What other over the counter sleep aids can I use besides Benadryl & Melatonin?

My oncologist prescribed Xanax for me at bedtime.  It relaxes me and puts me to sleep. As far as staying asleep ... well with a jpouch I do get up every 3-4 hours to go to the bathroom and usually I go right back to sleep. The Xanax works for me. 

Its worth a shot. Sleep is very important ... that's when our body heals. Good luck!

Janie

What are the side effects of using Benadryl long term? I have been using it at bedtime for a few years and have not noticed any issues.

As far as sleepwalking never had that issue with Benadryl but I did with Ambien.  I would wake up in the morning and notice that things were missing from the refrigerator.  Since I live alone guess who is the only person who could have eaten those things? Yet I had no memory of it.

Although I despise depending on any drug, even prescription, I believe that the quality of your sleep is essential for your life and well-being.

If you need to break the pattern and Benadryl or other OTC meds don't work then do not hesitate to talk to a doctor and get a short term script for something stronger.

It takes only a few nights of good sleep to break the pattern and be able to manage your sleep yourself. 

It is worth a try.

Sharon

From what I read the long term use of Benadryl could lead to dementia.   After I've witnessed how Benadryl can put my brain in a fog, I believe it too. 

I use essential oils to help me get to sleep. Yes,  we are all up to go to the bathroom but i do get back to sleep at least. I use lavender and sometimes a blend of lavender, cedarwood and peace and calming oils. Have used oils for a few things so I decided to be a rep. 

Hi, Deanna. How do you use your essential oils? I've heard rubbing a drop on your temples, or under the nose can work. Or putting a drop on a nightlight so it diffuses into the air. I have a tiny bottle of lavender essential oil. My sleep pattern is not good. I fall asleep easily but awake in three hours, and drift along, half awake, until dawn. 

Janiep posted:

My oncologist prescribed Xanax for me at bedtime.  It relaxes me and puts me to sleep. As far as staying asleep ... well with a jpouch I do get up every 3-4 hours to go to the bathroom and usually I go right back to sleep. The Xanax works for me. 

Its worth a shot. Sleep is very important ... that's when our body heals. Good luck!

Janie

I use passion flower or chamomile.

Passion Flower drops works great for me. Also chamomile tea. 

I seem to have the same sleep pattern as some of you.  No problem going to sleep but wide awake after a few hour.  Since I'm afraid of missing the signal that my pouch needs emptying, I'm reluctant to take any medication which might put me into too deep a sleep!  I'm basically retired so I can take a nap, if needed, during the day.  That way, I do get enough sleep.  Good luck everyone!

OK, essential oils is new to me.   Now I'm wondering which is the most effective essential oil to deepen my sleep and where can I buy it?

I used to use a product called Sleep and believe it was made by Soloray. It quit working once menopause came on and now I use Ambien. I have used it for at least 3 years and I love it. I was getting up, emptying the pouch, then wandering around cleaning the house - just could not get back to bed. This is not a good thing when you have to be at work at 7 AM.  Ambien works for me and I do not raid the fridge on it. Going onto Amazon can be dangerous, however. I once had a pair of shoes arrive that I couldn't remember ordering.

I also have the same problem.   I take adavan  every night they were giving that to me in the hospital and now I am hooked.  I tried sleeping with out it and I was up all night.   I would rather take something more natural.  Maybe I should try the essential oils. 

Grace, don't stop Ativan suddenly, if you take it regularly. Gradually reduce your dose to taper off of it. Ativan is a benzodiazepine, and is really not a good drug for use as a sleep aid. It is more for intermittent use for anxiety. It is similar to Valium.

Jan

I use lavender essential oil a drop rubbed on my neck or wrists. I also have a diffuser and use a couple different oils when the lavender alone isn't cutting it. I use lavender. Cedarwood and peace & calming. I prefer the Young Living brand and so I became a rep.

Ambien is incredibly strong,  I get the feeling it's dangerous.  One time I took it while in a hospital, and it put me to sleep in less than a minute.   It was like some kind of knockout punch.   I still think it didn't help extend my sleep though.   

During my many episodes of dehydration,  I suffered from insomnia. I would feel absolutely exhausted all day, longing for my bed, yet wide awake and unable to sleep at bed time.

It's believed my insomnia is a result of dehydration, actually a loss of electrolytes rather than a lack of fluids.

Apparentlty, the loss of electrolytes can change the body clock, thus feeling tried, sleepy and exhausted through out the day but unable to sleep at night.

Which, for many months, is exactly what I experience and I struggle to overcome.

I used Ambien years ago for a few months. It is very powerful and addictive, and can result in memory loss, which can be dangerous. As a less dangerous side effect, I misplaced a huge $$ cheque while on Ambien. We never did find it. Thank goodness it was not a blank cheque. 

I have had sleeping problems for nearly 20 years (started with UC flares).  I've tried everything out there from Tylenol PM to ambien and lunesta.  The ambien and lunesta made me sleep walk and actually sleep drive (only did it once when I drew the line and said NO MORE!).  I tried atavan but it kept me too drowsy throughout the day.

I am currently taking a 1mg Xanax and 2 Tylenol PM 30 minutes before bed.  They seem to work well together.  I get very sleepy, but I can wake up in the middle of the night and function if I need to (couldn't with ambien, lunesta, or atavan).  I also wake up feeling rested.