Insomnia

[selfraising]

That's no good for me then, already on antidepressants!

[bramble]

It's the brand name for zopliclone: I have to take 2 for them to work, one has no effect. It did help me break the insomnia cycle for a while, but I'm happier with amitriptyline now

Two Sheds, didn't know that.
Glad you found something that works for you anyway. Couldn't cope without a nights sleep. Went through a really bad time before I started on Zimovane so I know what you mean.

[Two_Sheds]

That's no good for me then, already on antidepressants!

The 'sleepy' dose for amitriptyline is 25mg, much lower than if you were prescribed it as an SSRI

[selfraising]

The 'sleepy' dose for amitriptyline is 25mg, much lower than if you were prescribed it as an SSRI

So not to be ruled out then Bought some valerian extract yesterday in the health food shop. Going to try that tonight. If that fails, I guess I'm off to the docs. Last time I went, I saw the nurse prescribing and she gave me nothing, more or less said the usual, don't eat late etc. (as if I haven't been doing that already!). I understand that they can't keep prescribing this sort of thing but I'm only asking for a few tabs to get me back into a decent sleep routine and the last time I got some was over a year ago

[Hilary B]

I very occasionally get into a non-sleeping pattern. Valerian does help.
If (as used to be the case) I was not sleeping because of stress/worries or similar, the herbal sleep stuff ("Quiet Life" or similar) led to nightmares. Lavendar sprayed on the pillow sometimes helps.
What is most helpful is Rosemary (scented candle, oil on one of those vapour things, fresh sprigs where I can smell them readily) for an hour or so BEFORE trying to sleep.
It works for me, may not work for anyone else, but perhaps worth a try???
Rosemary scent is one of the few things to be simultaneously calming and invigorating, and I think that is why getting that 'gentle high' for a while before trying to sleep helps me relax enough to sleep.

[chris]

Insomnia should have been the name of my daughter

[Two_Sheds]

So not to be ruled out then Bought some valerian extract yesterday

I got amitriptyline for pain relief (I have severe back pain, esp when "sleeping") I don't know if they'll give it to you just as a sleeping pill.

Valerian tea used to work for me: tastes foul, I would let it cool then down it. It has no effect now.

Another thing that's really helped: not drinking, at all. These days if I have a drink, even one, I have a bad night's sleep, either waking up 3am or feeling groggy the next day. Trouble is, some days I really need a drink after work (his work, not my work )

[selfraising]

Well I have tried the Valerian which seems to sort of be working for now. Can't say I'm having a deep sleep but it is sleep nevertheless, so must be grateful. The difficulty is when I am tired enough to go to sleep my restless leg keeps me awake, very annoying!!!

[Two_Sheds]

I had restless leg last night too: I rub Olbas Oil (or Boots/Superdrug own brand) on the muscle, it really works.

[rustylady]

Well, I suppose it's my own fault for going to bed so early last night, but here I am wide awake at silly o'clock.

[selfraising]

I had restless leg last night too: I rub Olbas Oil (or Boots/Superdrug own brand) on the muscle, it really works.

Fantastic, thanks TS. Am going to definitely try that one as apart from being recommended Parkinsons Disease drugs, I can't find anything that works

[Two_Sheds]

I've been awake since 3.30am with back pain. It's been happening for a couple of weeks now, down to the colder weather. Luckily Mr TS is away, so I can get out of bed for some painkillers

[zazen999]

TS - do you mean to say that if Mr TS isn't away - you can't get out of bed for painkillers?

[SarzWix]

I have 'emergency' strips of painkillers in my bedside drawer, as well as handbag, glove-box of car etc. Although it would take a bomb to wake up Mr Wix in the night, I'd rather have them there and not have to haul meself downstairs in the cold when things are hurty already.

[Two_Sheds]

TS - do you mean to say that if Mr TS isn't away - you can't get out of bed for painkillers?

It's not worth the aggro, believe me. I just lie there waiting for him to wake up too. I'll start keeping some next to the bed