Managing Sleep Problems

by Diane
(The Colony, TX USA)

I don't know if "overcoming" would be the correct word since I have simply learned to manage and work with sleep problems most of my life.


There was no real start to sleep problems, I just have always remembered having trouble sleeping. As far as sleeping pills, I have tried many, but my favorite is just simply to take 50 mg. of benadryl then take a warm shower and that usually (not always) makes me relax enough to go to sleep. If I have a cold or sinus problem, I take Nyquil and if I have a headache, I take a generic pain medication with a sleep aid. I have found these have the least side effects - I am just thirsty when I wake up. I have tried Ambien, but it has been awhile back. I stopped taking it when I was getting up and having full conversations with my husband or doing things around the house and then not knowing that these things happened. That kind of spooked me. I have tried a variety of natural teas to put me to sleep, but then I have to get up in the middle of the night to visit the bathroom and then I can't get back to sleep. I just haven't found an effective natural product that worked well. I have always had trouble sleeping and sometimes just stay up reading. This only works for about three nights then I am too tired to function and have to take something to get some sleep. I am concerned about side effects - more long term than short term - but I am concerned about the side effects of not sleeping, too. I have kids and our joke in the house is that someone is always awake 24-7! We just all deal with it the best we can. To me, sleep problems are more about managing the problem than ever solving the problem. I don't give my kids anything to help them sleep other than chamomile tea. I don't know how effective it is, but I believe it is safe for kids.