General Chat

Hi Fee Have you tried doing some yoga on a regular basis? Very relaxing and helped my insomnia. If you can't get out to a class try a dvd or video. Jeanette

PMT as well? Forget the lettuce and try a few G and T's, Derek

Fee B, all of the above sound very practical, some a mite expensive, but interesting. Here in the south of France, folk use dried lettuce leaves as a tisane (herbal tea etc). The dried lettuce is sold on street markets in packets. My wife and I have discovered that a supper of a fresh lettuce sandwich aids our sleeping pattern. Its also easy and cheap. Lettuce contains the drug laudenum( spelling?), which is an opiate. Good luck and sleep well, Derek

I can't believe I forgot to mention this in my last posting! I was advised to take magnesium and calcium before going to bed, to aid sleep--it is fantastic! I have slept so much better for it. it's also excellent for muscle pain. Mandy, it's supposed to be particularly helpful for ME and fibromyalgia (I have FM). Can I also recommend Leon Chatow's book 'Fibromyalgia and Muscle Pain' to you? It covers ME too, which is very similar to FM, and it's full of advice which has already eased my symptoms and could help you.

I can send you a self-hypnotic tape if you like. It would be worth a try. Several people I know said it worked for them. No charge. Len

Fee I really sympathise because you sound so much like myself. I have ME and this affects my sleep pattern from time to time, plus I'm a worrier and everything seems to come to the surface at bedtime! I don't have a wonder cure, but here are the things that I've tried and do seem to help a bit: Listen to books on tape on a walkman, better than a book because you can close your eyes and not have to concentrate on the print. Sometimes hubby comes to bed and has to remove the earphones! BHS sell a standard pillow with lavender in it - better than those little herb pillows because it's the size of a usual pillow and you can smell the lavender through the pillowcase. They are also washable and smell lasts for 20 washes I think. Sprinkle essential oils under your pillow - lavender is the best. Burn a lavender candle downstairs before you go to bed; not only will that start to calm you before bedtime, but the smell will float upwards to your bedroom. Boots sell a 'Sleep' range and amongst the bath oils etc, there is a little tub of balm which you rub a spot on your temples. I've got a little machine thingy from Argos which plays various soothing sounds, like waves, birdsong, etc. Rainforest is nice but don't go for fountain as you will be in and out of bed weeing all night. It also has an aromatherapy function but don't bother, it stinks. Well I hope these suggestions might be a little bit of help, and hope you sleep well tonight! Take care, Mandy x

Thanks guys for your replys,I just need to put the stupid worries out of my hesd and try and sleep between my sons waking-up times!

Hi Fee, i can relate to your problem very much. I have a medical condition which, amongst other things, causes severe insomnia. Sometimes i am awake for hours at a time in the middle of the night--other times, I wake every hour on the hour, all night long--exhausting! I also have horrible nightmares. I have found my sleep has improved massively by using several approaches. Firstly, i have stopped all caffeine intake--very hard as i'm a coffee junkie, but I have got used to decaff. I take lavender baths in the evening--very relaxing. I avoid eating too late, and avoid wine, cheese and spicy food late pm, evening. I keep the room cool and dark, and I bought a new pillow so I'm really comfy. I find it makes a big difference if I give myself a good hour to completely unwind before getting into bed, no matter what time I come in in the evening. Also, there are some good herbal sleep remedies in the chemists! Hope this helps! Good luck!

HI FEE insomnia is a difficult one we all have it for different reasons,if it does'nt improve talk to your doctor. try not to take any caffine before bed or cheese,at least a couple of hours before, and have a warm bath, with some lavender, or use incense, which is calming, go to bed when you feel tired, read a good book, or meditate with some classical music, and think happy thoughts hope this helps you sandra

I need a cure for insomnia or rather a night without bad dreams,any ideas?I know whats causing them but cant do anything about that so apart from a big glass of JD or being hit over the head with a hammer,help me!