My neighbor has severe long term insomnia. I don't think she is ready to consider Lyme as a possibility just yet, so I have not mentioned it to her.
But I want to help her--I remember having severe insomnia, and it is awful.
I've already recommended glycine. Is there anything else?
Maybe exercise followed by epsom salt baths?
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Melatonin. It's in with the vitamins.
Posted by Janice70 (Member # 16319) on :
I should have mentioned that she's already tried melatonin. It works for awhile, then stops working. That's been my experience too.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements
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Posted by Cass A (Member # 11134) on :
What often works for me are B Complex, about 300 mg of B 1, and a liquid calcium/magnesium.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Cass A
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
I have heard good things about Valerian root. However, I have yet to take it myself.
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
Still looking for answer for myself. I don't like being dependent on Ambien CR.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
My LLMD told me to take L-theanine 100 mg 3x/day, 5 HTP 100 mg 3x/day, and use 1-7.5mg sublingual melatonin at bedtime.
I am up to 3 mg SL melatonin right now. They said to use it as I am crawling into bed because it can make you sleepy/dizzy quickly.
For me, I found that it takes longer than that to work. I took it at 9 pm and got sleepy at 11 pm.
I will be increasing my dose gradually. Right now I only have 1 mg sublingual tabs. They are available in 2.5 mg tabs from the Vitamin Shoppe.
One should always check that supplements and meds do not interact with other supps/meds they take....like melatonin with SSRI antidepressants.
Posted by 'Kete-tracker (Member # 17189) on :
Hi Janice, I've fund just an hour of exercise, even just as a brisk walk on not-too-busy streets (bundle up!) can really help with sleep come evening, as well as improving well-being.
Melatonin, as mentioned in posts above is often useful just before bed. It replaces what might not be produced in one's pineal gland- naturally- on a nightly cycle. (the gland is in the brain)
Also, Herbalists often recommend a tea from Passion flower. I've used Chamomile & Valerian myself with good results myself.
Good luck!
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
5htp and melatonin taken together work very well for me. Also I take my B complex, magnesium and calcium at bedtime. It helps relax you and helps you sleep.
Posted by keltyl (Member # 14050) on :
Those of you that can take supplements that help sleep are very lucky.
I have had severe insomnia for yrs., and have taken every supplement there is. I don't like it, but have to take drugs to get more than 2 hrs sleep.
Posted by ElaineC (Member # 9857) on :
Abxnomore- how much 5HTP and Melatonin do you take?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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In addition to links at the threads above and suggestions by others,
Unplug everything in your bedroom. Keep alarm clock as far from your head as possible - way across the room.
Get black-out curtains and keep light out of your eyes.
More about these kinds of tips can be found in a search for "sleep hygiene"
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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yes, theanine and 5HTP should help. Also, if she adds back the melantonin... go with Source Naturals time released!
Valerian should work too.. but the capsules are smelly!!
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
Elaine C, I use a product by Neuro Science called Serene and 2 capsules contain 200mg of 5htp. The melatonin that works for me is natrol 3mg., it has some B6 and Calcium in it too.