Insomnia

[urbangoddess]

I've been having terrible insomnia for weeks now, but it's getting worse and worse. I fall asleep ok, but don't stay asleep, and just lie there with my head flooded with thoughts all night. Sigh.
It's starting to affect my life pretty dramatically. I'm tired all the time and have frequent headaches.
I've been tempted to look into sleeping pills (like Ambien) but I'd much rather solve this problem without relying on prescription drugs. So if anyone has some great ideas on how to banish insomnia, let me hear em!

[killerbombshell]

Re: Insomnia

I would try working out if you're not already doing it; and if so, up your intensity. A heavy workout puts me right to sleep a few hours later.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Insomnia

I am a horrible sleeper! But I take a supplement (you get it in the vitamin section at the drug store) called "Melatonin", it really helps me sleep much more soundly! It replaces the melatonin that your body doesn't make as you get older. Kids bodies apparently manufacture a lot ot melatonin when they are young, that's why you can pick them up and move them around and they don't wake up, as you get older your bodies production of it decreases. At least that is what I found in researching it.

[danny50]

Re: Insomnia

I am not too aware of any supplements that might be helpful in the sleep but one thing I must say is that one should never become habituated to the sleeping pills, as I have myself encountered with some bad consequences for this it would be a much better option if that workout plan is initiated which in every aspects looks like to give a success. there are no problems which cant be conquered by us so keep faith u will overcome this problem for sure.

[urbangoddess]

Re: Insomnia

Thank everyone for your advice. I am working out, but usually early in the morning rather than late at night. It seems to be the only way I can get it done, because I'm really good at finding a million and one ways to get out of working out over the course of the day. You know, I realized that at a meeting I was at Tuesday night (the WORST night, tossing and turning ALL night) that I was served some tea. I checked, and it was Chai, which I guess has LOADS of caffeine.
Last night I slept much better. So far I'm using diffused lavendar oil and Sleepytime tea. I might go buy some Valarian root extract this weekend. I've used it in the past and had good results. I'm not willing to take a presciption for this, because I know that it can be solved naturally.

[adreliluc]

Re: Insomnia

I was suffering from REALLY bad insomnia until about 3 weeks or so ago when I cut out all sweeteners except for splenda. I used to have regular diet coke and sugar free jello everyday. I'm not 100% sure that's what did it but that's the only thing I changed... Not sure it was the caffine for me because I've still been drinking diet coke w/ splenda.
For me, if I exercised in the evening my insomnia got even worse...
Good luck, hope your insomnia goes away. I know how it really can effect your life!

[kkat55]

Re: Insomnia

Any update on the insomnia?

[drosa75]

Re: Insomnia

Valerian, natural supplement..works like valium...


My spelling may be off but its sold in GNC and other healthfood chains.

[jcapulet]

Re: Insomnia

If I work out too late at night, it makes me "wired" and my insomnia is even worse. So...if you work out at night, make sure it's not too late

[katiewash]

Re: Insomnia

I've lost 7 pounds since I started Induction, but like you, have had extreme insomnia. My husband has always been amazed that I can lay down at night and be asleep within 2 minutes. Now I'm wondering if that was the effect of carbs on my system. I went to bed last night at 12:00 and the last time I looked at the clock, it was 2:52. Around 1:30, I got up and googled "atkins and insomnia" and found this board and joined immediately, but just now got my approval to post.

It wasn't that I wasn't sleepy, I just couldn't get my mind to shut up. I started thinking about those Mastercard commercials (you know, the ones where it's such and such $7, something else $12, something else priceless) and I started writing my own. Good grief!

I found sites that say that Dr. Atkins recommended Melatonin, and I don't know if I'll try it or the Valerian first... guess I'll see which is cheapest! Just curious, what dosage of Valerian worked for you?



_____________________________
Katie Washington

Highest lifetime weight: 318
Lost so far on Atkins: 7 pounds
Goal weight: 130

Swimming really works for me!

"Do not wait for strength before setting out, for immobility will weaken you further. Do not wait to see clearly before starting; one has to walk toward the light. When you take the first step and accomplish that tiny little act, the necessity of which may be apparent only to you, you will be astonished to feel that the effort, rather than exhausting your strength, has doubled it—and that you already see more clearly what you have to do next. –Philippe Vernier

[drosa75]

Re: Insomnia

900mg..the bottle will tell you the exact dosage. I have not used this in awhile as I have been sleeping well. Thank God.

Worked wonders for me..

or Tylenol PM also knocks me right out.

Happy sleeping

[Heidi3]

Re: Insomnia

I am with drosa75 I love valarian when I can't sleep it knocks me right out ...just do not smell it!!! it smells like a sweaty boys room the tea is awful!!! I take the capsules and sleep like a baby..

it is not addictive ..and the next day I wake right up with out the grogginess...

hope you are sleeping by now?

[kkat55]

Re: Insomnia

Hey Urban Goddess...I was looking around for you and am hoping you come back and visit us!!

Erin is here and I've posted to one of Donkey's messages in hopes that you both come back and say hi.

I miss my induction buddies!!

[Jerrica]

Re: Insomnia

melatonin really works well. I got mine at walgreens