Managing Sleep Problems

Managing Sleep Problems

by Diane
(The Colony, TX USA)

I don’t know if “overcoming” would be the correct word since I have simply learned to manage and work with sleep problems most of my life.

There was no real start to sleep problems, I just have always remembered having trouble sleeping. As far as sleeping pills, I have tried many, but my favorite is just simply to take 50 mg. of benadryl then take a warm shower and that usually (not always) makes me relax enough to go to sleep.If I have a cold or sinus problem, I take Nyquil and if I have a headache, I take a generic pain medication with a sleep aid.I have found these have the least side effects – I am just thirsty when I wake up.I have tried Ambien, but it has been awhile back.I stopped taking it when I was getting up and having full conversations with my husband or doing things around the house and then not knowing that these things happened.That kind of spooked me.I have tried a variety of natural teas to put me to sleep, but then I have to get up in the middle of the night to visit the bathroom and then I can’t get back to sleep.I just haven’t found an effective natural product that worked well.I have always had trouble sleeping and sometimes just stay up reading.This only works for about three nights then I am too tired to function and have to take something to get some sleep.I am concerned about side effects – more long term than short term – but I am concerned about the side effects of not sleeping, too.I have kids and our joke in the house is that someone is always awake 24-7!We just all deal with it the best we can.To me, sleep problems are more about managing the problem than ever solving the problem.I don’t give my kids anything to help them sleep other than chamomile tea.I don’t know how effective it is, but I believe it is safe for kids.