Sleep Issues Anyone? Safe Remedies?

[newbieguy]

Just wondering what are some safe good ways to help fall asleep at night. I have ruled out any sleeping pills because I dont want to go that route. My issue is not so much sleeping, its just that I have trouble falling asleep and if I dont fall asleep within a short period of time I dont slee much at all at night. I am undetectable, but is it the HIV affecting my sleep? I never had this issue in the past, only in the past couple of months. I take Atripla and am going to ask my doctor to switch to I/T and try that. I am hoping maybe it is the Atripla suddenly causing the issues. Not sleeping at night causes major anxiety and dread too. I dont want to have to start popping a bunch of other pills, so I am wondering if Melatonin is an option for the occasional sleepless night? Is it safe to take like 1mg if I am having a sleepless night? Is it habit forming/addictive? Thanks

[mecch]

Why dont you want sleeping pills?
They work when I need them. Prescribed by shrink and generalist and I don't understand why you wouldn't consider them safe.

Anyway they are safe enough for me.   

[Andy Velez]

Hi Newbie,

I am with you on not adding more pharma into your life unless you absolutely have to for some reason.

Getting to sleep? Do you have a regular time when you start settling down? Would a tv or music on help you get to sleep or would that keep you up? Sometimes I have used a tape of Shakespeare being read or even a play. Zonks me out and then it shuts off when finished.

Old time remedies like decaf tea or cocoa? A light snack help?

Sometimes deep and slow breathing helps me settle down. For some a shower before bed works although for me that just wakes me up.

When do you take your meds? Maybe ask your doctor if there might be any effect on your getting to sleep and if it's ok to take them at a different time?

Keep us posted on how it's going.

Good luck!

[BubbaPat]

Hey Newbie,

I to have had issues with sleep.  Don't think it is totally an HIV issue but I do feel its a factor.

I'd agree with Andy, try to get a schedule of some sort. What works for me is that I have my DVR time and it should be done no later that 1.  ( I don't sleep a whole lot).  But I do try to stick to a schedule of watching a show that I have recorded and keep in my mind that after that show is over, its bed time.

I also try an herbal tea.  There are so many out there, grab one.

Now, I also agree with Mecch.  If you need a pill from time to time, take it.  If you're worried about abuse, tell your doctor and keep an eye on it.  Only use it when you have an issue.

For me, I have super bizarre dreams if I sleep for more than 6 hours so that's why I plan to be in bed by 1 and then up by 6:30.  A good herbal tea helps me if when I know I'm too wound up from the day.  I take it around 11 so I'm in a good mindset of "going to bed for a good nights rest."

Keep us informed as to what works for you.

Bubba hugs!
patrick

[Bucko]

Trazodone, taken in small doses is an excellent sleep agent which is not addictive and does not have any psychoactive effects for most people. It also generally does not interact poorly with HIV meds.

Sleep is essential. If you are having issues, you should discuss it with your doctor.

[mecch]

Sometimes the Sounds True podcasts does great programs.  (Sometimes they are really out there in lala land.)
I listened to this one discussion with a sleep researcher and thought it might be helpful to share:

http://www.soundstrue.com/podcast/rubin-naiman-falling-in-love-with-sleep/

[Raja23]

my mind usually races the most at bed time & i cant go to sleep in complete silence. Usually ill find a movie thats enjoyable emotionally cuz it puts me in a good mental state b4 im off to bed. (ive watched findin nemo 597 times) & very soft music directly in ur ear (headphones) eases the mind too. I too despise sleeping pills and hope to never use them. Also lavender & chamomile scents works wonders for relaxation so maybe sum candles, oils or linen spray.....

[mecch]

And listen to the sounds true discussion.
There are a lot of good ideas and suggestions - all behaviour, no drugs required.

[WillyWump]

Trazodone, taken in small doses is an excellent sleep agent 

Trazadones rock. I take 2 before bed and sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed without the hangover feeling.

-Will

[Miss Philicia]

So if depression and anxiety issues are something like 10 times the rate in pozzies as they are in the non-poz world, and if depression and anxiety issues are well known to effect sleep issues, what's course of action long-term for addressing this. You know, the OP did place this in the mental health section. Are we supposed to pop pills to sleep for the next 30-50 years of our lives since we're all going to have normal life spans now?

[mecch]

Well having mental health treatment seems to be the minimum.

I am sure dealing with sleep issues could involve lots of routes - livestyle, psychology and pharmacology.

[J.R.E.]

Just wondering what are some safe good ways to help fall asleep at night. I have ruled out any sleeping pills because I dont want to go that route.

I don't blame you either.  I've mentioned this before, try Melatonin. I am now seeing commercials on TV for this product, to help as a sleep aid at nighttime. The product the commecial suggests is made by Natrol.   I take it occasionally in the daytime, because I work the 11:00 to 7:00 shift.  I will also take it at nighttime, when I am making the transition to sleeping at nights.

All I can tell you is it works VERY WELL for me, and works within 30 minutes of taking it, and it's safe.  I buy the 10mgs dose, and it can be purchased at CVS. ( I am not sure where your located.  I don't think Walgreens has that high of a dose. 10mgs is the maximum dose  The CVS Melatonin is manufactured by "Sundown" Naturals.


Talk to your doctor, if he sees no problem trying it ,  give it a go.  And you won't wake up groggy !

EDITED TO ADD:  It's not expensive either

Ray

[TexasPOZ]

Hi newbieguy, I have problems falling asleep at night as well. If the problem continues, please talk to your doctor about it, because good, restful sleep is important for medical and physical health. If medication is necessary, there are safe, effective alternatives available that can be taken for as long as necessary. One thing I didn't see mentioned that I find very helpful is a routine of prayer and meditation before bedtime. I stop everything I'm doing an hour before bedtime, dim the lights, light a candle, and spend some time in structured prayer and medication. If I have the time, I also love a hot bath, by candlelight, before that. It relieves the tension and stress of the day and puts my mind at ease, and I usually fall asleep as soon as my bed hits the pillow.