Best non-prescription sleep aid?

[slackerinabox]

I've had a terrible case of insomnia for the past 2 months now, leaving me with hardly any energy at all. I need to put an end to this so today is the day I stay up for 24+ hours, going to bed at exactly 11 PM. But I might need a hand for the next few days, can anyone recommend the best sleeping pill?

Thanks.

 

[DougK62]

Rub one out.

 

[goatjc]

Benadryl. It's an antihestamine, but, it "should" make you drowsy. I take it whenever I have a long flight. . .two beers at the airport bar + a benadryl right before I get on the plane and I wake up at my destination.

 

[spaceman]

nytol? or the generic equivalent .
melatonin work well but they made me piss the bed and have nightmares.

 

[Analog]

benadryl will make you sleepy. Another antihistamine is doxylamine succinate, which will also make you drowsy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxylamine

 

[glen]

benadryl - it has a much shorter half life than doxylamine succinate, so you won't be as drowsey in the morning. However, it is worth it to get a prescription to something like ambien. Take it only when you need it, and get yourself back onto a regular cycle.

 

[allisolm]

Melatonin usually works for my husband. Effective dosage seems to vary with individuals. My husband takes 1mg tablets. Anything more than that doesn't work for him.

 

[GoPackGo]

Rum

 

[pontifex]

i've been using tylenol sleep aid.

 

[slackerinabox]

Benadryl seems to be the common choice - thanks guys, but keep the opinions rolling if you have them. I'm seeing my doctor about this soon if I'm not regular by weeks end.

 

[SoulAssassin]

I take melatonin almost every night, it won't knock you out but it will help you get to sleep and you won't feel it in the morning. I used to take 1mg but got a deal on 3mg pills from BJs or Costco and have been taking them for a while now. It's probably the most natural solution out there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin
http://www.melatonin.com/melatonin-faq.php

 

[leftyman]

your YAGT threads.

 

[j00fek]

bud light ans some yager bombs

 

[49erinnc]

Another vote for melatonin. I take a 3mg one about 30-45 minutes before going to bed each night and it really does the trick for me with minimal grogginess in the morning. I find that it works best though when you take one every night, even on nights when you're sleepy. It just balances out your system better that way.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Another vote for melatonin. I take a 3mg one about 30-45 minutes before going to bed each night and it really does the trick for me with minimal grogginess in the morning. I find that it works best though when you take one every night, even on nights when you're sleepy. It just balances out your system better that way.

Does melatonin take time to work? I always thought it "regulates" your pattern but isn't a quick solution. I'm so wiped out that I feel like I can't deal with even another week of this.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: j00fek
bud light ans some yager bombs

Sadly, alcohol has been my sleep aid far too often, waking up with a hang over on a Tuesday is getting very, very depressing.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Another vote for melatonin. I take a 3mg one about 30-45 minutes before going to bed each night and it really does the trick for me with minimal grogginess in the morning. I find that it works best though when you take one every night, even on nights when you're sleepy. It just balances out your system better that way.

Does melatonin take time to work? I always thought it "regulates" your pattern but isn't a quick solution. I'm so wiped out that I feel like I can't deal with even another week of this.

It takes time to work as in you should take it and plan on it taking 20-30 minutes to have an effect but you don't have to take it for a week before it does something. You should notice an effect on the first night though best results come from taking it every night at the same time to regulate your sleep pattern.

 

[SampSon]

Melatonin for the holistic approach. "Simply Sleep" for the pharm approach.

 

[imported_Snagle]

Originally posted by: j00fek
bud light ans some yager bombs

Yeah, because Red Bull is a great sleep aid :roll:

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I have insomnia pretty bad (diagnosed), and I use Tylenol PM whenever I have to sleep. I take the day before I work (I work nights), and have been doing so for over a year, possibly two. I would try Melatonin to see if that works for you. As soon as some of the stuff with my VA disability gets ironed out, I'll be going to the doctor to see about trying Lunesta.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Melantonin.

 

[Stifko]

Originally posted by: Lothar
Melantonin.

I take it too sometimes, but in liquid form. It is absorbed more quickley in your system. Each eyedropper is 1mg and I take 3 mgs ususally. It make the hair grow in my ears and nose like weeds though.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: goatjc
Benadryl. It's an antihestamine, but, it "should" make you drowsy. I take it whenever I have a long flight. . .two beers at the airport bar + a benadryl right before I get on the plane and I wake up at my destination.

I'll agree, bendaryl is great. Unfortunately I have a strange allergic reaction to it and become high as a kite for atleast 2 days when I take that stuff. It's unfortunate because I don't get to take any for fear of the reaction becoming worse.

 

[ebaycj]

Work out heavily 2 hours before bedtime + rub one out right before bed.

If that doesn't work for you, Melatonin, 3mg.

If that doesn't work for you, Tryptophan, ~300mg.

If that doesn't work for you, Benadryl 50mg.


DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, so don't do anything I say without consulting your doctor first.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Do you drink alcohol much? Just curious, because booze can really disrupt your sleep patterns...especially the hard stuff.

Lay off the booze for a while and I think you'll see your sleep patterns improve.