Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Alternative Therapies => Topic started by: Merela on December 15, 2020, 05:06:19 PM

Title: Insomnia
Post by: Merela on December 15, 2020, 05:06:19 PM
Hey lovely ladies,

Unfortunately I am unable to tolerate HRT, which brings me to the alternative therapy route.  My main issue is insomnia. I think I might be waking up due to feeling hot (not a full on hot flash with sweats), but I'm not sure. I have tried lots of different homeopathic combinations, some of which work quite well, but peter out after about a week.  I am understanding that part of the solution is to rotate the "ingredients" so that ones body doesn't acclimate to it.  I was wondering what types of herbs/minerals/etc you all have used.  My cocktail consists of Melatonin, Valerian root, antihistamines, Chinese herbs, magnesium glycerinate, and probably a few others I can't think of. Also, I've heard that there is some speculation that antihistamines can lead to dementia.  Suggestions appreciated. 
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: CLKD on December 15, 2020, 07:03:11 PM
So stop reading speculations?  If you dig hard enough you'll find negatives for fresh water  ::)

Many find sleeping difficult during The Change.  I understand that alterations in temperature can trigger restless/non sleep.  Also women may be juggling school aged/teens/eldery relatives along with periomenopause which adds the likelihood of lack of sleep.

On the nights I can't sleep I often drop off then wake thinking it's 7.00 ish but finding it's about 12.30  >:(.  So I read.  Do you have a routine B4 bed as well as a technique to help?  Sometimes stretching the muscle groups from feet through the body upward: stretch/relax.  Or music by the bed.
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: Padine on December 29, 2020, 05:34:13 PM
I wish I’d noticed this thread earlier, Merela, I’ve a similar one on another board if you want to have a look maybe there’s something there of interest to you?   :P
 I’m looking for melatonin and I notice you use it - where do you get yours?
Of course it’s your choice, but I’d give the antihistamines a go to get over the festive season. Your mouth and nose will be very dry, but to get some decent sleep, I wouldn’t mind too much. Lots of things “may” cause dementia, (one of the biggest is growing older  ??? and how do we avoid that? Please just don’t be tempted to take them continuously) I just remembered that when I was peri-meno, 12 or so years ago, a lady locum GP recommend N***l non-herbal to me, even told me which chemist to buy it from!
Sorry, this has turned into a soap-box moment  :- I’ll put it away now and get dinner organised!
 I’m interested in your thoughts on melatonin and  the recommended strengths Merela.
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: CLKD on December 29, 2020, 05:39:32 PM
Nytol  :sick02: :pills: :beaurk:
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: Padine on December 29, 2020, 05:43:49 PM
Wasn’t sure if I could mention it or not! Discovered I can say the name but not links to where it can be bought.
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: CLKD on December 31, 2020, 09:46:19 AM
Good exercise regime?  Good diet?  Trying not to worry about whether you will sleep tonight.  Harder done than said?

I feel hung over after busy dreams - I've been walking a Gt Dane for miles and miles and ..........  ::)
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: Sparrow on December 31, 2020, 10:40:26 AM
Hey lovely ladies,

Unfortunately I am unable to tolerate HRT, which brings me to the alternative therapy route.  My main issue is insomnia. I think I might be waking up due to feeling hot (not a full on hot flash with sweats), but I'm not sure. I have tried lots of different homeopathic combinations, some of which work quite well, but peter out after about a week.  I am understanding that part of the solution is to rotate the "ingredients" so that ones body doesn't acclimate to it.  I was wondering what types of herbs/minerals/etc you all have used.  My cocktail consists of Melatonin, Valerian root, antihistamines, Chinese herbs, magnesium glycerinate, and probably a few others I can't think of. Also, I've heard that there is some speculation that antihistamines can lead to dementia.  Suggestions appreciated.

Looks like you might be trying too many things and would be better keeping it simple.  Like most things everyone is different so you will need to find what suits you best.

Below I have posted the NHS guidance, with a video, which is basic but a good start. Personally if I wake in the night and can't sleep I listen to a radio app on my headphones.  Usually works.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/10-tips-to-beat-insomnia/
Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: Limpy on December 31, 2020, 11:10:54 AM
Hey lovely ladies,

Unfortunately I am unable to tolerate HRT, which brings me to the alternative therapy route.  My main issue is insomnia. I think I might be waking up due to feeling hot (not a full on hot flash with sweats), but I'm not sure. I have tried lots of different homeopathic combinations, some of which work quite well, but peter out after about a week.  I am understanding that part of the solution is to rotate the "ingredients" so that ones body doesn't acclimate to it.  I was wondering what types of herbs/minerals/etc you all have used.  My cocktail consists of Melatonin, Valerian root, antihistamines, Chinese herbs, magnesium glycerinate, and probably a few others I can't think of. Also, I've heard that there is some speculation that antihistamines can lead to dementia.  Suggestions appreciated.

This speculation seems to to have spread as far as some of the Neurologist community. Apparently some of the older antihistamines have been used to prevent spontaneous peeing BUT it was said that they caused  cognitive problems.

Title: Re: Insomnia
Post by: Marilynne on April 01, 2021, 08:34:53 PM
Hello,
I wasn’t sure whether to post this here or start a new thread. Just in case this is helpful to anyone struggling with sleep problems. Have recently found out that the  BBC Sounds app works a treat. I just choose a discussion programme on a not very interesting topic from the Radio 4 documentaries list, and leave it running on my iPad.  Out like a light. If I wake up at 3 am, I just put another one on and drift off again. I had tried lots of meditation and soothing music type apps before, but to no avail.  This works for me. It can’t be a topic you are interested in though - that keeps you awake. The best ones are dull biographies of 17th century economists and suchlike  ;) ;)