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Sleeping pills vs. Herb

I have sleeping problem for a very long time...perhaps, 15 years. There are always thoughts in my mind while trying to sleep at night. Whenever I have limited sleeping time, I take sleeping pills to ensure of enough sleep at night. The latest medication I'm taking is Stilnox 10mg, but usually half pill is enough for me. I worry the disadvantages of taking too many sleeping pills, especially the habit-forming, depression and dizziness.

Lately, I start to look into so called "natural sleep aid" products that uses herbs etc. I found that they usually contains Passion Flower, Valerian, Melatonin and Chamomile etc. They claimed that it's safe, non-habit forming, and okay to take for a long time. Is it true?

Thank you!
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Avatar universal
Hi, thanks for reply and hope you are doing better. It is good to follow a steady sleep cycle and try to ease your stress by relaxation techniques. You can follow your fixed routine of day work. There are not much studies either giving full credit to Melatonin use. Melatonin has shown to reduce the symptoms of jet lag. Studies show that melatonin, taken orally during non-typical sleep times, significantly improves an individual’s ability to sleep. As said earlier you need to seek sleep specialist advise which is better option than relying on other non promising info of whatever source. Take care.
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Avatar universal
btw, I didn't go to see a doctor for this sleeping issue. I get the Stilnox sleeping pills from my mother's depression medication since she does not take it every night, so there are always extras. As I am taking only half a dose (5mg) occasionally, I hope it is not too dangerous. I've been taking this pill occasionally for about 2 years+ now. Before this, I didn't take any medication, I sometimes sleep only 3-4 hours a day.
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your reply and encouragement. You are right, I should try hard to maintain a better sleep-awake time, although this will be a very difficult task for me. I did try using botanical extracts that claimed to be "destress" on my revitalisor. Since revitalisor is quite noisy, so I on it for about an hour before going to sleep. It works sometimes, but most of the time not. Some friends said revitalisor is not a good choice for health.

Have you heard anyone using Melatonin alone? Is it a good choice? I saw GNC selling 1mg or 3mg(time release).
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414491 tn?1203385079
Yes since the herbal supplements are drug free.

Lavender: Studies show that the chemical in the lavender oil do help to alter our biology of sleep center which helps insomniac to fall asleep faster.

Passion Flower: It can reduces nervous tension and anxiety and helps easier to fall asleep.

Chamomile: For those who lose sleep due to stomach gas or indigestion, chamomile has the ability to expel stomach gas.

Somehow start to do a sleep diary which can provide your sleep specialist additional information that need to assist you in improving your sleep.

How to start your Sleep Dairy
The Sleep dairy can keep track of the following
sleep time
wake up time
sleep quality
medication taken
how long take you to fall asleep
how many time you wake up
how long you wake up
total hours of sleep
your own sleep rating


Hope you do not need your pills to go sleep very shortly.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Kaif, I feel you might have taken quite medications for your sleeplessness over years and so want to stop further. Are you really facing any problems in taking sleep medications and are you under care of any sleep specialist. You can follow some of the below noted tips, I hope it will be of some help to you.
Few Tips for Better Sleep:
There are ways you can help yourself sleep better by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, developing a bedtime routine, and making your sleep environment "sleep-friendly" make all the difference in the world.
Go to sleep and wake up at same time every day, even on weekends which helps develop a sleep-wake rhythm.
Avoid caffeine contained in tea, cola, and chocolate late in the day.
A heavy meal or spicy foods before bedtime can lead to nighttime discomfort, and fluids can require disruptive trips to the bathroom. So light snack, can help you sleep better.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine like - Read a book, listen to music, practice relaxation techniques, take a warm bath, keep temperature in your bedroom at a comfortable level as  extremes can disrupt your sleep.
Minimize distractions, such as noisy clocks, bright lights, and uncomfortable clothing or bedding.
If you don't fall asleep soon, get up and get back into bed when you feel sleepy.
If nothing works then talk to your doctor. Ambien is good choice for treatment of insomnia. Ambien is intended for short-term use. Elavil/Endep. has sedative effects and is non-addictive. Also get a sleep test done to know present status. Do take Omeprazole. Keep updating your thoughts. Take care.
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