Dear Pharmacist: I have trouble with prescribed sleeping pills, they make me do crazy things like sleep walk, eat and wake up family members in the middle of the night “just to chat.” What are natural options? --A.A., Superior, Colo. 
 It depends on what kind of insomniac you are. About one fifth of Americans experience insomnia every night. Women versus men, and seniors versus younger folks tend to have sleep disturbances. 
 I wrote an entire chapter about insomnia and natural remedies in my first book, The 24-Hour Pharmacist. Here’s a summary: 
 Creepy crawlers: You fall asleep just fine but somewhere around 3 a.m., you wake up and can't get back to sleep. You consider putting away dishes, folding laundry, or vacuuming. Don't! Make enough noise at that hour and your spouse will likely duct tape you to the bed post. For “Creepy Crawlers” I recommend Melatonin. &nbsp;It increases the number of hours that you sleep. &nbsp; 
 You may be wondering if it’s OK with Ambien, Xanax or other medications. It should be fine since we make melatonin in our brains anyway, some people just run short. I’ve read research that suggests it might dampen your mood slightly, however, it is terrific for people who have autoimmune disorders. Ask your physician if it’s right for you. 
 Antenna heads: You climb into bed at a reasonable hour,&nbsp; but your brain becomes an antenna for every thought on the planet. Some of you go into rewind mode thinking about the day and what you should have done, should have said, and needed to accomplish but didn’t. When you're fully maddened and start cursing the sheep, you drift off at 2 in the morning.&nbsp; Antenna heads will do well with a relaxing herb about an hour before for bed, such as chamomile and lavender tea. Take 2 teaspoonfuls of dried chamomile herb, and 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender and steep that for two to three minutes, sweeten if necessary and enjoy. These herbs will settle your brain down, and calm a nervous stomach. They are also available as liquid herbal extracts. 
 Bed bugger: You fall asleep fine, even staying "asleep" through the night, but you thrash or wake up a lot; maybe you have bizarre dreams. The hallmark is fitful sleep. Bed buggers do extremely well on the couch (just kidding). My husband used to be a bed bugger, and steal the sheets in one roll over but luckily, he’s fine now. “Bed Buggers” respond to supplements that relax the central nervous system, for example, magnesium, a natural “chill pill” and muscle relaxant. Two other great choices are glycine and Chinese skullcap. 
 Please look in your medicine cabinet. Thyroid medicine, blood pressure drugs, cold medicine and asthma inhalers are stimulating, so take them earlier in the day. If you’re craving more information and remedies for sleep, sign up for free newsletter at my website and I’ll send you more choices to help you fall asleep.

Dear Pharmacist: I have trouble with prescribed sleeping pills, they make me do crazy things like sleep walk, eat and wake up family members in the middle of the night “just to chat.” What are natural options? --A.A., Superior, Colo. It depends on what kind of insomniac you are. About one fifth of Americans experience insomnia every night. Women versus men, and seniors versus younger folks tend to have sleep disturbances. I wrote an entire chapter about insomnia and natural remedies in my first book, The 24-Hour Pharmacist. Here’s a summary: Creepy crawlers: You fall asleep just fine but somewhere around 3 a.m., you wake up and can't get back to sleep. You consider putting away dishes, folding laundry, or vacuuming. Don't! Make enough noise at that hour and your spouse will likely duct tape you to the bed post. For “Creepy Crawlers” I recommend Melatonin. It increases the number of hours that you sleep. You may be wondering if it’s OK with Ambien, Xanax or other medications. It should be fine since we make melatonin in our brains anyway, some people just run short. I’ve read research that suggests it might dampen your mood slightly, however, it is terrific for people who have autoimmune disorders. Ask your physician if it’s right for you. Antenna heads: You climb into bed at a reasonable hour, but your brain becomes an antenna for every thought on the planet. Some of you go into rewind mode thinking about the day and what you should have done, should have said, and needed to accomplish but didn’t. When you're fully maddened and start cursing the sheep, you drift off at 2 in the morning. Antenna heads will do well with a relaxing herb about an hour before for bed, such as chamomile and lavender tea. Take 2 teaspoonfuls of dried chamomile herb, and 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender and steep that for two to three minutes, sweeten if necessary and enjoy. These herbs will settle your brain down, and calm a nervous stomach. They are also available as liquid herbal extracts. Bed bugger: You fall asleep fine, even staying "asleep" through the night, but you thrash or wake up a lot; maybe you have bizarre dreams. The hallmark is fitful sleep. Bed buggers do extremely well on the couch (just kidding). My husband used to be a bed bugger, and steal the sheets in one roll over but luckily, he’s fine now. “Bed Buggers” respond to supplements that relax the central nervous system, for example, magnesium, a natural “chill pill” and muscle relaxant. Two other great choices are glycine and Chinese skullcap. Please look in your medicine cabinet. Thyroid medicine, blood pressure drugs, cold medicine and asthma inhalers are stimulating, so take them earlier in the day. If you’re craving more information and remedies for sleep, sign up for free newsletter at my website and I’ll send you more choices to help you fall asleep.

News

Health

hspharm08172013

The insomniac’s dream come true

Newsday

copied for dear pharmacist/sdl

Most Popular

Latest videos

Health video slot

McGorry received a life-saving liver transplant from a friend last month. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I'm blessed that I have somebody like Sue'

Long Island's first new hospital since 1980 could increase competition and lead to fewer trips to Manhattan for medical procedures. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa leads a discussion with Newsday health reporter David Olson and Cindy Kaye-Fink, a heart transplant patient from East Meadow.

'It would be much easier'

There has been an increase in children ending up in the emergency room after ingesting cannabis, according to a new study from the state Department of Health. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Children as young as 5 years old hospitalized with cannabis poisoning

There have been 394 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in New York State since May 1. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports on what you need to know about the parasite outbreak.

'The spread ... is becoming more extensive'

Sign up for the Health newsletter

Health Newsletter Widget

The change affects about 200,000 Long Islanders after both sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract last week.

Fidelis policyholders lose in-network coverage with Northwell Health

Health Article Bottom Module

The CDC said, as of Saturday, there were 1,644 infection cases nationwide, with public health officials identifying dozens on Long Island.

FDA back to tying cyclosporiasis to Taylor Farms lettuce

The plan to reduce the minimum training hours required to become certified nurse aides by 25% will jeopardize care some argued, while others said it will help hiring.

New York State plan to cut training for certified nurse aides sparks concerns

Many cases are traced to buildings with large cooling systems, hot water tanks, water fountains and hot tubs.

Third person dies from Legionnaires' disease in NYC cluster

The rolls were sold exclusively at in-store bakeries at Walmart.

More than 725,000 Pillsbury rolls recalled for possible glass contamination

McGorry received a life-saving liver transplant from a friend last month.

NewsdayTV's Amy McGorry reunites with her liver transplant match

Breathing wildfire smoke may cause a runny nose, headaches and a scratchy throat. For people with certain conditions, the effects can be worse.

What to know about wildfire smoke health risks

Health Video Playlist

DeVuono describes her scheme to an undercover investigator in January 2022.

See the undercover video of the DeVuono sting

The foundation paid for staff events at wine bars, a $2,000 limo ride and a Gracie Mansion gala. Newsday investigative reporter Peter D'auria, Richard Kessel, current chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and Albany Law School professor Randle Pollard discuss.

'It should exist for the benefit of the hospital'

New York lawmakers from both parties, and 9/11 victim advocates, are raising concerns about the pace in filling the vacancies for the program that provides health care to more than 140,000 first responders, recovery workers and civilians diagnosed with cancers and other diseases. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has the story.

'It's just beyond upsetting that we have to fight for this'

A draft rule introduced this month by House and Senate Republicans would significantly limit compensation for service-connected tinnitus and sleep apnea for veterans. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I think it's a crime'

Hockey dad back on ice after surviving blood cancer thanks to bone marrow donation from son. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I consider myself an incredibly lucky man'

Two siblings have been diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, and their parents are on a mission to save one of their lives. NewsdayTV's Virgnia Huie reports.

'We're fighting a lot of fights'

NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn sits with two mothers who have gone through a recovery program to better themselves and get their children back.

'I just had to battle my demons'

The state announced millions in grants available for water quality improvement and protection projects. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Continues to be a game changer'

Homepage Trending

Cyclospora: How to protect yourself

FeedMe Magazine

Summer Fun Book

YOUR HEALTH

Your Health videos

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Severe storms on tap today ... Fatal Suffolk stabbing ... LI Works: Whole latte love ... Top H.S. sports moments this year

Severe storms on tap today ... Fatal Suffolk stabbing ... New Jericho H.S. principal

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Health - megaslot


Get the latest health news from Newsday, including COVID-19, health care costs, hospitals, cancer, vaccines, fitness and weight loss.

Most Popular

Latest videos

Stay logged in.