I've been taking 75mg of Diphenhydramine to help me fall asleep/stay asleep overnight. It used to do a good job and I could notice a difference when I didn't take it versus when I did, but I think I've built up a tolerance to it. So now I'm looking for something a little extra, or something else entirely, to help my sleeping habits.
I don't need anything prescription...it's nothing as bad as insomnia. It just takes me awhile to fall asleep (45-60mins+), and then when I do fall asleep, I typically wake up 2-3 times over the course of the night (and then struggle to fall asleep again). I'm physically exhausted, I just can't get my brain to agree!
With Mike being gone, not only is my normal "bed time" routine completely out of whack, but I often go to bed feeling anxious or stressed due to life (my work schedule, being the only one to do housework, take care of the dogs, run errands, stay on top of bills, etc., etc.). Going to bed feeling content and relaxed isn't really something I've been able to enjoy these past few weeks. I'm hoping once my new daily routine/schedule becomes more of a habit and less of a novelty I'll be able to go back to sleeping without the need of any meds or supplements.
I found a brand of "sleep aid" that uses Doxylamine Succinate as its active ingredient, not Diphenhydramine. How does that compare? I read somewhere that Doxylamine has a greater sedative effect, and also doesn't build up tolerance like Diphenhydramine does?
I also wouldn't mind taking something herbal/natural as a supplement to improve my sleeping habits (or lower my anxiety!). I am on birth control, so I'd like to avoid Melatonin if I can. Anybody have any personal experience?
(I did have a wonderful nights sleep Wednesday night after a girls-night-in with my friend, but I try to avoid consuming that much alcohol on a daily basis. )
I don't need anything prescription...it's nothing as bad as insomnia. It just takes me awhile to fall asleep (45-60mins+), and then when I do fall asleep, I typically wake up 2-3 times over the course of the night (and then struggle to fall asleep again). I'm physically exhausted, I just can't get my brain to agree!
With Mike being gone, not only is my normal "bed time" routine completely out of whack, but I often go to bed feeling anxious or stressed due to life (my work schedule, being the only one to do housework, take care of the dogs, run errands, stay on top of bills, etc., etc.). Going to bed feeling content and relaxed isn't really something I've been able to enjoy these past few weeks. I'm hoping once my new daily routine/schedule becomes more of a habit and less of a novelty I'll be able to go back to sleeping without the need of any meds or supplements.
I found a brand of "sleep aid" that uses Doxylamine Succinate as its active ingredient, not Diphenhydramine. How does that compare? I read somewhere that Doxylamine has a greater sedative effect, and also doesn't build up tolerance like Diphenhydramine does?
I also wouldn't mind taking something herbal/natural as a supplement to improve my sleeping habits (or lower my anxiety!). I am on birth control, so I'd like to avoid Melatonin if I can. Anybody have any personal experience?
(I did have a wonderful nights sleep Wednesday night after a girls-night-in with my friend, but I try to avoid consuming that much alcohol on a daily basis. )