Genevieve Duperron · 5 years ago
I don't know if you are taking any other medications on a regular basis or even what you have tried so far. In terms of natural products, one product that has been widely studied for sleep is melatonin. It's a substance that we naturally secrete when we sleep, so taking it as an external source sends a message that we should sleep since there is melatonin in our body. If we have trouble falling asleep, we take the melatonin supplement 1 to 1.5 hours before bedtime and during this time it is important to avoid exposure to bright light (including white light from the television, cell phone or computer). We try to start at the minimum dose (for an adult 3 mg), then if it is not effective enough, we can increase to a maximum of 10 mg. If the insomnia is more related to waking up in the middle of the night, taking melatonin just before going to bed may also help. Traditional non-prescription products often contain diphenhydramine. Few have a paradoxical arousal effect, but it can happen in some people. If this is the case, you should avoid it. Dimenhydrimate (contained in Gravol) may help you fall asleep without secondary hyperactivity. These products dry out the mouth and can sometimes lead to constipation or urinary retention. If the problem persists over a longer period of time, it may be useful to consult your doctor for a more effective prescription product