I am having trouble sleeping, and otc drugs have the reverse affect on me?! Please help!?

This is has been going on for about 2 months on and off. I have tried cd's, the tv, reading...(I have a dr.'s appt 4/4/07 that is the soonest I can get in) does anyone know why i would have a reverse reaction to otc sleep-aids? (nyquil has always made me feel wired too..) Can anyone suggest a prescription drug that will help? any home remedies that will work untill then??

pretty sure i don't have sleep apnea. I don't drink caffiene or smoke. I do have a fan and humidifier for "white noise"

I will give you a list of strategies that will work providing you do not have a sleeping disorder, such as sleep apnea, which would require a sleep study to determine. If you sleep with someone, do they say you stop breathing, get up gasping for air, etc., if so that is an example of a sleep disorder that will require a sleep study.

Go to sleep the same time each day and get up the same time each day no matter the quantity or quality of sleep. Limit bedtime to eight hours. Never, ever take naps. It will be rough the first week, but remember, it will take time to adapt to the new routine.

Avoid or limit caffeine (no caffeinated soda, coffee/even decaf, chocolate), nicotine, and alcohol within 4-6 hours of going to bed.

If taking any medications, see if any side effects cause insomnia.

Save the bed for sleeping and sex only...no TV, etc.

Exercise daily at least 4 hours before bedtime (even a 20 minute walk will do the trick).

Relax in the evenings鈥on鈥檛 do anything stimulating.

Try to avoid a bedtime snack.

Take a daily vitamin.

Drink plenty of water (real, plain water).

Try using white noise. I鈥檓 a very light sleeper, so I turn on a loud air purifier; this drowns out noises like barking dogs, car doors slamming, etc.

Either darken the bedroom (I use black construction paper on the windows) or I cannot stand them, but you might even consider wearing a sleeping mask.

I also sleep a lot better in a dark, cool room that requires me to snuggle down under the blankets.

The key is getting into a rhythm and reducing stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine.

Good luck and may you be counting sheep soon, lol

try sleeping pills

No caffeine after supper - that means no tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. - there is caffeine in things we don't think of. Also, don't eat or snack after supper. When you can't fall asleep in a half hour, get out of bed - and do something - don't just park in front of the tv. After 30 min, try again. Keep your room cool. Snuggle with a stuffed animal or another pillow. ---Good luck
I'm in my 40s and have been an insomniac since my teens. Tried a half of sleeping pill once, and it scared me silly so I would never take anything again. My limbs were all dead, couldn't move them, but I was still awake - very twilight zone.

Have you tried melatonin? Some people who have no success with OTC medications have good luck with it. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation on a brand.

As far as prescription medications, that is really something you should discuss with your physician. He/she knows your medical history.

try ambien (the original, not CR). Consumer Reports ranked it as the best.

Melatonin is quackery.

MELATONIN IS GREAT! YOU TAKE IT 1/2 AN HOUR BEFORE YOU WANT TO GO TO BED. It's not addictive...and you don't need a prescription.You will find it by the vitamins. And your not groggy in the morning.

Have you tried chamomile or Valerian? Either of these can be purchased in many forms, as in capsules, tincture (liquid extract of alcohol or glycerin) or teas. Valerian tastes NASTY (smells bad, too) but is a much heavier nervine than chamomile. Often, however with herbs, the right herb is more important than a large dose, so more of any particular one isn't necessarily better. Find a local herbalist who can put together a liver cleansing blend for you. In Chinese medicine, a person who is unable to sleep has 'unfinished business' and 'stored anger' - anger is stored in the liver, hence the liver cleanse. I have seen it work countless times! If you can't find a local herbalis, here is a website that can help you. If you email him, he will put together a formula for you and mail it to you. www.dd-herbs.com
Also, what is going on in your life that is keeping you awake? I have read that if you make a list of things to do for the next day, your mind will be able to relax better. Try counting backwards from 100 and at the end of your counting, say some affirmations, like, "I will wake up feeling rested and peaceful" Then give yourself permission to sleep.
I hope this helps!