Muncie, IN
A 24-year-old female asked:
I have gad. i take lexapro (escitalopram) & i have nightmares & trouble sleeping at times. aleve seems to help me sleep. what should i take/do to help me sleep?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mohammed Younusanswered
32 years experience
Talk to doc: Sleep issues are common in anxiety and can be treated by adjusting medications. Night mares are common in gad too, theses should be discussed in therapy. Talk it over with your paychiatrist, aleeve is for pain and may not be good medication for sleep on long term basis.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Sleep problems.: Agree w dr. Younus. Are you using principals of good sleep hygiene? Retire & rise same time each day. Bedroom should be dark & cool - used 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. Dinner should be moderate sized & finished at least 2 to 3 hours before sleep. Can try warm milk, chamomile.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Provided original answer
tea or melatonin along w light reading, warm bath, lavender scent. Discuss with your treating physician.
Aug 4, 2013
Last updated Jan 25, 2015
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