Sleeping

[souljacs4]

Has anyone used any natural sleeping remedies like kalms or the like with any success I am really struggling to get any sleep.

[P0rtnahapp1e]

souljacs4 , is there a specific reason for your sleeplessness, like pain, breathlessness, discomfort, or do you just not "drop off"?

Since having AF and heart failure I have needed a nap during the day, but find that if I leave it until after 5 pm I don't sleep well later, during the night.

Eating late also has that effect, or looking at an iPad or TV in bed.

A good walk, if you are able, before bedtime, a warm drink, (but not tea nor coffee), and a warm bath should help also.

Failing that, come on here and there'll be someone awake, somewhere!

[CDreamer]

I have found Bach flower remedy - night time helpful but getting to the root cause of sleeplessness is the answer. I went to a sleep clinic and had sleep study and was diagnosed with sleep apnea, common with AF sufferers so since treatment I sleep much, much better for longer.

Getting physically tired in open air often helps but if I do too much it seems to excite autonomic system and prevents me from sleeping.

Avoiding screens before bedtime, if you have to use them set in 'night time mode' as blue light from screens such as IPads is very disruptive to sleep.

Ensure you are exposed to at least 15 mins of direct sunlight each day and exercise in open air - sets hormone levels. Don't nap at all during the day. Go to bed at the same time every night, get up at the same time, have a regular routine - it prepares mind and body saying 'bed-time now, we are going to sleep'. I actually say that to myself and it really helps.

Always switch off mobile. Use blackouts to cut out light and don't have any standby lights on in the room.

Warm bath helps sometimes but often just wakes me up, warm drink is a no no for me - I only drink cold water after 9pm.

As a long time insomniac I used to think 3 hours sleep good, I can now sleep for 6-7 hours on a good night, sometimes even uninterrupted fine tuning above protocols.

I have tried everything and anything and the only 'remedy' I found works is Melatonin- available over the counter in the US but I don't think it is in UK and very difficult to get on prescription unless you are blind in U.K. I used to travel a lot and through multiple time zones - hence the Melatonin to reset my circadian rhythms.

Body Energy Therpasies have also worked, but not for very long - acupuncture, Bowen Technique etc can also help reset circadian rhythm if it is out of sync.

[Finvola]

It's miserable being unable to get to sleep as it feeds on itself. When I have a stirred up mind or am worried I use a relaxation technique which helps. Concentrate your mind on your fingers and toes and relax them completely. Gradually allow the relaxation to creep along your arms and legs, through your torso, meeting in the centre of your body - all the time concentrating on the relaxation. I found it takes real concentration to keep focussed and not return to the whizzing thoughts.

I've also had success with a warm, milky drink before bed but haven't tried any OTC remedies.

I hope you find something which works to help break the pattern of sleeplessness and get a good night's rest. xx

[netpi in reply to Finvola]

This is an excellent method and always works for me - it wa originally taught to me by a doctor who specialized in what he called hynotherapy -I have now reached the point where I can continue past my core to my head and even relax my face muscles to the point where my mouth will droop often - it's like a drug in some respects as you continue practicing - haven't found anything quite like it for relaxing

[Tessybear]

Hi I understand what sleeplessness does to you. I've had sleep trouble for some time now. I've recently been making the effort to get into a 'bedtime routine' , a bit like young children do, and it seems to be paying off, as I am having 6-7 hours of sleep now. I get ready for bed, go downstairs, make myself a cup of hot milk, DONT watch TV or use my iPad .I read a book or magazine when I get into bed. I also make sure there are no mobile phones or ipad switched on nearby.

I have also heard that cherry juice you can buy at health food shops, which is loaded with natural melatonin, may help. I use essential oils, particularly Neroli and lavender, to relax me. Seeing a qualified Aromatherapist is a good idea if you want to go down that route- it is very effective for me!

I guess you have to try things to see what works for you, as we are all different. Hope you get a good nights sleep soon.

[Clarap60]

FYI

You can get Melatonin on Amazon or eBay

Good Luck

[Rellim296]

I use a lavender pillow spray and only drink caffeine first thing in the morning.

[glosfrog]

camomile tea at bedtime helps me

[souljacs4]

Thank you excellent advice from everyone

[ultramarine]

I was told by an EP that Magnesium tabs help Arrhythmia and to take them at night to help with sleep. I also read.

[Denise-]

I use bachs and kalms when I feel stressed or unable to sleep definitely helps me, sometimes I get 4/5 hours sleep which is brilliant for me. Try to use after 2 sleepless nights and do not take it until there is a problem

[PZiglar01]

I use melatonin and love that you feel no after effects the next morning. Also, sometimes drink a cup of "sleepy time" tea.

[fredsbam]

I like to YouTube "ocean waves sounds" or "angelic sleep music". There are some that have different tone levels that promote deep sleep. I stream it on my smart tv instead of my phone since the light doesn't bother me. They have ones that are 8 hours long, but I usually wake and turn it off and go right back to sleeping.

[Joedee]

I wold recommend a warm bath firstly. I do hand and face reflexology. You can look it up online. it works for me.

[solarjdo69]

Try taking 5htp - It's basically tryptophan. Tryptophan is what is in turkey meat that meks one sleepy. Works for my wife and i quite well. Best of all it's a vitamin so it is natural as can be. Dosage - Usually 1 for me, my wife likes 2.

From webmd.com:

Side effects - almost none - webmd.com/vitamins-suppleme...

Interactions - some with anti-depressants. webmd.com/vitamins-suppleme...

My wife had been taking Ambien and always talked in her sleep and often had bad nightmares. Since she gave up Ambien and takes 5htp, sleeps like a baby, no nightmares. No Ambien side effects either!

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia 5-HTP is used for sleep disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizure disorder, and Parkinson's disease..

How does it work?

5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.

I now do not even take 5htp unless I am really having an issue sleeping since I drink this tea b4 bed - mountainroseherbs.com/searc...

Relax with some of this full flavored infusion blend at the end of a hectic day. We almost called this Sleep on Rocks because it works so well. Fidnemed means a sacred and quiet forest grove; imagine falling asleep surrounded by beautiful botanicals as you enjoy a cup of this tea.

Contains: organic Lemon Balm, organic Hibiscus flowers, organic Skullcap, organic Passionflower, organic Hops flowers, organic Valerian root, and organic Lavender flowers.

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I also find that my bp and heart rate have improved since i drink this tea. I drink it 3 times a day.

mountainroseherbs.com/produ...

Organic Hawthorn leaf and flower, organic Lemon Balm, organic Rosehips, organic Dandelion leaf, organic Ginkgo, organic Oatstraw, organic Bilberry fruit, organic Hawthorn berries, organic Ginger, organic Lemon peel, organic Motherwort, and organic Meadowsweet flower.

[fifitb]

Hi

I have had 4 nights in a row with only one hour or an hour and a half's sleep. I have AF and know this is not helping my heart at all. Finally, I succumbed to my doctor's decision that I take a sleeping pill. What happened? Last night I could still not sleep for several hours (got up, wrapped a few (early!) Christmas presents and went back to bed. My legs felt wobbly but I was so awake. Finally, I fell asleep (I remember my vivid dreams) but at the time of day most people wake up. Why is my body doing everything it can to be awake? Also, I feel as though I have 'restless leg syndrome' thoughout my body and can't keep still. My bed is in chaos in the morning when I eventually have finally dropped off from sheer exhaustion!

Does anyone have any ideas on how to cope with/sort this ongoing, chronic situation? The doctor seems to take no notice about my sleep affecting my heart and it bothers me. Once upon a time, I did attend a sleep clinic (East Grinstead) and had CBT and they thought I was better but it is now worse! What is the answer? When I was young, drinking too much alcohol knocked me out, but I can't drink so much now with AF! Sleep is vital for our well-being.