Sleeping tablets

[discolisa]

I have long term chronic insomnia and can barely sleep on prescribed Zopiclone - plus they give me bad dreams if I do get some zzzzzzs and you do not feel rested anyway on them. I have just learnt to live with it, I have ‘good’ nights and (more often) bad nights.

You are best to get to the bottom of what is going on in your mind, talking therapy maybe (or just friends) and try to make yourself naturally more tired by having a walk, exercising more etc. if you’re that worried, I doubt any tablet or crap (tried it all!) will help. Limit or stop your reading and watching of the things that are on your mind ie the news, social media.

Mine is work stress, overload and burn out related, just need a new job!

it is awful and I would not wish it on my worst enemy. Apart from my boss. Good luck!

 

[MyLittlePony25]

Promethazine, also known as phenergan, is good. You can get sominex which is the same thing, just a lower dose. They are antihistamines but are used over benzos in hospitals when in a crisis. I struggle with chronic insomnia and try not to take benzos too often but do take these regularly when in a crisis or at risk of hitting crisis point.

 

[Snowjoke]

Another vote for phenergan.. just wanted to add that it’s in the anti histamine family so your body won’t get addicted to it. I use it in times of crisis (as recommended by my GP) and it is amazing.

 

[Lord Voldemort]

Another vote for Promethazine/Phenergan
I didn't get on with zopiclone or zolpidem.
Nytol did nothing for me either.

 

[Heyguysswipeup]

Yeah you're not meant to take melatonin long term, especially such high doses

I don’t see why you think you can’t take melatonin long term?
It’s non addictive, is naturally produced in our bodies and some people have to take it for certain health conditions / to counteract other meds they take. My friend has PCOS and was taking it alongside some other things to conceive and she was told she could take forever. I also spoke to the pharmacist when I picked it up cos I was worried about addiction! Agree on the high dose ones though

 

[Mamacita]

I don’t see why you think you can’t take melatonin long term?
It’s non addictive, is naturally produced in our bodies and some people have to take it for certain health conditions / to counteract other meds they take. My friend has PCOS and was taking it alongside some other things to conceive and she was told she could take forever. I also spoke to the pharmacist when I picked it up cos I was worried about addiction! Agree on the high dose ones though

Interesting, I was always told taking it long term is not good as it can impact natural melatonin production. But tbh I don't think they really know if it's safe or not so if the alternative is not sleeping, then it probably makes sense.

 

[Heyguysswipeup]

Not heard about naturopath, how does that work?

I've heard good things about sleepstation which is basically like online therapy/behaviour change intervention which is meant to identify factors contributing to insomnia and learn how to improve sleep

They can run blood tests to see if there’s anything underlying going on but in essence, they approach health from a ‘natural’ approach rather than medical. Some are bullshit of course but there are some reputable ones out there! I had a baby last year and think I may have hormonal insomnia/ my cycles are messing with my sleeping even though I was never like this pre pregnancy.
Ooh I like the idea of that sleep station! I’ve tried meditation and listening to things but it just made me even more aware of my awakeness

 

[I’mThankyou_]

Hi, I've never taken any sleeping tablets but with the whole crisis at the moment and worrying for the future Im struggling to get a good night's sleep. It's been weeks now. Often not getting to sleep until 2, or waking up at 4 and not getting back.

I don't like taking pills but the lack of sleep maybe doing me more harm.

Does anyone take any over the counter pills? I was going to start with the herbal ones but looking at the ingredients I'm not sure if they'll do anything. Some say they work but I think it could be placebo.

For normal drug ones are they generally pretty safe and not addictive? I would like something to get over a rut to recharge and get a few nights rest rather than get dependant on them

I've taken Nytol in the past, the normal ones in a blue box and the green herbal ones.
I dont think the herbal ones had much effect on me and the blue ones definitely knocked me out for the night, though you do feel groggy in the morning. I found taking them around 7pm meant I'd be ready to fall asleep around 10ish

 

[Snowjoke]

Yeah, I’ll try that later. I’m on 50mg Prom. I think my mind just takes over when I don’t drift off and then it becomes a bit of a battle.

Totally get what you mean not getting proper sleep is so hateful

 

[What's your point]

I had zopiclone for a while but found I developed a tolerance to them pretty quickly. Now I am on amitriptyline 50mg per night, it worked pretty well until recently but starting to notice it is less effective and don't want to up my dose if I can help it.

 

[Mamacita]

Thanks for the reply. I felt so bad after the promethazine I don’t plan on taking it again. Luckily sleep has got a bit better since my stressors have reduced so hopefully it stays this way. Has anyone used a naturopath before to explore their insomnia? I’m booked in next week to see one for the first time. Trying to throw everything and the kitchen sink at this

Not heard about naturopath, how does that work?

I've heard good things about sleepstation which is basically like online therapy/behaviour change intervention which is meant to identify factors contributing to insomnia and learn how to improve sleep

 

[Blond3g1rl]

Night nurse

 

[Tove_drew]

What other side effects does Nytol have, apart from making you feel groggy in the morning? I have been taking them for a while, with varying results. I tend to take them far to late at night by the sound of it.

it’s not just groggy in the morning, I feel like it makes me useless for the rest of the day. Also I get a awful metallic taste in my mouth

 

[MyLittlePony25]

I know I am taking a high dose of melatonin BUT it works for me, whereas drugs like Temazepam, zopiclone, zolpidem and more don’t.
For the first time in decades, I have a decent sleep pattern rather than not sleeping for days and it really wrecking my mental health.

 

[littlepup]

I find a magnesium supplement really good for restless legs and over all relaxing the body at night.

 

[MyLittlePony25]

I totally understand, sorry if it came across judgey. I’m glad it’s working for you as no sleep is torture.

No you didn’t come across as judgemental. Honestly, if I had actually known what dose I should take, I wouldn’t have gone for such a high dose. But then, max doses of other drugs haven’t worked for me before either it works wonders for me, I just had a 9hr sleep and feel amazing!

 

[Blueballs]

Hi, I've never taken any sleeping tablets but with the whole crisis at the moment and worrying for the future Im struggling to get a good night's sleep. It's been weeks now. Often not getting to sleep until 2, or waking up at 4 and not getting back.

I don't like taking pills but the lack of sleep maybe doing me more harm.

Does anyone take any over the counter pills? I was going to start with the herbal ones but looking at the ingredients I'm not sure if they'll do anything. Some say they work but I think it could be placebo.

For normal drug ones are they generally pretty safe and not addictive? I would like something to get over a rut to recharge and get a few nights rest rather than get dependant on them

 

[Rockin' Robin]

I find melatonin works and doesn’t have the same nasty side effects of Nytol. I dunno where you’re based but even if it’s in the UK there are shops online that sell it in low doses.

What other side effects does Nytol have, apart from making you feel groggy in the morning? I have been taking them for a while, with varying results. I tend to take them far to late at night by the sound of it.

 

[Tove_drew]

I find melatonin works and doesn’t have the same nasty side effects of Nytol. I dunno where you’re based but even if it’s in the UK there are shops online that sell it in low doses.

 

[Mamacita]

Yeah you're not meant to take melatonin long term, especially such high doses