sleep!!!

Does anyone have problems sleeping at night? I took an Ambien and two hours later, after getting off the computer, phone and tv, I couln't sleep. So I took a xanax. Still sleep would not come. Any suggestions? It's 2:30 a.m. Good thing it doesn't happen a lot. Mar.

My prob is waking up at 3 a.m. most nights after going to bed at 10. Like now! I am up but hoping I can get a nap in before the alarm goes off at 6....bummer!

Marilyn--I take a tylenol PM every night and sleep really well. I have noticed though that I have a really hard time falling asleep without it. I used to have a really hard time sleeping through the night--partly because I would wake up so many times to go to the bathroom. Now I take Detrol LA and I often times only wake up once a night to go. Now I am awake as I just returned from driving my husband to the airport.

I take Tynenol PM as well. My doctor says it's not addicting, and probably the best over the counter for you. If I have less than 8 hours, I take only one. But if I have a full night to sleep, I take two. It takes about a half-hour or so to make your drowsy. I also noticed they have a new liquid formula at the store if you don't like pills. Sweet dreams! Joni

Joni--YUCKI hate liquids. Have always been a total wimp when it comes to taking liquid medicines--loved it when they cam out with cough medicine in capsules. I know they say it is not addictive--but I am sure my body has gotten used to using them to go to sleep. You probably already know this, but the stuff that makes us sleep in the tylenol pm is actually benedryl. I bought a big bottle of generic benedryl and have been using that.

I didn't realize that. Can you buy that at any pharmacy in generic form? I bet it's cheaper. I'll look out for it. THANKS!!!!! Joni

I have gone through stages like that. Haven't used a lot of sleep meds cuz I don't like how they make me feel. Usually I think it has to do with stress with me. Something on my mind... or maybe too much coffee late in the day. If it's just an occasional night I think your body will demand sleep in a night or two and it's ok just annoying for ya. Check with your doc if you are really concerned. Oh, also my battles with depression have affected my sleep patterns too. This morning I woke up at 4 an hour before the alarm but I just got up cuz there's things I want to do before work. I am finding I don't need as much sleep as I used to. A good solid 6 hours will do me whereas when I was MO I could sleep 12 hours and not be rested. Some things I have done are the old standbys--- a warm bath before bed, glass of warm milk, reading in bed, and I keep a fan running cuz it's like those "white noise" machines. May you have pleasant dreams tonight! Lucy

Thanks everyone. My doctor also said Benadryl was good, but I think anything that's taken on a regular basis for sleep is addictive. I guess I'll just keep taking my Xanax or Ambien and try doing it on an empty stomach. I'm thinking, as I replied to your e-mails, that maybe a full stomach soaks up the drug and water's it down or something. I don't know, but it's a pain not to be able to sleep. Thanks all for your replies. Marilyn

Xanax and ambien are addictive. Benedryl isnt because you can stop it without side effects. I believe that is the difference. If you are on one of the others for a LONG time you would have side effects when trying to get off it. Benedryl is what I use to take the edge off my day and let me fall asleep. It is not often I need more then 1. I really suggest that anyone who has or feels they have an addictive personality to go with benedryl. (Not saying you do, I am afraid I might) Good luck! Theresa

Thanks Theresa for your reply. I do have an addictive personality, I know that and I see it is a couple of my kids, too. Scary! Thanks for your input. I'll try the Benedryl and see how it works. Marilyn