Sleeping aid supplement

[Olproblems]

Sleeping Aid

Hi all,

I'm new to this IBD/crohns stuff and I'm going through a serious phase of sleep deprivation (9 hours sleep per week for the past four months) and I'm experiencing my first known flare that seems never ending.

Do any of you know of any sleep medications/therapies (natural or otherwise) that help without being too harsh on the intestines??? I've taken melatonin in the past but I'm now scared to ingest everything under the sun for fear of upsetting my innards.
Just wondering if anything has worked for anyone out there??

 

[Ya noy]

Saint john's Wort is an herbal sleep aid which is also supposed to have a calming effect on the digestive system. I have several family members who suffer from Crohn's/chronic colitis who use it.

I use self-hypnosis and can put myself to sleep within a couple of minutes, and that's not an exaggeration. If you have an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, there are a number of self-hypnosis apps you can download-- for free!

Self-hypnosis doesn't work for everyone, and honestly, I didn't think I could be hypnotized, but was having a lot of problems getting to sleep and starting browsing the app. store just to give myself something to do. I ran across some free self-hypnosis apps, and figured it was worth a shot. The results were pretty amazing.

I was under a TON of stress at the time, and hadn't even realized that I clenching my fists, jaws, tensing my forehead, etc. What the self-hypnosis apps do during the "induction" phase is take you through each individual muscle group of your body, and focus on relaxing and releasing, all tension and stress. By forcing myself to direct all my concentration on my body muscles, relaxing and releasing, which also had the added benefit of preventing me from thinking about all the other issues I was dealing with, helping to achieve mental relaxation as well.

It can take a number of "sessions" for some to fully achieve the desired results, but for me, it was instantaneous. I had been under so much stress, for so long, hadn't slept hardly at all for months--and I was pretty desperate.

I don't even need to use the apps anymore. I just take myself through the process mentally, and sleep like a rock now.

There are self-hypnosis tapes/apps you can buy, and I've tried some of those too, but frankly, I've found the free apps in the iTunes Store work just as well. If you don't have an apple device,you can also just download the apps on your computer and plug in some headphones to listen.

Some of the self-hypnosis apps also incorporate "binaural beats" which utilize NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) principles to generate sound frequencies that emulate various brainwave frequencies, which (at least in theory) supposedly help coach your brain to follow suit. Some swear by it, while others consider NLP to be complete and total quackery. I don't really have an opinion on it. I just like experimenting.

Anyway, presenting them both as alternatives you might like to try. Especially since you download apps for both-- for free!

 

[UnXmas]

I take amitriptyline, which may not be the sort of drug you'd be willing to try (it has a lot of potential side effects, including digestive side effects, and needs to be prescribed by a doctor, but it's not psychologically adictive like some sleep meds are). It's made a huge difference to my sleeping, and consequently my life in general. Of course it may not work for everyone. It's also a pain killer, and it helps with bowel symptoms in some people (it's made me more constipated, and but that's not so bad because I usually have diarrhoea).

I developed insomnia when I started on prednisone. Is it your meds or the illness it's self that's giving you trouble sleeping? I tried many over-the-counter sleep aids and my doctor had put on different doses of amitriptyline before I found what works for me - it's a process of trial and error, but you hopefully will find one that works for you if you keep looking.

 

[Olproblems]

Thanks ya noy and unxmas for the tips. I'm going to give the natural stuff another go and continue with this self hypnosis but I really think i'm at the stage where i need some heavy duty stuff to keep me asleep. Sweet dreams everyone!

 

[Ya noy]

If you're considering OTC mds., Benedryl (antihistamine md.) is actually a rather effective sleep aid--it is often prescribed to hospitalized children to help them sleep, and my vet recommends it as a calming travel aid for my cat.

To get to sleep when also suffering from stomach upset and nausea, Dramamine is usually rather effective as well. Helps cure hangovers too.

For me personally though, self-hypnosis works the best.

 

[Dunbar]

Valerian works wonders for me. And it's relatively fast acting. The only drawback is that it smells like stinky feet, so swallow fast.

 

[UnXmas]

If you're considering OTC mds., Benedryl (antihistamine md.) is actually a rather effective sleep aid--it is often prescribed to hospitalized children to help them sleep, and my vet recommends it as a calming travel aid for my cat.

Do you not find you get tolerant to the sedative of Benedryl very quickly? It made me sleepy only twice, and after that it didn't have that effect anymore. But actually I think there are different versions of what's in it depending what country you're in, so perhaps that makes a difference.

 

[Ya noy]

Do you not find you get tolerant to the sedative of Benedryl very quickly? It made me sleepy only twice, and after that it didn't have that effect anymore. But actually I think there are different versions of what's in it depending what country you're in, so perhaps that makes a difference.

I would never take Benadryl for insomnia because it doesn't just make me drowsy, but strips all my energy for several days afterwards. I'll only take it when in immediate danger of anaphylactic shock.

Benedryl doesn't seem to have that effect on my husband though. He's taking it right now because he's allergic to milk and just couldn't resist drinking it. He has no problem drinking kefir, and for some reason, thought his milk allergy was cured--it isn't. His entire body is covered in hives right now, and gigantic angry red welts, so he's been taking Benedryl now for days with no drowsiness whatsoever.

 

[Olproblems]

Thanks again for the continuing posts.
I've exhausted most OTC stuff like benedryl and niquill in the past before I had this infernal intestinal "distress". I'm still at the tail end of the diagnosis process so the doc won't give me ANYTHING until all test results tell him what to do next (that's about 3 weeks away!!!) I've taken all these silly herbs like Chamomile, Tilly, Hop, St Jons Wort, Melatonine, and Sleep Ease but alas they make my rib cage feel like bursting from the balloon that is my intestines. Pain! I'm now operating on 0 hours of sleep over the past four nights and I'm starting to feel for lack of a better word "desperate".
So thanks for letting me vent once again at 7am after another sleepless night. Stupid neighbours! I know there are bigger problems in the world for us to solve.
Any more info on prescription or nonprescription sleep meds that have worked in the past is greatly appreciated.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

There's this stuff called Zzzquil that I decided to try. It's got benedryl in it but is just made to help you sleep not for colds/flu. Seems to work alright for me. I do plan to talk to the GI on the 29th though and mention about my trouble going to sleep and staying asleep (especially during flares). Will let you know what I find out.

 

[UnXmas]

Thanks again for the continuing posts.
I've exhausted most OTC stuff like benedryl and niquill in the past before I had this infernal intestinal "distress". I'm still at the tail end of the diagnosis process so the doc won't give me ANYTHING until all test results tell him what to do next (that's about 3 weeks away!!!) I've taken all these silly herbs like Chamomile, Tilly, Hop, St Jons Wort, Melatonine, and Sleep Ease but alas they make my rib cage feel like bursting from the balloon that is my intestines. Pain! I'm now operating on 0 hours of sleep over the past four nights and I'm starting to feel for lack of a better word "desperate".
So thanks for letting me vent once again at 7am after another sleepless night. Stupid neighbours! I know there are bigger problems in the world for us to solve.
Any more info on prescription or nonprescription sleep meds that have worked in the past is greatly appreciated.

I know the feeling very well (which is why I was so overjoyed when I found amitriptyline!). Chronic insomnia does have serious effects on people's wellbeing - yes there are bigger problems in the world, but I understand completely why you're finding this so hard!


When you have had the test results and/or when you've found a doctor willing to prescribe, this is what I've been told by my doctor about sleeping aids: that there are meds classed as benzodiazapines but that these are rarely prescribed. My doctor said they prescribe these as little as possible because they are highly addictive, only work for sleep for a short time, and carry horrible risks. My doctor said they would only think of prescribing them to people who are suffering from acute sleepnessness that is not going to go on for long (the example she gave is someone who suddenly can't sleep because of short term grief over the death of a loved one).

However, I'm in the UK and from what I've seen (which admittedly is mostly from TV shows!) this type of drug is prescribed far more often in the US than it is here.

So my doctor started me on amitriptyline instead, and also said there are other medications that are usually used as anti-depressents which work for insomnia. I think one was called Doxepin. As I found something that works for me, I didn't need to try any more meds, but there was a list of alternatives that I've yet to try in the anti-depressant category.

I've never found anything herbal helps with any of my symptoms at all.

I hope you get some sleep very soon!

 

[Olproblems]

Thanks unxmas for the advice. Comforting. I'm from Canada and I'm unfamiliar with the doctor process here in Poland, as it seems they hate prescribing prescription drugs. I continuously get prescribed herbal and OTC things that are a waste really. All of this insomnia and discovery of bowel problems is really overwhelming. And to top it all off, I just moved a month ago to a new flat with the worlds noisiest neighbours. ARGHHH! No calm here. I'm going to have my boyfriend fireman's carry me to the doctor very shortly if things don't improve in the next day or so I'm going on 98 hours with not a minute of sleep!

 

[Ya noy]

However, I'm in the UK and from what I've seen (which admittedly is mostly from TV shows!) this type of drug is prescribed far more often in the US than it is here.

We get BBC and various British TV shows here too, and think it's really cool that you have schools for aspiring young wizards, police booths that double as time machines, vampires and werewolves who are "roomies" and that while your superheros are performing their court ordered community service, they kill off their probation workers!

Seriously though, most doctors here in the states are pretty cautious about prescribing any type of med. that has the potential for addiction/abuse. Aside from the risk of lawsuits, they can lose their license to practice.

But different doctors also have different opinions. So if your current doctor is opposed to prescribing pain/sleep meds., well, you can usually find a doctor who holds a different opinion.

It's great that you found something that works for you, but Amitriptyline is actually an antidepressant, and drowsiness is listed as a potential side effect, but so is insomnia. Everyone's body chemistry is different and there's really no way of knowing how it will effect any one individual in advance. It often just comes down to "trial and error" until you hit on one that works for you.

 

[UnXmas]

I completely understand that different things work for different people. The main point I was hoping to get across is that if you try enough things, you should find something eventually.

Perhaps whether or not certain meds are prescribed does depend on the doctor, 'though my doctor was talking about their approach as a GP practice (with many different doctors) and not just her own opinion.

I'm glad to here the impression I got from US TV isn't that accurate!

 

[Ya noy]

Thanks unxmas for the advice. Comforting. I'm from Canada and I'm unfamiliar with the doctor process here in Poland, as it seems they hate prescribing prescription drugs. I continuously get prescribed herbal and OTC things that are a waste really. All of this insomnia and discovery of bowel problems is really overwhelming. And to top it all off, I just moved a month ago to a new flat with the worlds noisiest neighbours. ARGHHH! No calm here. I'm going to have my boyfriend fireman's carry me to the doctor very shortly if things don't improve in the next day or so I'm going on 98 hours with not a minute of sleep!

Frankly, if my neighbors were keeping me up at night, I would give them one warning before calling the police. The noise ordinances in our village are strict and prohibit ANY noise that upsets or disturbs others. Our police department also has a 5 minute response time, and fines are expensive. Those who don't play well with others quickly move.

If that's not an option where you live though, to block out those noisy neighbors, have you considered or tried a sound machine? Or some of the sound apps? I have several sound apps., such as a "iSleep Sound" which gives you a number of choices and combinations, ranging from white or "pink" noise, to ocean waves, babbling brooks, and/or beta, delta, or omega "brainwave" frequencies, which you can also mix and match as desired. I have another app. with singing bowl chakras--All free from the iTunes Store.

You can also either play them using the speakers from your tablet (or computer) or use a set of headphones for additional insulation from the sound.