Could I try saffron in capsules for my sleep and stress in general?

Question

Hello, I fall asleep quite easily normally but wake up about 2 to 3 hours later and have difficulty going back to sleep and wake up frequently afterwards. My hamster in my head keeps thinking and I am always tired. I am very stressed and have some anxiety. I can't take sleeping pills because of my other medications that I take. There must not be any dextrometarphane. I have tried melatonin for months with no success. Essential oils and all. My doctor prescribed me Prozac 10 mg because I've taken it before, but I have too many side effects. And the sleep is worse since. To get a few hours of sleep I take a clonazepam but I know I can't take it all the time so I stop it sometimes. At the moment I'm trying relaxen at night but it's not working. I have read that saffron is good for mild to moderate depression as well as for sleep and anxiety. I see my doctor in 7 days but she is not very strong on natural products. Thank you for your answer

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Good morning, ma'am, At first glance, I do not recommend medication for insomnia, because the most important thing is to look at non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep hygiene and quality. Here are a few of them: At least 1 hour before bedtime, turn off any type of screen: computer, phone, TV, and handheld readers too. Most of them emit a type of light that is stimulating. Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which will help establish a sleep routine eventually. Keep the bedroom for sleeping and intimacy only. No reading, work, or TV in bed. This way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it. Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee as much as possible, especially in the afternoon. If you have been in bed for 15 minutes and are not falling asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then return to the bedroom. This can have a reset effect. If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or journal at night, so you can be reassured that they won't be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning. Never look at the clock during the night, it is a good source of stress! These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so go at your own pace, gradually, you must be patient and willing too. As for natural products, the data on their effectiveness is not solid. The same goes for saffron. Having said that, I suggest that you redirect your question to your pharmacist so that he/she can evaluate the possible interactions. I hope that I have been helpful to you and remain available if you have any further questions! With pleasure! Good luck! Tom Samaha, pharmacist