Is it that the ambien isn't letting you stay asleep or is just to strong. They have 2 strengths of both the CR and regular.

There are some tranquilizers that also help. Shut the mind and the body will hopefully follow.

Of course the natural ways of cool dark room, chamomile tea. No TV in bed and don't go there until it is sleep time. Very comfortable sheets and pillows. Surrounding yourself in luxury helps.

If all else fails ask for a referral to a sleep clinic and have them access you.

god speed

Doug

Oh forgot a biggie. A muscle relaxer called Zanaflex has a very sedative effect on some myself included, makes me sleep within minutes. Ask for one less of the muscle relaxers you are on now, and get one Zanaflex at night.

So sorry you are having trouble sleping. I dont get much sleep either so I feel your pain. I take ambien for sleep too but latetly it isnt helping either. My pain dr put me on Amytriptaline about a week now and if I take it with my Zanaflex(wich Doug recommended) it seems to give me at least 4-5 hours which for me is great. I usually wake every hour and sometimes more depending on the day I had. Also there are some OTC herbal suplements like Melatonin that help some people and it doesnt cost much. Try to do something non stimulating before you go to bed and like Doug also said get some good bedding. I know it sounds silly but it makes alot of difference if you are comfortable or not. Oh and btw I liked Amien CR way better than the regular Ambien for sleep but my insurance is God and wont allow it. I so hate the way insurance can regulate our treatments. Oops sorry I get of topic,lol. I do hope you get some sleep,it can really be hard without it I know. Gentle hugs, Christine

Sleep, what's sleep? Ha. I've tried Zanaflex and amytriptaline as well. I tend to be knocked out rather quick with these unless the pain is really bad. I generally wake up between 3 and 6 with these. Now, I stopped both, not quite sure why, I have a new prescription for Zanaflex but I haven't filled it. I'm not even sure why, but I stopped taking both of these meds on my own and then told the doc after I had backed down on both slowly. I guess it may have been the way they made me feel or something... I think the bedding idea is great, I'm going to have to try that!

I wish the best, longest, most rejuvenating sleep to all. Nothing soothes the soul like curling up in the fetal position for extended periods of time... :-D

Update: I finally gave in and filled my prescription for Zanaflex today after two of the worst spasm days I've had in a long time. It definitely put me to sleep but I did not stay asleep. It helped with the spasms through. Maybe try an over-the-counter allergy medicine. My boyfriend took one of these the other day (it didn't say non-drowsy) and was out like a light for hours. He didn't even wake up when my loud phone rang. It's worth a shot, good luck and if you get good sleep, I'd love to hear about it although I might be jealous!!!
-Lisa