Do you drink alcohol? As I got older I found that alcohol caused me to experience rebound insomnia. I'd get to sleep, but wake up within two to three hours and not be able to fall back asleep. I quit drinking and the problem went away. I wasn't an alcoholic and only drank moderately and occasionally before quitting, so it wasn't hard for me. I know alcoholics who quit cold turkey after years of drinking and had seizures, so you may need to be medicated in an inpatient program if you've been a daily drinker for years. Alcohol withdrawal can actually kill you.
Thanks for the info. I just turned 60. Melatonin does nothing for me. Benadryl has a bad reaction and makes my heart race. Doxylamine is the only thing that helps. I just take 3/4 of a pill at night, and I skip at least a couple nights a week to try to not build it up in my system. Nothing works perfectly though. You would think there would be something better by now.
yes it is, pain relief and sleep aid. It is a more direct from mother earth product than anything out of a lab and anything can be abused, it is up to each to choose......no msg, no high fructose corn syrup, as little as possible of canned for and NO boxed garbage keeps my medicine chest empty, Shalom@@user-mj6ik2pk6w
so is asprin, a judicious application of any drug is essential and people think off the shelf stuff is safe and it is just not so....too much milk is bad....again, i am 70 and there are no drugs in my medicine cabinet.....all my meds are in the form of teas, herbs and medicinal mushrooms@@Drh1953
You're looking so much beautiful with pretty black dress and you give us best information about sleep meds very well. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS & YOUR FAMILY TOO.
Kirkland Signature Allergy Medicine 25 mg., 600 Minitabs for under $8. It has Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg, the same as Benadryl. I currently use Costco's Sleep Aid. I was told by the pharmacist that you don't have to increase the dosage if you regularly use it.
Doctor- I'm glad you mentioned lifestyle changes. If you need to walk or exercise more, do it! If sleeping problems persist see your doctor. If you need Rx sleepers for a while, then use them according to your doctor's instructions. I hate taking drugs for their side-effects. Take drugs that were designed for your pathology- not drugs that were designed for something else (like allergies) that have a side effect that seems to help but causes unwanted changes in your body. Sweet dreams.
Benadryl should not be taken unless you need it for an alergic reaction it puts up the pressure in your eye and if not controlled that can cause loss of eyesight.
What about that Ashwagandha right at eye level in front of you? I am experimenting with YT black screen brown noise, fan noice, light rain, train noises. Have fallen asleep with earbuds in, probably not good. 🤓🤭🤥😂. P.S. You are in the right field and have a very calming way of speaking. 👍
What about older men with prostate issues taking melatonin? I've heard this is "not good" to take either with this specific population and health issue.Your thoughts.
I'm 50 melatonin and things like Unisom do not work for me at all. Unisom only makes me feel sleeping and yucky when I get up and part way through the day. I have not tried Benadryl.
Got hooked on Unisom…long time taking it…not good for the heart (antihistamines specifically old generation). I knew the potential risk but got hooked till one day I stopped. They help - just be careful cause they can mess with the heart.
I always found if melatonin didn’t work, I’d drink a small amount of brandy before going to bed. However, now I take immunosuppressive medication for a kidney transplant so I shouldn’t drink before bed - I’m back to the melatonin which works sometimes but not all the time. I’ve also used falling rain videos on TH-cam and found they actually work the best!
THC oil. [RSO..Rick Scott Oil ] 1 drop the size of a grain of rice under the tongue before bed. Allows for a cozy sleep and no next day grogginess. Try it. You'll like it! 👍
I first used a whole pill (25 mg) of doxylamine but it kept me groggy for most of the next day. Then I tried a 1/2 pill. Still too much. Then I tried 1/4 pill and it was still too much. Finally, I took a 1/8 of a pill and it was perfect.
Also, if you have Restless Leg Syndrome like many people do, stay away from anti-histamines as it will trigger it and keep you up all night. Best to just get a prescription for Ambien from your doctor and cut into 3rds
@@monarene44 What do you mean by ‘your brain is still asleep’?? And, Ambien is not very addictive. It’s a schedule IV drug. It has a very LOW addiction rate. Yes, it’s addictive. But no more than alcohol, IMHO. Just don’t abuse it.
@@dr.jamesolack8504 Low addiction is still addiction. I took Ambien every night for 4 years and your brain can go to sleep in the day. It happened to me and it’s in the literature. I’m pretty sure Tiger Woods had taken Ambien the night before his car verved off into the ravine that morning a few years ago.
@@monarene44- yep, I agree. My sister used to take it and gave me one to try. She would eat loads of candy and buy stuff online and not remember doing it. I lit a candle being on ambien once and burned a huge hole in the table of my hotel room. I only took it when I was in bed except this one time, I decided to take a bath. It hit me and I was doing stupid things and passed out. It can be very dangerous.
Sleepytime Xtra Tea is really good,it has Valerian Root in It that relaxes the body, you can fi d it in grocery stores. Make sure it’s the Xtra version tho.
I take the Equate brand and it takes forever to kick in and when I wake up I feel hungover. I'd rather have Xanax because it acts fast and I feel refreshed when I wake up. Only problem is I can't find a doctor to prescribe it for me.
Great job. I’m have several advanced degrees, one on biology, a Ph.d and J.D.. As I was listening to this, I began to recognize there was serious analysis and sound advice going on here. Then… I read… you know about what the heck you speak. Great job, Dr.. This was an informative and useful post. Thank you. Really.
My DO suggested Valerian supplement (vs tea) and it is the most effective natural sleep aid I've ever used. I tried melatonin but it gave me nightmares.
Um, yes you should really try to avoid taking more than a few mg of melatonin (I don't have a degree so feel free to take anything I have to say with a grain of salt) at a time, for most people you only produce about 1-2 mg naturally to promote the sleep-wake cycles
The best way to fall asleep. Get the room cold by turning down the air conditioner have enough cover on the bed to stay warm buy an electric fan turn it on high turn all the lights off so the room will be totally dark then you will sleep like a baby.
The more natural way to get more sleep and, it help build bone strength= Magnesium Glycinate: This type of magnesium helps calm and relax your body naturally, this type of magnesium is better absorbed in the body. It costs slightly more but, it's worth it. If you take in a complete liquid complete mineral balance with Coral Calcium too, it will help shut down your system at night and, keeps you from getting Osteoporosis. How simple is that? I'm not a doctor either, just a fit 61 year old male that wants people improve thier quality of life without putting toxins in your body.
fellow insomiacs: follow the Andrew Huberman Lab protocol for sleep (google it or find the podcast episode, trust me). Benadryl is a great sleep aid, but if you have insomnia for more than a month, id try other supplements (approved by your doctor). Its easy to need more and more benadryl, in my experience (and its kind of habit forming). I have my best luck with magnesium powder. good luck!!
Magnesium glycinate- Is it the best one for sleep or is mag citrate? I don't have a problem going to sleep but sometimes waking up at 3am and can't get back to sleep. Also is there any laxative affect with either? Would try natural remedies before any synthetic drug.
not a doctor...but from my understnading, mag glycinate is most recommended for sleep. citrate is def more a laxative. however some people experience laxative effects with any magnesium type. Sensitivity to it varies person to person, so always start small and play with the dose if you can. talk to your doctor as well. @@gayle9428
As a die hard insomniac none of these things work for me. They don't even induce a yawn. Prescription drugs like ambien only work for a limited time. Tolerance builds. The number of people I see with perpetual ambien prescriptions is comical. After month one they may as well be taking placebos. Short term insomnia and always insomnia are two different problems. The latter is complex, and not easily solved with a pill, although all the doctors writing xanax and ambien prescription like it's going out of style would have you believe otherwise. Or I should say the drug reps have the doctors thinking otherwise.
my sister is 74 and takes 10 of ambien every single night...I thought drs weren't supposed to be ordering ambien especially 10mg for people over 65.....when I did use ambien, I would use it for 4 nights in a row, because of my tough work schedule I had to really get sleep, but the next night, when I didn't take it, it was wide eyed city all night.....so wired....plus I feel it was affecting my memory somewhat.....so I am glad I don't have a script for that...
I’m allergic to Tylenol and Benadryl makes me crawly and restless. Melatonin does nothing except keep me awake. It’s all a bunch of crap. I do better not sleeping rather than taking any drug. What DOES help is a high protein dinner, magnesium, and a glass of red wine.
Thank you for this information. My problem isn't falling asleep, it's staying asleep.
Do you drink alcohol? As I got older I found that alcohol caused me to experience rebound insomnia. I'd get to sleep, but wake up within two to three hours and not be able to fall back asleep. I quit drinking and the problem went away. I wasn't an alcoholic and only drank moderately and occasionally before quitting, so it wasn't hard for me. I know alcoholics who quit cold turkey after years of drinking and had seizures, so you may need to be medicated in an inpatient program if you've been a daily drinker for years. Alcohol withdrawal can actually kill you.
Same..
Valerian and Gaba is best for staying asleep imo
Doxylamine usually works for me. I take it every night. If I lose sleep I get depressed and paranoid, so I have to be able to sleep.
I have been taking one every night for 10 years. Kirkland brand at Costco is almost 200 pills for less than 10 bucks
@@Spiderman-tg9kehalf pill works for me but I feel too groggy the next day
@jmm1817 I don't get groggy like with Sominex fortunately
@@Spiderman-tg9ke amazing how potent those little tiny things are
@jmm1817 Yes and after 10 years I have built up no tolerance one still does it
Melatonin never worked for me..
Thanks for the info. I just turned 60. Melatonin does nothing for me. Benadryl has a bad reaction and makes my heart race. Doxylamine is the only thing that helps. I just take 3/4 of a pill at night, and I skip at least a couple nights a week to try to not build it up in my system. Nothing works perfectly though. You would think there would be something better by now.
Try Valerian root. 500 mg. No problem the next day.
Marijuana works after about a few times smoking
Try Quetiapin. Low dose.
Who in the hell takes three quarters of a pill😂😂😂😂😂
@@hectorelmexican4014 I do, dude, since it works best for me. Get a life.
Very interesting. Thank you, Dr. Christy.
Hylands product for sleep is good and gentle. It was off the market for a while but I saw an ad for it recently. Love their stuff.
Really important information for us older adults. Thank you
Benadryl worsen dementia for older adults. I would stay away from long term usage.
I go with a couple of shots of tequila....70 years old and NO meds in my life....thank you God
My Mom drank a beer before bed and lived until 94.
Tequila is medication
yes it is, pain relief and sleep aid. It is a more direct from mother earth product than anything out of a lab and anything can be abused, it is up to each to choose......no msg, no high fructose corn syrup, as little as possible of canned for and NO boxed garbage keeps my medicine chest empty, Shalom@@user-mj6ik2pk6w
Alcohol is a serious drug.
so is asprin, a judicious application of any drug is essential and people think off the shelf stuff is safe and it is just not so....too much milk is bad....again, i am 70 and there are no drugs in my medicine cabinet.....all my meds are in the form of teas, herbs and medicinal mushrooms@@Drh1953
Pretty straight up. Much thanks !
Thank you for this post greatly appreciated.
Good stuff. Thanks!!!
Dr. thanks for taking the time to present this helpful sleep information 😊
You're looking so much beautiful with pretty black dress and you give us best information about sleep meds very well. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS & YOUR FAMILY TOO.
What a likeable person!
Thank you for watching!
Appreciate these over the counter medication PSA's
Kirkland Signature Allergy Medicine 25 mg., 600 Minitabs for under $8. It has Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg, the same as Benadryl. I currently use Costco's Sleep Aid. I was told by the pharmacist that you don't have to increase the dosage if you regularly use it.
Excellent.
Thank you Doctor.
My wife tried everything... The only thing that helped was Alteril. A blend of L-tryptophan, valerian, melatonin, and chamomile.
Never heard of it, have to try it.
Clonidine is also excellent. Quetiapin in low doses too. ❤❤❤
Doctor- I'm glad you mentioned lifestyle changes. If you need to walk or exercise more, do it! If sleeping problems persist see your doctor. If you need Rx sleepers for a while, then use them according to your doctor's instructions. I hate taking drugs for their side-effects. Take drugs that were designed for your pathology- not drugs that were designed for something else (like allergies) that have a side effect that seems to help but causes unwanted changes in your body. Sweet dreams.
What about time released melatonin? Doesn't that help you stay asleep longer?
I like magnesium. Which many people are difficent in.
Thank you for the qualifier to try non-med sleep hygiene practices.
Benadryl should not be taken unless you need it for an alergic reaction it puts up the pressure in your eye and if not controlled that can cause loss of eyesight.
Hello DR. 👍👍👍👍👍 Good information 💯💯💯
What about that Ashwagandha right at eye level in front of you? I am experimenting with YT black screen brown noise, fan noice, light rain, train noises. Have fallen asleep with earbuds in, probably not good. 🤓🤭🤥😂. P.S. You are in the right field and have a very calming way of speaking. 👍
I can't speak to the others BUT it even says on the box DO NOT take for long periods of time, it can be addictive just as all the others can.
Sleep aid. This label works for me! Been using this for years. Plus it’s only 6.99 for two 90tabs.
I should pay for such good advice. Thanks for the free but very useful information. ❤
You were standing right next to another sleep medication, namely Sleep3, but didn't discuss it. What are your thoughts on that medication?
good analysis, I'll probably skip all of them (until I get younger)
I used to take melatonin but now I just sniff Lavander oil. I sleep through the night.
What about older men with prostate issues taking melatonin? I've heard this is "not good" to take either with this specific population and health issue.Your thoughts.
2 maybe 17 shots of your favorite liquor or 4-5 4lokos should do the job.
I'm 50 melatonin and things like Unisom do not work for me at all. Unisom only makes me feel sleeping and yucky when I get up and part way through the day. I have not tried Benadryl.
Got hooked on Unisom…long time taking it…not good for the heart (antihistamines specifically old generation). I knew the potential risk but got hooked till one day I stopped. They help - just be careful cause they can mess with the heart.
I always found if melatonin didn’t work, I’d drink a small amount of brandy before going to bed. However, now I take immunosuppressive medication for a kidney transplant so I shouldn’t drink before bed - I’m back to the melatonin which works sometimes but not all the time. I’ve also used falling rain videos on TH-cam and found they actually work the best!
THC oil. [RSO..Rick Scott Oil ] 1 drop the size of a grain of rice under the tongue before bed. Allows for a cozy sleep and no next day grogginess. Try it. You'll like it! 👍
Where can I order the THC oil please?
@Deej496 trying to respond to you. Where do you get the THC oil?
I first used a whole pill (25 mg) of doxylamine but it kept me groggy for most of the next day. Then I tried a 1/2 pill. Still too much. Then I tried 1/4 pill and it was still too much. Finally, I took a 1/8 of a pill and it was perfect.
That 1/8 of a pill must be the size of a pinhead.
How do you cut in an eighths?
I take 1/4 of a dox and that will generally work for me. An eighth is a pretty tiny chunk.
Also, if you have Restless Leg Syndrome like many people do, stay away from anti-histamines as it will trigger it and keep you up all night. Best to just get a prescription for Ambien from your doctor and cut into 3rds
Very few doctors are going to prescribe that. It’s very addictive and your brain is still asleep even after you wake up.
@@monarene44
What do you mean by ‘your brain is still asleep’??
And, Ambien is not very addictive. It’s a schedule IV drug. It has a very LOW addiction rate.
Yes, it’s addictive. But no more than alcohol, IMHO. Just don’t abuse it.
@@dr.jamesolack8504 Low addiction is still addiction. I took Ambien every night for 4 years and your brain can go to sleep in the day. It happened to me and it’s in the literature. I’m pretty sure Tiger Woods had taken Ambien the night before his car verved off into the ravine that morning a few years ago.
@@monarene44”Brain still asleep after you wake up” what a cartoonish childish thing to say.
@@monarene44- yep, I agree. My sister used to take it and gave me one to try. She would eat loads of candy and buy stuff online and not remember doing it. I lit a candle being on ambien once and burned a huge hole in the table of my hotel room. I only took it when I was in bed except this one time, I decided to take a bath. It hit me and I was doing stupid things and passed out. It can be very dangerous.
One hot cup water,one chamomile tea bag,teaspoon of raw honey..juice from 1/4 of a lemon..1/8 TSP ginger...mix well..drink hr before bed. ...cheers
Sleepytime Xtra Tea is really good,it has Valerian Root in It that relaxes the body, you can fi d it in grocery stores. Make sure it’s the Xtra version tho.
Or just buy valerian root in capsules. Works well for me too.
Melatonin has worked great for me. My Nurse Practitioner says I should take 10 mg as it’s also good for gut health.
I take the Equate brand and it takes forever to kick in and when I wake up I feel hungover. I'd rather have Xanax because it acts fast and I feel refreshed when I wake up. Only problem is I can't find a doctor to prescribe it for me.
Just drink beer.
🤣
Great job. I’m have several advanced degrees, one on biology, a Ph.d and J.D.. As I was listening to this, I began to recognize there was serious analysis and sound advice going on here.
Then… I read… you know about what the heck you speak.
Great job, Dr..
This was an informative and useful post.
Thank you.
Really.
Oh..
Subscribed.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
It’s hit or miss with me, sometimes I get the hyper effects.
My DO suggested Valerian supplement (vs tea) and it is the most effective natural sleep aid I've ever used. I tried melatonin but it gave me nightmares.
It gave me nightmares too. It made me feel in the morning like I was inside a coffin.
@@monarene44melatonin made me dizzy and caused headache. I use valerian root capsules.
Magnesium.
Um, yes you should really try to avoid taking more than a few mg of melatonin (I don't have a degree so feel free to take anything I have to say with a grain of salt) at a time, for most people you only produce about 1-2 mg naturally to promote the sleep-wake cycles
Magnesium works for me.
Magnesium
Melatonin gives people total nightmares. Benadryl enlarges mens prostates. I say get more exercise and ease up on the caffeine.
Mel. No nightmares. So, wrong.
You’d say that? Who asked you
I get nightmares from melatonin
I get no nightmares but I have woke up with an erection.
@WestShoreMan that doesnt help with real chronic insomnia.
Drinking cammomile tea warm milk and melatonin cures my insomnia. Now only camomile tea at 6pm and warm milk at 8pm it really works i stop melatonin
I take half a Benedryl and I usually get to sleep for at least 7 hours. No side effects😅
I take 1 low dose aspirin (81mg) at bedtime. It works great.
Forgot Dramamine…. That’s good too.
Magnesium. L-Threonate or Bysglycinate.
How are your boys doing after the shot?
To whom are you directing your inquiry???
Actually for me 30 to 45 minutes works best when taking melatonin, if longer it doesn’t work at all.
Nice to know how you "feel" about these products, but what do actual studies have to say about them? That is what matters.
The dreams I get on melatonin are vivid.
I have noticed the same thing about Lavender oil.
I get nightmares with melatonin and feel like I’m in a coffin.
@@monarene44 I don't usually have bad dreams but my normal dreams (after I have sniffed Laventure oil from a bottle) are vivid and quite memorable.
It gives me no dream memories. I have them just can't recall any.
400 mg magnesium glycinate. It works
The best way to fall asleep. Get the room cold by turning down the air conditioner have enough cover on the bed to stay warm buy an electric fan turn it on high turn all the lights off so the room will be totally dark then you will sleep like a baby.
What about melatonin 5% topical cream
What about gaba and l theanine for sleep?
Gaba did nothing for me
Gaba did nothing for me. I take zzzquil which has Diphenhydramine 50mg, and it works great for me.
At 77 melatonin doesn't work. Benadryl does. I take it a couple of hours before I go to sleep. Use it on occasion.
I’m an older adult and tried melatonin… 5 mg and I slept for 2 days straight😩
Sominex is Benedryl
And is usually cheaper than Benadryl.
300 mg magnesium glycinate, 45 min before bed!
Diphenhydramine is often cheaper when sold as an antihistamine
Zzzquil is diphenhydramine 50 mg. That’s what I use when needed.
Best OTC sleep aid - Budweiser
Hot cocoa puts me out like a rufie.
The more natural way to get more sleep and, it help build bone strength= Magnesium Glycinate: This type of magnesium helps calm and relax your body naturally, this type of magnesium is better absorbed in the body. It costs slightly more but, it's worth it. If you take in a complete liquid complete mineral balance with Coral Calcium too, it will help shut down your system at night and, keeps you from getting Osteoporosis. How simple is that? I'm not a doctor either, just a fit 61 year old male that wants people improve thier quality of life without putting toxins in your body.
Doesn't work for everyone, unfortunately.
Has done nothing for me...
250 to 500 mg magnesium. A cup of cat nip tea will put u out.
Shouldn't doctors say I know or I don't know instead of I feel like.
melatonin ok to crush into food?
I don't know of ANY "pills" that can be crushed into food. You can get slow dissolving tablets that taste like berries or sugary gummies.
@@steveludwig4200 any meltonin pills or any pills at all?
@@killpop8255 I've never seen any pills rec. to "crush" but there well may be some...
Magnesium glycenate
fellow insomiacs: follow the Andrew Huberman Lab protocol for sleep (google it or find the podcast episode, trust me). Benadryl is a great sleep aid, but if you have insomnia for more than a month, id try other supplements (approved by your doctor). Its easy to need more and more benadryl, in my experience (and its kind of habit forming). I have my best luck with magnesium powder. good luck!!
okay, I've started taking my mag glycinate at night also I take ashwaganda....
Magnesium glycinate- Is it the best one for sleep or is mag citrate? I don't have a problem going to sleep but sometimes waking up at 3am and can't get back to sleep. Also is there any laxative affect with either? Would try natural remedies before any synthetic drug.
not a doctor...but from my understnading, mag glycinate is most recommended for sleep. citrate is def more a laxative. however some people experience laxative effects with any magnesium type. Sensitivity to it varies person to person, so always start small and play with the dose if you can. talk to your doctor as well. @@gayle9428
Where does HBP play a role in these meds?
Her own tea 🍵☕ and trees and soil and trees and water and water and tea coffee and maybe talk about it DR
Who needs sleep meds? A couple shots of Jack or a good long work day and I
"just masking the real problem"
I could snuggle with Dr Christy and it would easily cure my sleep issues!
Tryptophan over Melatonin.
Breathing exercises help me get to sleep, but when I wake up later on, it is sometimes hard to go back to sleep.
As a die hard insomniac none of these things work for me. They don't even induce a yawn. Prescription drugs like ambien only work for a limited time. Tolerance builds. The number of people I see with perpetual ambien prescriptions is comical. After month one they may as well be taking placebos. Short term insomnia and always insomnia are two different problems. The latter is complex, and not easily solved with a pill, although all the doctors writing xanax and ambien prescription like it's going out of style would have you believe otherwise. Or I should say the drug reps have the doctors thinking otherwise.
my sister is 74 and takes 10 of ambien every single night...I thought drs weren't supposed to be ordering ambien especially 10mg for people over 65.....when I did use ambien, I would use it for 4 nights in a row, because of my tough work schedule I had to really get sleep, but the next night, when I didn't take it, it was wide eyed city all night.....so wired....plus I feel it was affecting my memory somewhat.....so I am glad I don't have a script for that...
@@leelaural
You didn’t indicate YOUR age.
have you tried CBTI or AcT?
I’m allergic to Tylenol and Benadryl makes me crawly and restless. Melatonin does nothing except keep me awake. It’s all a bunch of crap. I do better not sleeping rather than taking any drug. What DOES help is a high protein dinner, magnesium, and a glass of red wine.
Zzzquil is diphenhydramine 50 mg. That’s what I use when needed.
FECO works for me
Melatonin gives me weird dreams.
I had to stop melatonin because it gave me sleep paralysis.
How about you exercise and hard work?
What a Lazy answer to pretend everyone else is just lazy.
That is arrogant. So the millions of people struggling with insomnia do not have any hard work to do, nor exercise?
Did you look at the ingredients in Natrol Melatonin? It has Maltodextrin in it!!! Unhealthy for us.
Best option is melatonin!!! Believe me !!!
Zzzquil is diphenhydramine 50 mg. That’s what I use when needed. Causes no dizziness and less headache like melatonin does.
Melatonin gives nightmares
None they dont work
Read a book
Walk away from pharmaceuticals, no, run from them and any doctors prescribing them