At-Home Sleep Remedies
Reader Sleep Tips
When we asked for your advice on getting a good nights rest the response was overwhelming. We pored over the responses and picked out the very best reader sleep tips so that you can sleep like a log tonight.
*Body Editors' Note: These are tips from our readers. We always recommend calling a doctor before trying any of these tips at home.
Herbal Remedies
Alise said: Hylands nerve tonic is great! $12.00 a bottle; bought in any health food store. It's a homeopathic remedy. The ingredients are: calcium, magnisium, potasium and Iron. That's it - vitamins. Just put 4-6 tablets under your tongue and let them dissolve (they are tasteless) and also aid in a good night's sleep!
Hot Feet
Nancy said: As an herbologist I recommend to many of my patients putting something warm on the bottom of their feet -- be it Vicks, warm water bottles, or cinnamon sticks. The warmth will "anchor the yang," which is what keeps the mind active and racing with thoughts. Try it, you'll be surprised.
Eat and Exercise
Maxine said: For a good night's sleep: exercise regularly, don't go to bed hungry, don't let yourself get overtired.
Bore Yourself to Bed
Lorna said: I used to watch "The Daily Show" every night and then have trouble falling asleep. Instead of watching tv after 11pm, I begin reading something boring (academic) and it helps to fall asleep. If I DVR John Stewart, I find that it helps begin the day to get a chuckle in the morning.
Cool Temperatures
Carey said: I like a cool room, so I can get warm under the blankets and read a book. That usually is all I need to doze off.
Relax Your Body
Greta said: Besides finding exactly the right pillow(s) and blanket weight for your individual comfort, try consciously relaxing all your muscles starting from your head (temple, jaw) to your neck, your shoulders, etc., down to your toes (if you're still awake), one area at a time. Unless I'm really wound up, this often works for me.
Stress Less
Nightbane said: I suffer from insomnia pretty bad, allowing me to get a lot of work done. But, I find that even though I sleep very little, I am able to take time through the night to sit and relax, which is actually the most important thing about insomnia.
Maxine said: Try to think positive thoughts as you are trying to fall asleep; if something disturbing comes to mind, tell yourself that you can't do anything about it at that moment and that, like Scarlett O'Hara, you'll think about lit tomorrow!
Walk Around
Sciman said: Well, I usually sleep like a baby, but when sleeplessness does strike its usually in the middle of the night and then its usually an energized anxiety that I can't shake for some reason. The only thing that helps is getting up and doing something. Anything. Even walking around for a while. Then its back to dreamland.
Deep Breathing
Beth said: I do a few minutes of deep breathing at bedtime and that puts me in a relaxed state.
Recent Comments
Jetty27 01:29:58 AM May 13 2008
They missed the most obvious one, taking a Melatonin pill. I cannot believe how fast it knocks you out. How could they have missed that one? They are sold in the vitamin dept. You can even get them at CVS.
Mandtfirefly 11:00:36 PM May 12 2008
Give me a break ovaltine hot milk and getting right? now I'll go along with some of the other ones!
M2Nov 10:38:39 PM May 12 2008
warm milk always helps, but i have an old friend who can't stay awake during the day. he's better off to get some rest by going to bed early in the evening.
Sayyyy 06:56:14 PM May 12 2008
I have half a banana. I've heard that there's something to the potassium that helps people fall asleep. It works every time.
Pacillivil1 02:57:06 PM May 12 2008
WANNA GO TO SLEEP REAL FAST? WHEN YOU LAY YOUR HEAD ON YOUR PILLOW, MAKE SURE YOU ARE RIGHT WITH GOD AND MAN.. WORKS EVERY TIME... I GO TO BED EVERY NIGHT KNOWING THAT I HAVE TREATED EVERYONE FAIR AND JUST. I DO NOT TRY TO PUT ONE OVER ON ANYONE... A CLEAR CONSIENCE AND A FEELING OF DOING PEOPLE RIGHT.. I AM AT PEACE NKOWING I DONE MY BEST.....
Ksc8101 05:17:22 AM May 12 2008
Sorry, these are minerals NOT vitamins and can affect your eletrolyte balance, speak to a doctor before trying this one
MEsageR42 04:15:56 AM May 12 2008
No caffeine after 12 p.m.
No exercise within a couple of hours of going to bed
No spicy food for dinner and trying to sleep
MEsageR42 04:13:01 AM May 12 2008
a hot cup of lemon balm tea
or
a warm cup of millk with a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of real vanilla extract, a few drops of coconut rum, and a sprinkle of nutmeg
