Which OTC Sleep aids have worked best for you?
Shexio
Posts: 184 Member
47yo female with Hypothyroidism (diagnosed about 6 years ago, on 100mg levo).
Through Anxiety, I have been having issues falling asleep. Or at least I think its due to Anxiety, i guess its possible that its due to Hypothyroidism as well. Anyway. I am thinking of trying an OTC sleep aid and was wondering which ones have worked best for you?
Some of my Background:
I workout daily(weights 3x/ cardio 3x/yoga 1x), watch my weight (5'0" and 105#)
I have a desk job but walk most nights when its nice out side.
Kids have just about left the house(oldest daughter will go to college in August, she's causing me SO much anxiety with her late night habits!).
Through Anxiety, I have been having issues falling asleep. Or at least I think its due to Anxiety, i guess its possible that its due to Hypothyroidism as well. Anyway. I am thinking of trying an OTC sleep aid and was wondering which ones have worked best for you?
Some of my Background:
I workout daily(weights 3x/ cardio 3x/yoga 1x), watch my weight (5'0" and 105#)
I have a desk job but walk most nights when its nice out side.
Kids have just about left the house(oldest daughter will go to college in August, she's causing me SO much anxiety with her late night habits!).
6
Replies
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Magnesium lotion on the bottom of my feet 30 minutes before bed - helps me fall asleep, stay asleep, and also helps my general anxiety.
I took melatonin in the past which would make me fall asleep, but not stay asleep.1 -
Are you having anxiety/panic attacks as you're trying to fall asleep, and/or fixating on anxiety-producing issues? Are you taking meds in the evening, like thyroid, that could cause sleep problems?
Here's my own experience, you may not find it relatable but it's a place to start.
If you are taking any meds at night that you could take in the morning, ask you doctor if it's OK if you switch.
My doctor discouraged me from taking OTC sleep aids except very occasionally. She suggested I learn mindful breathing techniques to control the intruding thoughts - I had a hard time working with this, but when I finally got it, it works most of the time. I tend to have panic attacks as I'm drifting off to sleep, and focusing on the breathing gives me enough breathing room (ha!) to have my mind drifting off to something less stressful. Hope any of this helps, and hugs!2 -
Sounds like sleeplessness may be stemming from daughters late nights, worrying about her until she gets home.
It will get better. When she is off to college, it may improve (sometimes it is easier not to know and being out of the home can help). I don't have problems sleeping, but can sure relate to your worrying about her getting home safely at night. I only have 1 child (daughter), but I still worry about her everyday. She graduated from college and has had her own apartment for 10 years now. All we can do is hope that they make smart decisions. We had them for 18 years and now the job we have done all of those years can be turned over to them. The worry never completely leaves. Sorry I can't help with any medication suggestions. Hang in there Mom!1 -
I'd first recommend discussing your diagnosed medical problems with your doctor and seeing if there's something that needs to be changed about your medication. Also, you don't want to risk taking an OTC medication that could interact with other drugs you need.
I can't take most sleep medications because I have the opposite of the usual reaction to Benadryl. It makes most people sleepy, but it makes me jittery. Unfortunately, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the active ingredient in a lot of OTC sleep aids.
Melatonin works pretty consistently for me, but I didn't like having to take medication to get to sleep, and I found that I needed more and more melatonin the longer I used it.
The best thing I've done has been practicing mindfulness meditation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness-based_stress_reduction). I know this may sound silly, because it sounded silly to me at first, but hear me out on it. There are peer-reviewed scientific studies supporting its benefits. This sort of meditation is not intended to be a spiritual or religious exercise, although it could be if you wanted it to be. It's about spending a few minutes each day learning to quiet the thoughts that constantly go through all our heads. I've found that when I can't sleep, it's often because my brain won't "turn off" that chatter. This helps me learn to turn it off.2 -
I struggle with anxiety and insomnia. I started take a magnesium supplement called Natural Calm several months ago and it has really helped. I still wake up a few times a night (that's something I've always dealt with), but it's easier for me to get back to sleep.
I also second the mindful breathing or meditation. I downloaded an app called Simple Habit that I try to do most nights that really helps. Or sometimes I just breath in for 5 counts and breath out slowly to the count of 5. Focusing on my breathing helps my mind calm down.1 -
Valerian Root4
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I have never found any otc sleep aids that worked so unfortunately I am on a prescription sleep med2
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The generic brand of Simply Sleep pills. Works like a charm for me.1
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Benedryl5
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Not being a smart a** but losing weight and getting up at 4:30 AM to run cured my insomnia. But now I fall asleep at 9:30 each night.5
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I have taken Unisom with good results, the one kind that is NOT the same as benadyl (it has another sedating antihystamine).
I started taking a melatonin supplement that also has lemon balm and a couple of other things, it's the Olly one from Target. It's only 3mg. It seems to help. It just helps me relax and feel sleepy. I'm not sure how much is the melatonin and how much the other herbal ingredients.
I also have anxiety but I manage mine with exercise and occasional use medication (which I use less and less if I exercise regularly). I'd suggest asking your doctor before beginning anything other than the occasional OTC medication (like taking melatonin every night).
I may add magnesium to my anxiety management plan, I have taken it in the past with good results.1 -
Melatonin and 5-HTP worked for me for years. Now I'm ingesting something that is legal in my state but may or may not be in your location. Works like a charm!5
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i use benadryl.
worked best out of all the otc. i use a small dose so i don't have the hangover.
or i had a sleep tea with catnip, valerian, lemon balm, passion flower, and a few other such herbs3 -
I'm on the same dose of levo and I used to use Valerian which was helpful, but I'd say do your research before taking any herbal remedy. I had a total thyroidectomy so I don't know if that makes a difference. I have also used hayfever tablets, the substance that makes you drowsy is the main ingredient used in Nytol. Again, do your research and find out if there are any contraindications. You could try eating a handful of lettuce just before bed, as it contains a natural soporific. Maybe you could ask your daughter to not stay out so late as you worry about her. If you're anxious, I think you have to tackle that as the root cause before or while treating the symptom of restlessness.1
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A complete left turn, but worth trying -
I do a podcast called Sleep with Me, where a guy just tells a long and winding story and slowly puts you to sleep. Its sounds ridiculous and the first few times I thought it was horrible, but it's my go to now.
If I'm particularly anxious I'll listen to one of many binaural sleep videos on youtube. I don't watch, I just flip the phone over so the screen doesn't distract me and let it play. I have a set of sleephones that work great if you need headphones. Binaural beats can be pretty good at heading of a migraine if you're noticing some of the triggers too.
I have hashimotos and have been on levo for a decade, but I don't think it affected my sleep at all.2 -
ExistingFish wrote: »I have taken Unisom with good results, the one kind that is NOT the same as benadyl (it has another sedating antihystamine).
I started taking a melatonin supplement that also has lemon balm and a couple of other things, it's the Olly one from Target. It's only 3mg. It seems to help. It just helps me relax and feel sleepy. I'm not sure how much is the melatonin and how much the other herbal ingredients.
I also have anxiety but I manage mine with exercise and occasional use medication (which I use less and less if I exercise regularly). I'd suggest asking your doctor before beginning anything other than the occasional OTC medication (like taking melatonin every night).
I may add magnesium to my anxiety management plan, I have taken it in the past with good results.
This is the one I use too Doxy-something succinate,,try natural stuff first as suggested cuz it's not good to take this on a regular basis,I'm in a state ATM that I absolutely must take it tho or else I'll either be awake all night or in and out of sleep which makes me useless the next day,it can leave you slightly dumb and slow the next day so if you try it only take 1/2 that's all I usually need,good luck I know exactly what you're going thru1 -
I discussed this issue with my physician. She recommended that I use OTC "night" medications such as Acetaminophen PM, NyQuil, or such as that. I'm satisfied with her advice.1
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The thing that has worked best for me is to play soft, new agey music at a barely audible volume. I have a CD called 'Music to Disappear In' that works really well. I've only heard the end of it one time. Usually by the third song, I'm out.2
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After I stopped taking ambien several years ago, the only supplement combo that works for me is magnesium capsules and a supplement called Kavinace Ultra PM. I get it from Pure Formulas, but you may be able to find it somewhere else. It works. Has worked for me for almost 5 years now. Downside is the cost. One bottle lasts for 15 days (I take 2 capsules a night and there are 30 in a bottle) and the cost is $64.00 a bottle. But it beats being awake all night!
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ExistingFish wrote: »I have taken Unisom with good results, the one kind that is NOT the same as benadyl (it has another sedating antihystamine).
I started taking a melatonin supplement that also has lemon balm and a couple of other things, it's the Olly one from Target. It's only 3mg. It seems to help. It just helps me relax and feel sleepy. I'm not sure how much is the melatonin and how much the other herbal ingredients.
I also have anxiety but I manage mine with exercise and occasional use medication (which I use less and less if I exercise regularly). I'd suggest asking your doctor before beginning anything other than the occasional OTC medication (like taking melatonin every night).
I may add magnesium to my anxiety management plan, I have taken it in the past with good results.
This is the one I use too Doxy-something succinate,,try natural stuff first as suggested cuz it's not good to take this on a regular basis,I'm in a state ATM that I absolutely must take it tho or else I'll either be awake all night or in and out of sleep which makes me useless the next day,it can leave you slightly dumb and slow the next day so if you try it only take 1/2 that's all I usually need,good luck I know exactly what you're going thru
Doxylamine available with brand name of unisom ( someone has already mentioned).
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Are you having anxiety/panic attacks as you're trying to fall asleep, and/or fixating on anxiety-producing issues? Are you taking meds in the evening, like thyroid, that could cause sleep problems?
I had a hard time working with this, but when I finally got it, it works most of the time. I tend to have panic attacks as I'm drifting off to sleep, and focusing on the breathing gives me enough breathing room (ha!) to have my mind drifting off to something less stressful. Hope any of this helps, and hugs!
I take my thyroid med in the morning when I wake up. But yes, I tend to fixate on things as I am falling asleep.
Thank you for your reply.
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missysippy930 wrote: »Sounds like sleeplessness may be stemming from daughters late nights, worrying about her until she gets home.
It will get better. When she is off to college, it may improve (sometimes it is easier not to know and being out of the home can help). I don't have problems sleeping, but can sure relate to your worrying about her getting home safely at night. I only have 1 child (daughter), but I still worry about her everyday. She graduated from college and has had her own apartment for 10 years now. All we can do is hope that they make smart decisions. We had them for 18 years and now the job we have done all of those years can be turned over to them. The worry never completely leaves. Sorry I can't help with any medication suggestions. Hang in there Mom!
This is exactly it missysippy930. Until I hear her go into her bedroom at night, I constantly doze off and on. my heart races most nights. In January it was so bad that I would say it was a full fledged attack, as I would go through 3-4 tshirts a night from sweat. Since May I've been able to just have a really fast heart rate and not sweat thru my shirt. but, man, waking up every hour until 2am some nights is hard. On weekdays I have told her she needs to be in her room by midnight. I feel rather silly telling a 19yr old when she needs to be in bed.
The fact that she's her own individual now has been very hard on me. Yes, I am thinking when she goes to college in 23 days that I will be sleeping better.
Thank you, SOOOO much!
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I found that my sleep improved when taking my levo at night instead of in the morning. I didn't do this randomly though there had been some research published that showed some hypothyroid patients do better when taking it at night I happen to be one of them. Something to do with a night time dose being closer to the natural circadian rythm or thyroid hormone release. I can't find the paper anymore unfortunately.
If I have stuff going round and round in my head I use valerian tea, kalms tablets or yoga to help. 5-10 minutes of shavasana is pretty good at calming the mind. A good matress has also helped with staying asleep which surprised me I didn't think the old one had that much of an affect on the quality of sleep.0 -
A good matress has also helped with staying asleep which surprised me I didn't think the old one had that much of an affect on the quality of sleep.
My matress is 20yrs old, I didn't think that it would have any impact but, ya know, I do sleep better when I'm in my bed that's in my camper. Perhaps a newer mattress...or a mattress topper (more cost effective)? Thanks for that idea. Also, I may do a test on myself and have my Levo at night and see what difference that makes. Because, I do tend to get really sleepy by 9:30-10:00am every stinking day.
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I've had hashimotos hypothyroidism my entire life, and never have had a single issue falling asleep. As soon as my head touches the pillow I'm out until morning. Have you honestly tried exercising? Going for a run?0
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47yo female with Hypothyroidism (diagnosed about 6 years ago, on 100mg levo).
Through Anxiety, I have been having issues falling asleep. Or at least I think its due to Anxiety, i guess its possible that its due to Hypothyroidism as well. Anyway. I am thinking of trying an OTC sleep aid and was wondering which ones have worked best for you?
Some of my Background:
I workout daily(weights 3x/ cardio 3x/yoga 1x), watch my weight (5'0" and 105#)
I have a desk job but walk most nights when its nice out side.
Kids have just about left the house(oldest daughter will go to college in August, she's causing me SO much anxiety with her late night habits!).
Anything with natural ingredients that usually includes passion flower, hops and valerian, melatonin....I don't use them often except if I have a streak where I don't sleep too good or if I need to go to bed early.2 -
I use Kirkland brand, more than they recommend (2 pills instead of just 1). I don't know what's causing my inability to fall asleep, there are too many things it *could* be (hypothyroidism, TBI, gout, etc.), but I don't want to take prescription sleep medication, because of the danger of dependency. It works okay, but I have such a hard time shutting my brain down, I sometimes forget to take it until 3:00 am. So, I'm still a mess.1
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I have a crazy or schedule, flip flopping nights and days which has caused my sleep issue. I have had a sleep study which was normal. I dont want anything habit forming so I declined to take benzodiazepines or Ambien. I take Benadryl and i used to take Trazodone when my sleep issue was worse.1
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ExistingFish wrote: »I have taken Unisom with good results, the one kind that is NOT the same as benadyl (it has another sedating antihystamine).
I started taking a melatonin supplement that also has lemon balm and a couple of other things, it's the Olly one from Target. It's only 3mg. It seems to help. It just helps me relax and feel sleepy. I'm not sure how much is the melatonin and how much the other herbal ingredients.
I also have anxiety but I manage mine with exercise and occasional use medication (which I use less and less if I exercise regularly). I'd suggest asking your doctor before beginning anything other than the occasional OTC medication (like taking melatonin every night).
I may add magnesium to my anxiety management plan, I have taken it in the past with good results.
This is the one I use too Doxy-something succinate,,try natural stuff first as suggested cuz it's not good to take this on a regular basis,I'm in a state ATM that I absolutely must take it tho or else I'll either be awake all night or in and out of sleep which makes me useless the next day,it can leave you slightly dumb and slow the next day so if you try it only take 1/2 that's all I usually need,good luck I know exactly what you're going thru
Doxylamine available with brand name of unisom ( someone has already mentioned).
Yes but it can get confusing cuz there's the doxy unisom and the diphe-whatever unisom,the tablets are the doxy and the sleep gels are the other stuff that's in Benadryl but doesn't work for me personally,,knocks other people out0 -
I had a few months when I couldn’t sleep more than a few hours a night. Based on a BBC program I tried 2 teaspoons a day of Inulin fibre.
I still don’t really believe it, but it worked. First day I took it, I slept like a log. It continued to work for about 6 months, then gradually stopped working. It now apparently works if I take it now and again, but not if I take it continually.
Could be placebo, for all I know, but for a while it was great. The only downside was it seemed to slow my digestive transit a bit. My wife found it did the opposite, so she stopped using it.
1
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