Posted by Tony P on February 16, 2003, at 15:25:52
In reply to Insomnia, posted by jodie on February 16, 2003, at 2:38:09
I too am wrestling with A/D induced insomnia - sometimes I can't even stop compulsively doing things, so I don'teven get to bed.
I have being doing the warm milk w/ sugar and real vanilla off & on for years - it has a long tradition behind it. Milk has lots of a couple of amino acids that are metabolized into sleep-producing brain transmitters. And maybe the vanilla has something in it - the pure extract certainly has more alcohol, although it's hard to see how a teaspoonful would have much effect!
I also sometimes have a pice of toast with peanut butter, which (like milk) has precursors to brain chemicals.
If you are allowed to take additional meds, the warm milk will also help to get them to work quickly. And at the very least it's soothing and tasty!
BTW, one of the rules for insomnia I've been told (and experienced) is NOT to toss and turn for long periods - the insomnia just gets worse. After 15-20 min. (at most half an hour), get up, go to a different room (important), have your hot milk or whatever, do something soothing (e.g. read a book, knit) for 15 min. or half an hour. Then go straight back to bed and try for another 20 min. Repeat as often as necessary.
According to my psychologist, watching TV or using the computer are NOT good pre-sleep soothing activities. Some computer games can get you really wired. And there appears to be some general activating effect (through the pineal gland??) just from staring at a bright screen.
Good luck,
Tony P
----------------------------> I just want to sleep!!!!!!
> I layed in bed for a couple of hours, tossing and turning. I wish I could take something to help me sleep. Actually, I wish I didn't need something. I just don't understand how people can go to bed and go right to sleep.
>
> I am tired, I don't feel manic or anything. I have no energy. My eyes burn. I wonder, maybe I should try having a cup of warm milk with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. I read that in a book by Dr. Amen, he specializes in ADD/HD. In one of his books, "The 6 different types of ADD", he suggests the warm milk mixture. He said it acts as a sedative. It has to be real vanilla, and not immitation. I guess the sugar mixed with the two, also acts as a sedative. That seems weird, but who knows. It just might work.
>
> Anyway, I was awake, and thought I would check to see if there were any new posts. I'm going to make my warm milk potion now. Wish me luck!!!
>
> Jodie
poster:Tony P
thread:200847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030215/msgs/200946.html