Hi Mattie, have you ever heard or tried Stress Factor or Sleep Factor? It really has helped calm me down before going to bed. It does have L-theanine.

Thanks Rees I’m going to give some of this a try.

Hello Mattie,
I have tried tart cherry juice pills and did not see much of a difference in my sleep. If you drink decaf black tea, I believe that has L-theanine in it. Let me know how it goes for you! Have you tried magnesium at all?

Hi Mattie,
Meditation is good to help calm your mind and keeps you focused. I do yoga which is very good for your wellbeing. And it also has a positive effect on sleep quality. I've heard lavender oil. Taking a bath I enjoy at night before bed. Hope you find some relief.

Hi Mattie....Not sleeping is the worst!

I've tried the supplement route and it didn't work for me.

My go-to's for sleep are ZzzQuil and Melatonin. I take about 1/2 dose of ZzzQuil which is just liquid antihistamine. There is also a non-alcohol formula. Just make sure this does not conflict with any other meds you may be taking.

Also, Melatonin by Natrol. It's the only one I could find that didn't have toxic levels of B6 in it. Start out with a low dose about 1/2 hr or so before bed.

I switch back and forth between the two.

Sweet dreams!

Thanks everyone! I don’t want to go on a sleeping pill so thanks for all the suggestions. I tried melatonin last night and I didn’t like how it made me feel and I woke up at 3 and couldn’t go back to sleep. I will have to check the brand.
I am on hydroxyzine and I have to take it during the day cause it keeps me awake. Will let you know what I try and how it goes.

Have you tried journaling before bed? Sometimes I can't sleep because I have too much on my mind. And I am a list-maker. I write things down right before I turn out the lights, I write down all the things I need to do the next day. That really helps get it out of my brain.

I guess just the usual stuff - don't have caffeine too late, stay off computer and phone one hour before bed, make sure room temperature is cool.

I know most say to have it real quiet, but I am actually the opposite. I listen to podcasts while I fall asleep. It helps distract my mind. I don't really like it too quiet, my mind might wander! LoL.

Hope you get some sleep.

Thanks GirlinCalif,
I’ve listened to meditations at night. I’m gonna have to start again. That was before the insomnia started. I tried the L-Theanine last night and it left me feeling like I really wasn’t asleep through the night.
Going to the health shop today and talk with the owner. See what she thinks would maybe work.

I take L-theanine for anxiety and it helps quiet my mind which helps me fall asleep. It doesn't actually make you tired though. At night I take Zenapin which is an over the counter supplement which has really helped me. I also turn on the lavender aromatherapy. Turn off all electronics at least one hour before going to bed. These interventions have really helped me alot.

Brindallrn1,
Thanks! I wish I would have felt better on the L-Theanine. I think my main problem is I also take a small dose of nortriptyline and I think that is interfering with anything I try. I don’t know. I’m so tired of these feelings and meds.

I could not agree more MattieMae, I too am so tired of the feelings and sleeplessness. Hang in there! Have you tried melatonin yet (I forgot). Melatonin used to make me feel weird so I did not take it but I just tried a children’s melatonin and take 1/2 a pill before bed and then the other 1/2 when I wake up in the middle of the night. It’s not awesome but it’s something.

Emma

Thanks Emma,
Does the melatonin you take when you wake up put you back to sleep?
I tried the adult and I did t like the feeling either. I’m gonna try this. How many mg in them?

MattieMae, yes, when I take the melatonin it gently puts me back to sleep for a couple of hours (take a little time). It’s not much but it’s better than nothing. I take Zarbee’s melatonin and it’s only 1 mg. Our body only produces a tiny amount of melatonin naturally so taking 5 or 10 mgs can be too much. At least for me it’s too much. I hope it works for you!

Emma

Emma, I’m going to try that but have to get to the store first. Went today but they were out. Thanks for replying. It just helps so much to get ideas from others who are struggling with this too.

I’m so happy I could help! I hope you find some soon and it helps you fall asleep! Wishing you the best - Emma