can't get to sleep even if I am exhausted ( in fact it seems worse) and then I wake up very early and still very tired.
   There are some very good sites out there for insomnia, just search around. Good luck to you and sweet dreams!!!

[SteveHarper]

There are mouthpiece devices, which are also called dental appliances, or mandibular advancement splints. They have proved effective for people who snore, and especially those who have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. So what are these devices and how do they work? Well, they are small plastic devices which you must wear in the mouth; they prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway.
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[url=http://www.VIAdmd.com]Sleep Apnea Device[/url]

[NeverAssumeOrElse]

You could try 5-HTP. My doctor recommended it as a natural alternative to elavil (not natural). 5-HTP is a natural precursor to serotonin (good feeling hormone). Start with 50 mg at bedtime. Might need 100mg though. Also, take magnesium at bedtime, perhaps 400mg. You can double that if you need to, just watch for loose bowels if you take too much. Magnesium relaxes the muscles. Also, I use the bio-identical progesterone cream too. Low progesterone and estrogen dominance can definitely cause sleep issues in peri-menopausal women. Try to find a naturopathic doctor. I found mine on the internet. Do not go to BodyLogic doctors they will charge you a fortune. Good luck!