Posted by sobstory on August 27, 2004, at 13:00:11
In reply to Re: Ambien or Ativan?, posted by Bela on August 27, 2004, at 9:33:25
If I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, I cover my clock so I can't see the time. Then I don't worry about what time it is, how much longer till I have to wake up etc. It also reduces the light source. Some other tips are getting up to do something that will make you sleepy such as reading or watching tv. If you stay in bed while awake and unable to sleep, you might start associating your bed with being awake.
Deep breathing will help you relax. Really concentrate on your breath, breath slowly and deeply from your diaphram. Hold your breath for a bit to slow down your breathing as you're doing this. Also, don't focus on how you can't sleep-just think you will be fine the next day even if you don't. Then before you know it you'll be asleep becuase you're not worrying about it. Just think of things that will relax you. All of these thinking patterns help you fall asleep.
> > Non-prescription remedies include Tylenol PM, melatonin, valerian, and ashwaghanda.
> >
> > I know that when people discontinue Ambien, they have a hard time sleeping. But on the other hand, they also had a hard time sleeping just prior to starting Ambien. So it's hard to tell if it's "addictive". I think that it is technically non-addictive.
> >
> > If Ambien is working for you and you find that nothing else works, keep taking it. It's suppose to be safe even for long term users. And its far better than going sleep deprived.
> >
> > > I am a middle-of-the-night insomniac and addicted to Ambien. I would like to break the habit and get back to sleep naturally. Suggestions?
> > >
> > > Please direct me to a more relevant thread if this is not the appropriate one.
> >
>
> > Thanks for your great advice. Actually, I have tried every non-prescription sleep aid known to man to return to sleep at 3 a.m. and none do a thing for me---valerian, melatonin, Tylenol PM, etc. I agree that I may be stuck with Ambien for life and it is DEFINITELY better than sleep deprivation, as you say, but I am still curious as to whether anyone has discovered any behavioral mechanisms for returning to sleep after awakening at 3 a.m. Thanks....
> Bela
>
poster:sobstory
thread:381490
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040825/msgs/382997.html