The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Omega-3
Posted by SK (Carmel-by-the-Sea, California) on 09/11/2009
★★★★★
In July I started having a terrible time falling asleep at night. Insomnia, night-time terrors, anxiety, whatever you want to call it, I had it. The minute I lay down, my mind took off on a rampage. I had watch tv until 3 or 4 am, when I finally felt exhausted enough to sleep, albeit erratically, waking up every few minutes. I was drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, but I have been doing that for 20 years now and it has never affected my ability to sleep.
I started researching the net and tried many supplements that people on this site and other sites were recommending like valerian root, sleepy time tea, lobelia, magnesium, b stress. Nothing had any effect. Then I read on this site about Cod liver oil helping someone with insomnia and realized that the only supplement I wasn't taking was an omega 3. I immediately bought cod liver oil at the health food store and took one capsule a day for a week. Unfortunately, I still could not sleep. Luckily my intuition kept telling me to research omega 3 deficiencies further, so I went hunting for more information on the net. I started reading customer reviews of omega 3 on a site and saw that the most popular brand of Omega 3 had much more EPA and DHA than the Cod liver oil I was taking. 400 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA per fish oil concentrate capsule versus 90 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA for the cod liver oil. I bought the higher dosage omega and started taking 1 capsule 3 times a day before eating. I also stopped drinking my one cup of coffee in the morning. Overnight, I kid you not, my night terrors went away and I was able to get 9 straight hours of deep sleep. It's been over a week now and I am sleeping well. What an amazing relief this is. Not being able to sleep was affecting my work and my marriage. I have such sympathy for those with insomnia issues. You become desperate when you can't get a good night's sleep. It is sheer hell. I read that Michael Jackson also suffered from insomnia and that it tormented him so much that he had to take that drug. Poor man, but I get it now.
Hope this helps someone.
Melatonin
Posted by Jeremiah (San Diego, California) on 06/28/2009
★★★★★
I have found that Melatonin is extremely beneficial in helping me get to bed. This is on top of the Seroquel that I already take, which is dosed at 100mg. I usually start off with 3 mgs. of Melatonin, and if that doesn't help, I take another 3 mgs. (because the supplement that I take only comes in 3 mg. tablets).
The usual recommended dose of Melatonin to start with is 5 mgs., and then take it from there. This is a extremely effective supplement, and I would recommend it first before anything else.
Catnip
Posted by Greg (Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) on 04/10/2009
Insomnia: This may sound a bit nutty but I'd try making a tea out of food grade catnip, it is a VERY old tea, and formerly the Major tea in all of the European continent, before black teas were introduced from trade with China and India.
EC: A store like Whole Foods might sell Catnip Teabags. It's easy to find online.
Vitamin D
Posted by Canadian Dave (Canada) on 11/26/2016 15 posts
I find that taking vitamin D prevents sleep unless taken only in the morning. B vitamin complex I have to take only in the morning too.
Melatonin
Posted by Melinda (Tucson, Arizona) on 01/24/2009
★☆☆☆☆
NAY- I have tried Melatonin and I did not find it to be a good alternative for insomnia. Firstly I am on a antidepressant-Lexapro, and I feel like Melatonin really makes my depression worse, and it's effectiveness was inconstant, one time I felt real drowsy and slept good, another time only slept a few hours then woke up again. My boyfriend's Mom also tried it and said it did not work for her either.
Supplements
Posted by CheeMiss (Toronto, ON) on 12/26/2008
Hello,
I have genetic chronic insomnia. My max sleep time is 2 hrs. On rare occasion 4 hrs. I have tried pretty much everything on this site. Nothing seems to work for a long deep sleep. BTW: even the strongest sleeping pills don't keep me down past 4 hrs and leave me very groggy, so I avoid them.
I have been searching the net and came across GABA & a product called Great Nights Sleep 2.Has anyone had any experience with either of these products? Please advise. I'm so burnt out and desperate and I don't want to spend any more monies on things that don't work. Thank You.
Supplements
Posted by Pamela (Houston, Texas) on 12/28/2008
★★★★★
I have used Gaba for years for insomnia with great results. I used the Now brand in powder formed with a 5 mg of B6. The key is to take right before you go to bed on an empty stomach. It needs to get to the brain receptors to make neuro-transmitters. I used anywhere from 2,000 - 5,000 mg, depending on how I was feeling. Anything over 5,000 mg did not do any good. Beware that you may get rapid breathing, heart rate, or shortness of breathe for a minute. This because the Gaba relaxes the blood vessels and blood is moving faster; I did. It seem to be the more intense I felt the more I would experience these symptoms. I did research on Gaba a lot before I used these higher amounts. The lower amounts of Gaba had no effect on me, but they may you. Don't take my word for it you can research it too. I hope this helps.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Hope (Sacramento, CA) on 12/07/2008
★★★★★
I have had insomnia for a good 10 or more years. I have tried everything and then read a book called The Mood Cure wherein I found the answer to my problems. Because I do not do well with 5HTP, I started using L-Tryptophan. I take 1500 mg each night before retiring - I open the capsules and mix them with a small amount of rice milk and shake well before drinking. I now sleep a good 7-8 hours straight through and awake feeling exceptionally refreshed and energetic!
5 HTP
Posted by Shino (Auckland, NZ) on 09/29/2008
★★★★★
ive taken 5HTP (150mgs) and it relaxed me and made it way way easier to sleep. with stress during the day, i hadnt been able to sleep until 5-7 in the morning, but when i started taking this i was feeling sleepy by about 10pm, asleep before midnight!
5 HTP
Posted by Shino (Auckland, New Zealand) on 02/17/2010
hi, sorry for the very late reply..i took 150mg of 5HTP after my evening meals. I think that may be relatively high, as I was taking it for depression too. Other people here seem to be having good results with a dose of 50mg.
5 HTP
Posted by Raphael (Seals, Tx) on 07/01/2018
The past half year I could not get to sleep until 5-7 in the morning. Luckily I am retired and be able to sleep through 11a-1p. I will try your dosage of 5htp to see if it can bring the sleep clock back to 10-12 at night.
Suan Zao Ren
Posted by Tan Koon Peng (Singapore) on 06/27/2008
Suan Zao Ren For Insomnia And More:
Major herb for insomnia, it has a very calming effect which alleviates symptoms such as anxiety, worry and restlessness, which may be contributing to insomnia. A neurocardiac sedative, it helps to regulate blood pressure.
nourish heart yin, tonify liver blood, quiet spirit
-irritability, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety due to deficiency
-prevents abnormal sweating
nourishes blood, calm spirit, clear Heat, relieve mental restlessness
A superior herb, one of the most popular herbs for insomnia, hypertension and other nerve disorders. Nontoxic and nutritious and can be used long-term. Regular use can brighten complexion.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS:
Nourish the heart, benefit the liver and tranquilize the mind for insomnia and heart palpitations; nutrient; reduce perspiration.
To replenish the liver, to cause tranquilizations, to arrest excessive perspiration, and to promote the productionof body fluid.
Insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep; excessive sweating due to debility; thirst due to consumption of body fluid.
Nourishes the heart and the liver. Its natural tranquillizing properties are used to treat mental tiredness. It helps reduce sweating, especially anxiety sweating, and can be used effectively for insomnia and palpitations.
You can buy suan zao ren from chinese medical shop. Just put 30 g in a cup and pour in boiling water. Drink it after 15 minutes while it is still warm. The herb can be reused many times. Do not throw it away after your first drink. Good sleep to all who suffered from insomnia.
Avoid use during Pregnancy.
Milk
Posted by Jessica (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/15/2014
Warm milk never works for me, and also makes me get up to go to the toilet later.
Valerian Root
Posted by Erynn (New Haven, Connecticut) on 03/11/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Valerian Root as a sleep aid. WARNING: this does not work for everyone...and DO NOT MIX WITH ANTI-AXIETY OR ANTIDEPRESSANTS
... I found this out the hardway. I frequently get insomnia and a friend suggest the valerian root. I called my mother and she agreed I should try it. I was up all night, and not only that, I went into a psychotic rage, cried hysterically and drove off to my job in this state. Luckily my husband found me! I later looked up interactions online and found that when mixed with anti-depreess-or anxiety medicines, this can happen. I was taking Xanax at thet ime, although I had not taken any that day, it must have still be in my system (I take on an as need basis).
Also, 1/3 of people using valerian root tend to feel suicidal. This works great for some people, just be careful!! and please, don't take it alone.
Melatonin
Posted by Helen (Uk) on 01/07/2026
Can you please mention the brand and dosage you used and how often?
No Cell Phone or Computer 2 Hours Before Bed
Posted by Hannah (New York, U.S.A) on 02/21/2008
★★★★★
Don't Use Your Computer/Cell Phone Before Bed (No Texting!!). It's always been hard for me to sleep, and I mean always. But recently I read that a computer's bright lights suppress sleep hormones. I'm not sure if that's true, but not using it before bed sure helps. But then I got unlimited texting and my insomnia was back again. So here's the deal, don't use your computer or cell phone 2 hours before sleeping. It will help you sleep better and better each night.
Turmeric and Milk Thistle
Posted by Isabelle (Weirton, WV) on 01/13/2008
★★★★★
I just happened upon a site praising the benefits of turmeric and milk thistle; bought both and started taking them at the same time, so I don't know which of them (maybe both) is having this effect, but I feel like I'm twenty again (I'm 70). I sleep better and just generally have a better feeling of well-being. No better skin tone, or even anything noticeable, other than sleeping better.
Oil Pulling With Safflower Oil
Posted by Winnie (washington, dc) on 01/08/2008
★★★★★
I stumbled on your site when searching for side effects for coconut oil. I took coconut oil for about 4 weeks and gained about 10 pounds, I was really hoping for the reverse; anyway I found your site and a lot of good information. I started oil pulling the very day I read about it, I have tried with extra virg. olive oil, sunflower, I didn't notice any real change after just one try. then I tried Safflower oil, did it in the morning just after brushing, then I felt sleepy, I decided to lay down on the couch, and slept for 3 hours; I didn't make a connection then until this morning I tried safflower oil again, same reaction. I slept so soundly, good thing I had the day off today. I'll try it again tonite, looking forward to a great night's sleep. I took 1TBSP for 20 mins. So if someone out there has problem sleeping, this might work for you. TED, whoever you are, I wish you radiant health and prosperity. Your kindness and generousity is written all over your words. Thank you.
Oil Pulling With Safflower Oil
Posted by Sammygirl (Park Hills, Missouri) on 09/26/2012
★★★★★
I have trouble sleeping, I have been watching Dr. Oz and talking about belly fat blasters so have been taking safflower for that. My husband and I both were taking them in the morning and I was falling back asleep and he was getting super sleepy during his drive to work. We left the safflower out because I had remembered reading somewhere that safflower can be beneficial for insomnia, so we stopped taking in the the morning and were fine. Now I take them at night and works way better than melatonin!
ACV, Baking Soda and Cayenne
Posted by Christie (Charlotte, Nc) on 08/04/2011
I have been taking 2 Tbsp of ACV per day in water for several months now, but am still feeling the effects on insomnia. Wondering about this baking soda/honey/cayenne concoction... My questions is do you drink this in the morning or in the evening?
Are you still sleeping better?
ACV, Baking Soda and Cayenne
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 08/05/2011
Insomnia is also a symptom of a magnesium deficiency. You could try taking magnesium and even having an epson salt bath before bed (magnesium sulphate I think).
ACV, Baking Soda and Cayenne
Posted by Butterfly (Greenfield, Ma) on 01/10/2013
Hi, I wish I could take acv, but due to candida, I feel awful when I take it, my pain increases and I feel just rotten. Is there another way to take it with out the side effects? or a substitute? Thanks, butterfly
ACV, Baking Soda and Cayenne
Posted by Stephanie (Cantonment, Fl) on 09/25/2017
Regarding having candida, and feeling so bad with taking the ACV........you feel so bad, bacause the ACV is killing the candida and working. Just increase your intake of good water daily and eat mainly lean proteins and nutritious vegetables. When your body is finally rid of the dead candida, you will start feeling great.
Cumin Seeds
Posted by Sulakshna (Delhi, India) on 03/13/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I tried the remedy given on your site, which was to boil cumin seeds in lots of water and then drink it just before sleeping. Did not work at all.
Skullcap
Posted by Barb (Seattle, USA) on 08/09/2007
★★★★★
I have insomnia related to stress and physical pain. Magnesium helps somewhat. Kava has helped. Unfortunately, benadril is what gave the most relief the past few months. But I seem to be able to take less benadril by using a liquid tincture of the herb skullcap. I use one dropperful before a warm tub each night, then go to bed. I have used melatonin but it gave me bad dreams. I will continue to experiment and keep you informed if I touch on anything else worth mentioning.
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 05/10/2013
Sleepy time tea does make me have to get up at night, too. But, if it is effective, you could make a sleepytime tincture, which would require a lot less liquid. You may be able to get some pre-make sleep tincture or your could make your own. One of my sons had terrible insomnia for a year and we made a sleep tincture that helped him a lot. Ray Comfort's book, Overcoming Insomnia was also helpful and humorous.
Here is the recipe for sleep tincture: equal parts of catnip, chamomile, passionflower, oatstraw and lemon balm. 1/4 part hops. Fill a glass jar with this. Cover the dry herbs with vodka. Let stand 2 weeks. Strain off herbs. Take 1 teaspoon in a little water at bedtime. You could even do this with a box of sleepytime tea. just put all the bags from the box in a jar and cover with vodka. (You can use glycerine if you want it alcohol free, it just won't be quite as strong. ) Let sit for two weeks and then remove tea bags. Take 1 teaspoon in a little water at bedtime. If you want it in a hurry, use the crock pot method. Place a towel in a crock pot. Place jar (I use a canning har) on towel. Fill crock pot with warm water to an inch below the top of the jar. Set crock pot on Low. Slow cook the tincture for 3 days. (You will have to keep adding water. I do not put a lid on the crock pot as the water gets a little too hot this way. ) Strain out the herbs. 1 teaspoon at bedtime.
Hope you find a good solution, soon!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sandy (sandhya) (Bangalore, India) on 12/06/2009
★★★★★
Coconut oil for good sleep...when I oil pull in the night with coconut oil, I feel sleepy after that, and get good sleep that night.
Amino Acids
Posted by Rainman (Central, Vt, Usa) on 06/02/2010
I don't know if this will help... but, I started taking L-Tyrosine awhile back. I would take 100mg at night, usually with dinner (I weigh around 180lbs). It really helped me sleep... Within a couple hours I would begin to feel really relaxed. Once in bed, I would fall asleep fast. I actually fell into deep sleep faster than I ever have in my entire life. However, it wasn't as easy waking up either. I felt so relaxed in the morning I didn't want to get out of bed. Which is why I stopped taking it. But, it really helped me through a tough time. I would also try some camomille tea... I have a comomille, mint, lavender tea that really helps me to relax before bed. Something warm in my stomach always helps.
Amino Acids
Posted by Rosali (Mumbai, India) on 05/09/2012
I would suggest you to try homoeopathic remedies for insomnia for a long lasting relief. These remedies are prescribed based on the constitution of the person. They work on our body by calming and strengthening the nerves, slowing down your thought process and relieving your anxiety, helping you fall asleep more easily and improving the quantity and quality of sleep which will keep you refreshed and energized. Some of the frequently used remedies for the treatment of insomnia are Sleep CM INS formula, C35 INS formula, C55 neurocalming formula, etc.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John Welch (Fl) on 03/06/2016
Yes, potassium would be a major factor in "turning off" the adrenals and thus cortisol production. I use 3 drops Lugol's and two caps Apple Cider Vinegar. I'm going to try mixing in the honey and sodium bicarbonate.
Ear Plugs
Posted by Lightawake (Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand) on 05/08/2010
hi, thank you for this warning! i just tried it for the last week and though it has worked very well for a week (though it`s slipping back now...well 4 years insomnia is a tough one to beat i guess), i was wondering about the possibility of getting dependent on them, and also noticed that my ears are already a bit sensitive. it`s good, but ill be wary of that, thanks!
Ear Plugs
Posted by Stacy (Tampa, Florida) on 07/20/2011
I have been using earplugs every night for at least a year. Yes, you become dependant. I even have to use one or two during the day if I need a nap. However if you do become dependant on them I'd like to give a few tips that will change your life.
#1 is baby oil. Swab lightly with it every night/every other night before bed. Also drop in into your ears several times a week during the day. You'll want to leave a small piece of cotton in your ears so the oil doesn't drain out onto your face (causing blemishes) for a few hours after using baby oil as a drop. The baby oil softens the ear wax and will sooth your sensitive ears.
#2 don't allow water in your ear. It may cause infections because the earplugs don't allow your ears to dry out after a shower. Use baby oil to keep the water out.
#3 use peroxide once or twice a month to get rid of earwax unless you have a ruptured eardrum. It will be shockingly cold and make some crazy noise, but unless it hurts leave it in for as long as tolerated. DO NOT do this often as it will agitate your ears. I've also stopped ear infections from coming on by using peroxide. So... Never put anything deep into your ear (ei a cotton swab) except baby oil and peroxide. Let them dry out on their own.
Ear Plugs
Posted by Todd (San Diego) on 09/16/2006
★★★★★
Earplugs -- LOL. i can't believe i never thought of this. definitely is doing the trick.
Sleep Mask
Posted by Leslie (Toronto, Canada) on 03/22/2006
★★★★★
I tend to forget to wear it, but a few yrs back my friend got me a sleep mask for my eyes. Whenever I wear this mask, I have the DEEPEST sleeps and most vivid dreams. Without the mask, it usually takes me ages to fall asleep, and even when I do, I'm always waking up. I suggest these masks to anyone who has trouble staying asleep. My only concern is that it does such a good job at keeping my eyes in darkness, that I've rolled right off the bed a couple times when waking up, because I'm disoriented and don't realize where I am on the bed. A small price to pay though for some needed sleep!
