Has anyone got any good remedies for insomnia? My Mum is 77 years old and is having trouble sleeping?
29 Sep 2009
Some people say they get natural help to sleep in the form of
Melatonin
Valerian Root
Kava Kava
Sleep MD.
Since the doc recommends against sleeping pills I would make sure she has a nice clean sleeping environment.
That she only goes in her bed to actually sleep.
Cover the alarm clock so she doesn’t watch the time.
Avoids caffenine and TV before bed.
I would consult with her physician if it keeps up.
18 Responses
2009 Sep 29
A good stiff brandy or something like it, at your mums age she deserves it
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2009 Sep 30
There are a couple of things an older person can take without prescription (and not habit forming or dangerous). One is melatonin, which is taken for about 1 month and then stop. Hopefully you will be sleeping by then or try GABA, it is a wonderful natural relaxant and helps you sleep as well.
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2009 Sep 30
Listen to LBC 97.3 FM radio. It seriously makes you fall asleep after a while.
This is a London radio station by the way, but you can listen online.
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2009 Sep 30
Hi no majic answers i am afraid but your mum could try changeing a few things. Try not to eat a large meal near bed time, wind down say 1 hour befor bed by reading or having a relaxing bath or a warm milky drink. DO NOT watch tv or do anything to stimulate the brain! If she has a tv in her room suggest moving it out that way she can make her room feel like it is for sleeping and relaxing which in turn should help her. There are remedies in the shop which are mostly herbal and claim to help with not being able to sleep but given your mums age i would be careful if useing these.
I have heard that lettuce is proven to induce a sleep chemical in the brain but i wouldnt suggest eating mountain loads and if all else fails maybe go along to the gp and see what they can help with.
Rest assured most people go through this at different times in their lifes and given a few days things should go back to normal for most people however there are cases of this long term! Finally is your mum stressed out/worried about anything as this could be causeing her to be anxious and worry? Maybe have a chat and see! Good luck!
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2009 Sep 30
a few guinness,, it soon sends me off
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2009 Sep 30
I’ve heard hypnosis can help quite well with insomnia but other than that sorry i cant help. good luck though,
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2009 Sep 30
Herbal Calms most chemists sell them
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2009 Sep 30
nothing like a drop of gin
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2009 Sep 30
I’m a chronic insomniac and the only thing that helps me is a prescription sleeping pill called Zopiclone. Highly addictive but GP can prescribe - as a last resort - a low dose for two or three weeks. Apparently this can be enough to get you back into a sleeping pattern. Good luck.
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2009 Sep 30
she needs to try and avoid cat napping during the day plus she should not have a drink for about 3 hours before she goes to bed. She is likely to find that she wakes around 4 am every morning - as most people do - this is due to the bodies drop in temperature at that point so if she has central heating it is a good idea to set it to come on from about 3.30-4.30am every morning.
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2009 Sep 30
Lavender on pillow, cup of horlicks b4 bed and i read that wearing a pair of socks helps
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2009 Sep 30
If you do do wish to resort to medication such as sleeping pills, try some natural remedies:
Lavender essential oil is inexpensive and very effective. A few drops on nightwear or a hanky under the pillow; also a few drops in an oil burner before bed (obviously blow the candle out before sleeping!) A nice warm bath an hour before bed would also help; add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, camomile, clary sage, neroli, marjoram, oregano, melissa, mandarin, orange, basil, thyme, rosemary or rose - whichever combination you use, add no more than 6 drops to a bath. Some people are ultra-sensitive to orange-based oils so I would advise lavender, camomile, clary sage and rose as gentler,calming oils that also have wonderful aroma.
If you cook for your mum, try adding herbs such as the oregano and marjoram - great in soups, stews, casseroles etc and a light sprinkle on many other foods can be tasty
What about audio books too - a tape/CD of your mum’s favourite stories/authors means she can lie back and relax and doze off to a good book without having to hold it or concentrate.
And from a book…
"A light supper, a few hours before bed, containing lettuce and oranges might help as these have soporific effects. Drink an infusion made by boiling a pinch of lavender, and a pinch of bigaraduer (orange flowers), in 500ml of water (a scant pint) for 2 minutes, sweetened with a little honey" - Ryman, D.(1984) The Aromatherapy Handbook, The C.W. Daniel Company Limited, Essex
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2009 Sep 30
Whatever she does she must avoid all types of sleeping pills! In patients of her age addiction would be a lesser issue and might be justified if these drugs actually worked!
In reality they would put her at increased risk or falls and depress mental functions, neither of these are something 77 year olds can afford! Overall after prolonged use, chronic users, all of whom are addicted sleep no more than 30 minutes more per night than pre-medication.
She should avoid reading and TV for at least 30 minutes before retiring as these are brain stimulants. A warm, non-caffeine drink may help as might lavender oil, either on the pillow or in a relaxing bath.
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GP for more years than I care to remember
2009 Sep 30
AVON the cosmetics company do a pillow mist, it contains lavender and you spray and as you inhale you go to sleep ! It`s got to be worth a try.
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2009 Sep 30
hi there, i have worked in a health food shop for 4 and a half years and have suffered insomnia for 10 years.the best thing i have tried is oats-a-vena liquid.xxx
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2009 Sep 30
Some people say they get natural help to sleep in the form of
Melatonin
Valerian Root
Kava Kava
Sleep MD.
Since the doc recommends against sleeping pills I would make sure she has a nice clean sleeping environment.
That she only goes in her bed to actually sleep.
Cover the alarm clock so she doesn’t watch the time.
Avoids caffenine and TV before bed.
I would consult with her physician if it keeps up.
References :
2009 Sep 30
if you can get it try Wild Lettuce. it may be available in capsule form in the UK or online . it is said to be excellant.
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http://www.wildlettuce.com
2009 Sep 30
Insomnia is often caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, depression or sometimes for no apparent reason. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark. Soak a tablespoon of mint leaves in a cup of water for an hour, drink every night. Check out http://useinfo-insomnia.blogspot.com/ for more info
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