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Insomnia

Tracey7370
0 Recommendations

Hi! This is my first post, so I hope I've put this in the right place!

I'm 36 and have suffered from insomnia for years, even as a kid I wasn't a good sleeper. I've tried anything and everything to try to sleep better all to no avail. My doctor says it's just something I'll have to put up with as I've tried all the natural remedies, relaxation techniques etc and he doesn't want me taking sleeping pills.

The other day I was reading yet another article about insomnia and in that article was the mention of a mask that is supposed to help with insomnia, called 'Glo to sleep'. Has anyone tried this? I'm thinking of buying one and would like to hear others' opinions. Thanks!

Tracey

Explore topics in this discussion:

Hysterectomy CPAP Clonidine Meditation Lexapro Anxiety Pain Insomnia Ambien

25 replies

CircadiAbsurdium

Hi Tracey

I haven't heard of the mask. I am reading that new book by Gayle Greene, "Insomniac," and skimmed the index and alternative treatments section - but she doesn't mention it that I can see (and she mentions da*n near everything whether it works or not).

I checked out the Glo to sleep website and it looks like a fancy relaxation gimmick, kind of like a hyped up meditation tool. But that's just my opinion; I am hyper skeptical of everything after having wasted so much of my hard earned money on worthless sleep aids.

If you decide to try it, be sure to post here so you can tell us whether it works.

CircadiAbsurdium

JUST IN CASE:

A lot of people who have trouble sleeping actually have a circadian rhythm disorder. Trouble falling asleep "early" could be something called delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS). The wikipedia page on it is actually pretty good, but the gist is that the body's internal clock is out of sync with the relevant social and environmental cues (i.e., sunlight, when you're supposed to go to bed and wake up). People with DSPS can sleep just fine, just at a later time (such as 4am to noon). Typically, they get behind on sleep during the week because they have to be to work early, and then sleep a lot on the weekend to catch up.

There's an opposite disorder where people get tired early and wake up really early; that one is called advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) - but most people with ASPS don't think they have a problem at all, just that they're better than everyone else for being the early bird.

It's hard to rule out DSPS for you without knowing more about your sleep patterns, but there is almost no awareness of circadian rhythm disorders, so I thought I would post on DSPS, JUST in case you (or someone else reading this topic) might have that. Insomnia is much easier to treat if you are able to find a name for it other than insomnia!

cronicX4

Tracey, I couldn't go to sleep for years at times and at other times would sleep for days. Finally, I found a sleep study neurologist and he ran the test and found out my problems. Now I have a CPAP, take the right meds and get the sleep I need. I thought sleep studies were a gimic till I went. It is worth checking out. Good luck and God bless. Brenda

Tracey7370

I've just signed in and seen these replies and just wanted to thank you both for your responses, I very much appreciate your advice.

Two years down the line since my original post and I'm still suffering from insomnia, although I do now have Zimovane prescribed for me, but I only take them once in a while as I don't want to become addicted. Two nights a week I have a drink (or four!) and that helps me sleep no end, although my doctor says sleeping after alcohol isn't proper sleep, still it's just a treat to be able to climb into bed and nod off without hours of tossing and turning. I could easily take to drinking every night to help me sleep but I don't want to end up with a drink problem!

I didn't try the Glo To Sleep mask in the end because I envisaged it not working and the product is a fair price. I've now seen other things like the Nightwave sleep assistants, and wonder whether or not they would work, or if they are a bit gimmicky.

If only I could be like my partner, he's asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow!

Tracey

chelleub

Don't ever let anyone tell you there is nothing that can be done. There is always something . Don't give up.
Good Luck.

Tracey7370

Thanks Chelleub.

Last week was a nightmare I had a streaming cold and it kept me awake almost six nights on the trot - the most I managed was two hours sleep, apart from when I took some sleeping tablets mid week and got a beautiful six hours! I was walking around like a zombie, not because I felt ill with a cold but because I'd had so little sleep! Because I am such a bad sleeper at the best of times, just add something into the mix as simple as a cold and I can certainly kiss goodbye any decent sleep!

I've changed my mind again and am going to give the Glo To Sleep mask a try. When it arrives I will report back with results!

trose313

There's an all natural sleep product that you might want to try. The company will allow you to use this product for several weeks without charge just so you can see whether it will work for you before you purchase it. You can call them for more info at 866 900 6091.

chelleub

I had trouble taking the insomnia meds. The side effects made me "zombie" like. I finally was put on clonidine. Its an old blood pressure med that they sometimes use for insomnia. So far , so good. I had tried every trick in the book. From counting sheep to relaxation techniques , etc..... I finally gave up and had to go to prescriptions meds. The insomnia was making me ill. Hopefully this med will continue to work.

Tracey7370

Thanks trose313 do you know what the all natural sleep product is called? I am in UK and I think the number you give is US? If you know anymore I could look into it on the net.

Chelleub, glad to hear you have found something that helps without giving you that awful next day zombie feeling! Fingers crossed for you that it continues to work. I will have to read up on clonidine.

Well I received the Glo To Sleep mask last week, and it didn't make any difference at all - still couldn't drop off! I have only tried it the once so far however, and will persevere with it see if the more I use it the better it gets. The company I bought the mask from sent me some free trial herbal remedies called Asphalia, supposedly "proving to be 'the biggest breakthrough in natural sleep improvement in decades' ". But nope, just as I thought, they didn't work, although I did seem to feel very slightly more relaxed, but that could have been psychological :o)

Maylisa

Hello Tracey,

I have been on the prowl for a solution that was natural, and I was taught a few tricks that no one ever told me about. One was a breathing technique that helps the brain adjust to sleep and the other was the fact of a drop in my blood sugar that was waking me up in the middle of the night. I have made a blog to help others out naturally. If you get a chance please check out my site, I think you will find help there. www.TheInsomniaNatural.com

Sweet dreams!

Tracey7370

Hi Maylisa. I will definitely have a look a your site, thanks!

chelleub

Tracy , keep up the faith. I found something that worked. You will too. It may or may not be what worked for me. It just took alot of research by my doc and myself. I will pray for you. I wish you lots and lots of rest. :)

Tracey7370

Thank you :o)

erika6487

Hi Tracey,
Just a thought if none of the natural things work out for you there is a sleep drug i have tried called Ambien (sp) i know your Dr. said they didnt want to put you on any kind of medication for it but as it sounds you may want to get a second opinion because it sounds like your body is really out of wack with sleeping right now. iv taken Ambien before and it worked wonders for me.you need to make sure your not on too strong of a dosage tho if you do end up getting it because i found i would wake up in the middle of the night and not remember smoking, eating etc. but put on the right dose for your body you will have the best ngiht sleep of your life. i only took the drug for about a month and once off it it seemed like my body was back on a nomal sleeping pattern. hope this helps of you have any questions or anything feel free to ask. good luck!
Erika

Poon

Hi Tracy It is Linda I wanted more information about the medicine. I can not find anything with that name.
Zimovane

Tracey7370

Thanks Erika. I have heard of Ambien and will keep it in mind. I'm pleased to hear it helped you.

Hi Linda. Zimovane is also known as Zopiclone. Here is some info about it:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002841.html

Tracey

steve9340

I assume you've tried the technique of forcing yourself to stay awake.

mrsbias

Hi Tracey...I just got diagnosed with insomnia...my first appointment on the subject isn't until another week or so....I have been taking over the counter drugs...was once on ambein. But my body gets use to meds real fast. Plus I am currently on predisone for another condition ...and that in itself contributes to insomnia. But I hope you find a way to get some rest.

Tracey7370

Thanks, I hope you too can find something that helps & that your appointment goes ok!

mrsbias

Tracey...thanks...I seen the cardio yesterday and have to go back for a nuclear stree test!!!!!! YEAH...right :(...but you have a good one. So far my doc has upped my lexapro and klolopin and I been gatting a little more sleep...but just during the day...lol

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