Question 1

what can i do to help me get to sleep at night? trouble getting to sleep i will be sleeping on the chair, but when i go to bed be wide awake.

Accepted Answer

Lots : Lots of people have problems getting to sleep, staying asleep, or both.  In many cases, poor sleep is caused by bad sleep habits.

The good news is that bad sleep habits can be fixed by good sleep hygiene.  The even better news is that good sleep hygiene doesn't cost much, and unlike some pills, won't leave people feeling groggy in the morning.

Here are some basic sleep hygiene tips:

it is best to wake up at about the same time, and to go to sleep at about the same time, 7 days a week.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods in the hours before bedtime.

Have a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine.  A warm bath, a good book, listening to relaxing music, stretching exercises, or watching a low-key television show are good options before bedtime.

Use the bed and bedroom for sleep, not for studying, television, telephone, hobbies, or surfing the internet.

Make the bedroom comfortable, quiet, and dark.

In the morning, get exposure to bright light.

The morning is also a good time to get physical exercise, which boosts energy during the day.

Avoid napping.

Many medications can interfere with sleep or can make people drowsy during the day.  A talk with a doctor can sort these problems out.

Signs of a severe sleeping problem include falling asleep at work, at school, during conversations, during meals, or while driving.  People with severe sleeping problems need to see their doctor right away.

Even people with mild sleeping problems can be drowsy during the day.  Never drive when drowsy or sleepy, and if sleepiness occurs while driving, pull over and take a nap.

Question 2

have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. can i take lunesta (eszopiclone) to get to sleep and intermezzo when i wake in the middle of the night? thank you.

Accepted Answer

NO!: ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Sounds like you are becoming "tolerant" to these chemical sleep aides! You should not take any of these more than every other night!! NEVER take two in the same night!
You need to have your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss good "SLEEP HYGIENE" with you!
Hope this helps!
Dr Z

Question 3

i always have had trouble getting to sleep. what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Many: You need to learn to relax! start by having the same bedtime routine,  keep you room dark and cool. Maybe drink chamomile tea, put away the thoughts of the day, take a a warm shower, use medication as a last resort. But if you can't sleep, talk to your doctor and get the help you need. Remember that over the counter sleep aids and alcohol are bad for sleep. The opposite of what most people think.

Question 4

i have been having trouble getting to sleep lately. any recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Use good sleep : Hygiene.  Retire & rise same time each day. Keep bedroom dark & cool & use only for sex & sleep. Turn off tv. No naps. Exercise regularly but not in late evening. No caffeine for 6 hrs & no alcohol or tobacco w/i 2 hrs of sleep. Keep dinner moderate sized & finish at least 2 to 3 hrs before sleep. Can try warm milk, chamomile tea or melatonin along w light reading, warm bath or lavender scent.

Question 5

trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep on trips. what is safest sleeper?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin: Consider the use of melatonin, which is an over-the-counter supplement.  If you have any health conditions or take other medications/supplements please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Question 6

i have no trouble getting to sleep between 10 to 11pm but wake between 3:30 and 4:30 most mornings. i have tried valerian.  any other natural options?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin?: Try Melatonin (the long-acting one) to see if this helps. Talk to your doctor to see if there is any medication condition which may be causing your sleep problem including sleep apnea.

Question 7

what could cause trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep in a 15 year old?

Accepted Answer

Overstimulation: Going to sleep is a process.  It isn't a switch you flick and say, I'm going to bed and going to sleep.  You need to wind down and prepare for sleep.  Turn off computer, TV, video games,etc at least an hour before you plan to go to bed.  Avoid caffeine, sugar, vigorous exercise before bedtime.  Make sure your sleep space is quiet and dark.  If you continue to have trouble, talk to your doc.

Question 8

sometimes i have trouble getting to sleep.  what is the best way to quiet the mind?

Accepted Answer

Insomnia: Many people have trouble falling asleep in a timely manner. The best place to start is with proper sleep 'hygiene'.  Only use your bed for sleeping and sexual activity.  Avoid naps all day and caffeine after lunch.  Having a healthy diet and exercising properly will also help you rest at night.  Be sure to sleep in a quiet spot.  It is normal to wait up to 20 minutes to fall asleep.

Question 9

i cannot sleep for more than four hours in a row for almost a month now. i sometimes have trouble getting to sleep. im 16. what could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Sleep hygiene: Many factors can affect your sleep: stree, tension, anxiety, medical issues. You are quite young for this issue. Usually setting a definite time to go to bed and wake up, avoiding stimulants lie caffeine or soda, limiting TV and music, meditation, aromatherapy and progressive relaxation. I suggest reading: The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, M.D.

Question 10

the last few nights i've had trouble getting to sleep then i wake in the middle of night due to being rest restless. what could it be all of a sudden?

Accepted Answer

Many things: can cause you to have poor sleep and arousals - the most common being anxiety and stress.  Iron deficiency anemia or genetics inherited from your parents can also cause your legs to be hypermobile or restless at night.

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Doctor answers about:

Trouble getting to sleep

A member asked:

What can i do to help me get to sleep at night? trouble getting to sleep i will be sleeping on the chair, but when i go to bed be wide awake.

A member asked:

Have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. can i take lunesta (eszopiclone) to get to sleep and intermezzo when i wake in the middle of the night? thank you.

A member asked:

I always have had trouble getting to sleep. what are my options?

A member asked:

I have been having trouble getting to sleep lately. any recommendations?

A member asked:

Trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep on trips. what is safest sleeper?

A member asked:

I have no trouble getting to sleep between 10 to 11pm but wake between 3:30 and 4:30 most mornings. i have tried valerian. any other natural options?

A member asked:

What could cause trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep in a 15 year old?

A member asked:

Sometimes i have trouble getting to sleep. what is the best way to quiet the mind?

A member asked:

I cannot sleep for more than four hours in a row for almost a month now. i sometimes have trouble getting to sleep. im 16. what could be wrong?

A member asked:

The last few nights i've had trouble getting to sleep then i wake in the middle of night due to being rest restless. what could it be all of a sudden?

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