Posted by Manitoban 5 years ago In:

health - sleeping pills

Sleeping Pills

I have been taking two 7.5 milligram Zopiclone tablets for 8 years and, try as I might, I can't break this habit. I've reduced it to 1 1/2 tablets and then to 1 but soon I get desperate for sleep again and go back up to 2. Many times, I've quit cold turkey and did not sleep for 3 nights, by which time I'm so exhausted that I start taking them again. I had surgery 8 years ago and was in the hospital for a month; I was given a sleeping pill every night, as were most patients, not realizing that these were habit forming. I feel terrible; I'm tired all the time and I have no energy. I'd like to know how I can get rid of this dependency and learn to sleep naturally again. None of the recommended relaxation methods before bed are useful; this is a problem not easily remedied by a warm bath or quiet room. Thanks.

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3 Answers

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doralin Answered:

From ehow-

STEP 1: Stop taking the sleeping pills on the weekend, when you're more relaxed and less anxious about sleeping.
STEP 2: Create an environment conducive to sleep. Make your bedroom dark and quiet. Put clean sheets on the bed.
STEP 3: Clear your mind of worries. Write up a list of problems and possible solutions at the kitchen table, and then schedule an appointment with yourself to look at them tomorrow.
STEP 4: Take a hot bath. Add essential oils such as lavender, which can help you relax.
STEP 5: Relax - listen to music, stretch or listen to a relaxation tape or have someone give you a massage.
STEP 6: Drink a glass of milk, which contains tryptophan, an amino acid which has a relaxing effect. Or, drink a cup of herb tea made from chamomile, valerian, hops, catnip or passionflower.
STEP 7: Go to bed at a designated time. Get into a set routine to train your body.
STEP 8: Think relaxing thoughts as you lie in bed. Listen to a tape to help keep your mind free of worries.
STEP 9: Use earplugs if noise is a factor.
STEP 10: Get up and do light activity or read with a dim light, if you don't fall asleep within 15 minutes.
STEP 11: Return to bed when you feel sleepy. If you still don't fall asleep, repeat the process until sleep comes.

tip and warnings:

Keep the lights dim if you have to get up at night. Bright light might signal your body that it's time to get up.
Refrain from napping in the daytime, even if you are tired.
Do not abruptly stop using sleeping pills if you have been taking them for more than a few weeks. Speak to your doctor first. Abrupt cessation of some types of sleeping aids can be dangerous, especially if you have been taking them for a long period of time.

Posted 5 years ago
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Daniiel Answered:

Guide to making an informed decision about over the counter sleep aids and prescription sleeping pills . Learn about types of sleep medications.

http://www.crackingthesleepcode.com/

Posted 2 years ago

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Christine Sabian Answered:

There is definitely a habit with prescription strength sleeping pills. What you probably want to do is look at an alternative product (if you're still suffering from sleep deprivation) such as all natural sleeping pills. These aren't addictive and can be just as effective.