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.
Vitamin D
Posted by Kathi (New Brunswick, NJ) on 02/07/2009
★★★★★
I developed severe insomnia last winter (nov 07) and went through quite a trial for months, with none of the many things I tried helping much except some tips on how to improve sleep habits through cognitive behavioral therapy. I was doing better May-Oct 08 then all of a sudden the same severe insomnia symptom was back in full force. Last month I decided to try vitamin D3 2000 IU/day, after reading so many recent articles about the importance of this sunshine vitamin. I chose tablets with D3 source from lanolin, since I am allergic to fish. Within a week I was sleeping soundly at night, and I am continuing to sleep well. In retrospect, it is likely that I became more susceptible to vit. D deficiency after I became lactose intolerant and stopped drinking milk.
Vitamin D
Posted by Sonja (Veghel, Netherlands) on 07/30/2011
Hello,
When do you take the Vit D, during the day/morning of right before bed? And, is it still working?
Vitamin D
Posted by Kathi (New Brunswick, Nj) on 01/27/2012
★★★★★
It has now been 3 years since I started the vitamin D. Yes I still take it, and yes it still works! In fact my winters have been much much healthier since. I take 4000 iu D3 most mornings. also vit c, krill oil, probiotic, 1-2drops of lugols. 200 mg magnesium citrate near bedtime. I make fresh green veggie juice most days too, regular walking and yoga. Sleeping soundly most nights and waking up ready for the day. Feel like I am finally living my life, not just dragging through it.
Melatonin
Posted by Bob (Ohrid, Macedonia) on 10/11/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Cow brain is a major source of melatonin. Buyer beware!
Melatonin
Posted by Sherri (Hobart, Tasmania Australia) on 10/13/2010
To Bob I have never heard of cow brain, can u plz explain what it is :)
Supplements
Posted by Amy (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 01/05/2009
★★★★★
I suffer from occasional insomnia and find this is a sure-fire cure:
1000mg L-Tyrosine (capsule form)
3-9mg Melatonin (sub-lingual tablets best)
500-1500mg Vitamin C (chewable best)
For me, this works best if taken as soon as you realise it's going to be one of those nights. I take it with a glass of water, and a slice or two of bread. Ideally, try this when you'll be able to devote 6-8hr to sleep--after that I always wake up 100% refreshed. Best of luck!
Supplements
Posted by Jake (Chicago, IL) on 12/27/2008
blackstrap molasses, aloe vera, coconut oil, melatonin and DHEA supplements have all helped me. I suffer from a similar problem and only recently have been having more than 2 hour stretches of sleep on a regular basis.
My DHEA levels are normally well below the reference range and supplementation brings them up. You might check your level.
Most important perhaps is the coconut oil. When I went up from 2 Tablespoons to 4 to 6 Tablspoons - 2 or 3 after dinner time before bed, I noted a definite improvement. You need to find your own levels her and especially for the melatonin - I currently take a quarter of a 3 mg. lozenge under the tongue type - each time I wake up to go to the bathroom.
Experiment.
Supplements
Posted by CheeMiss (Toronto, ON) on 12/28/2008
Hi Jake,
Thank you for your help. I have been taking or tried all that you mentioned to no avail except for the DHEA supplement. I will ask my doctor to check my levels as you suggested. Our gene pool insomnia is tough on all of us, as nothing much works. I wonder why doctors just dismiss this without checking our blood for imbalances. All they seem to want to do is push the pharmaceuticals.
Supplements
Posted by Mary (Regina, Canada) on 12/28/2008
Hi CheeMiss: Regarding your insomnina, have you ever considered thyroid insufficiency? Hypothyroidism runs in families and is often not detected by blood tests.Insomnia is a huge symptom of hypothyroidism. I have had this problem and as my blood tests were low normal I got No help from my md. go to www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com Doctor Wilson has devised a wonderful protocol for treating hypothyroidism that works!
Also I sleep alot longer each night now. Good luck, Mary
Supplements
Posted by Cal (Calgary, AB Canada) on 05/19/2009
Sea salts worked for me. The one without any additives etc, just wind and sun-dried. You can get at health stores. I used to always wake up around 2 am and couldn't fall asleep again. Also could only sleep on my left side but since I started taking sea salts things changed immediately. I just add a little to my drinking water, enough to taste it without it being salty and I can sleep on any side and even if I wake up I fall asleep again.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Helen (Houston, TX, USA) on 10/01/2014
★☆☆☆☆
I tried L-Tryptophan several nights, thought one of the other substances was what kept me alert-awake. (I was taking several things at once - B3, herbs, etc, in desperate effort to get some sleep! Bad idea for figuring what is causing a worse problem instead of helping) I was having strange feelings in my chest which I now know to be heart palpitations.
Thinking no sleep meant I wasn't taking enough L-Triptophan (and that one of the other tools was causing the strange chest thumps), I upped from 500 mg to 1000 mg (2 pills) and took only L-Tryptophan (to eliminating, I thought, whatever was causing the chest spasms). But an hour after I got to bed wow was my heartbeat crazy! Like my whole chest was throbbing! Felt like a superslow beat 5 times the usual strength, but wrist pulse revealed a weak pulse beat in between the super big ones, so the rate was normal but the strength unusual. Really scary to have a resting heartbeat that intrudes on your awareness! Got up and searched for the half life - 1-2 hours. That was reassuring. An hour later my heartbeat was still too strong but far less so. (Food based L-Triptophan has a 10-12 hour half life because it's bound to protein; the pure supplement has a short half life.)
BTW, L-Triptophan supplement wearing off fast means it might be good for helping some people get to sleep but not keeping them asleep.
Valerian Root
Posted by Susanp (Melbourne, Vic) on 10/23/2011
In my experience, nothing works like NOW food's melatonin. But other brands are good too. To anybody that's on the fence, definitely go and buy melatonin. At least give it a try.
5 HTP and Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Robin (Rural, VA) on 07/11/2008
★★★★★
I have been on a quest to find a good nights sleep, naturally. I have recently been taking myself off of antidepressants and prescription sleep aides. And trying to find a way to balance out the seratonin naturally. This is what I have found: Rhodiola is an enormous help. However, I was still having insomnia, and anxiety. I tried Kava. This helps with the anxiety, and would help me relax, but wouldn't put me in the sleep zone. So I recently got 5-Htp, and magnesium citrate. And it hasn't been long, but I feel I am in balance. I am finally sleeping like a baby.
5 HTP and Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/12/2008 490 posts
To Robin with insomnia: Hi Robin, If you are still having problems sleeping, I think that you should keep on taking the magnesium and add a good stress tablet at rate of l tab at mealtime and bedtime. Stress tablet usually only has B complex vitamins + C & E, and I consider them the best nerve pill or antidepressant going, much cheaper and seldom any unwanted side effects.
Milk
Posted by WT (Spartanburg, SC) on 05/29/2008
★★★★★
Insomnia and Milk: I'm ADD and always have been. Also have allergies which peak at night, coincidentally when I do my best thinking... However if I can't get to sleep I will drink a half glass (8oz) of milk, right out of the fridge. {A regular sized glass is about 16 oz.} If that doesn't do it quickly I drink another half glass and repeat until I'm knocked out! Usually about a glass and a half is all it ever takes, no matter how "wide awake" I am. Just for proportion sake, I'm 6' male about 215 lbs. The warm milk we've all heard of is not necessary. Milk contains Tryptophan and calcium, both of which make you sleepy.
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.
Valerian Root
Posted by Alex (Birmingham, Michigan) on 09/03/2008
★☆☆☆☆
First of all, I love Earthclinic! Thank you so much Deidre, Ted and anyone else who puts effort in making this site the wonder that it is.
I have a bit of feedback on Valerian Root (tea and liquid capsules). It did not work for me. I have had trouble sleeping due to anxiety. I have tried many other things (warm milk, magnesiun, bentonite clay, etc.), unfortunately, none of them seem to work for me. I believe that my level of anxiety is too high, (I have a big exam coming up and worry about not doing well) therefore I just cannot sleep. I can usually cope well with the anxiety during the day (I usually do oil pulling, take Ted's pH drink (baking soda/sea salt, etc.)). Also for the anxiety, L-Theanine (about 600 mg 3X/day) has been very helpful. Does anyone have any suggestions for the insomnia?
Thanks in advance!
Valerian Root
Posted by rsyoon (Guirae, Korea) on 06/12/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Any valerian preps didn't work for me, even after several months' use, not only that it induced almost constant irregular heart rhythm, like trigeminy and palpitation. Didn't realize what caused this crazy rhythm until I ran out of valerian for a more than a month when that uncomfortable rhythm problem disappeared. This hard lesson could have been learned had I google-searched before venturing out for herbs.
Valerian Root
Posted by Tina (Salinas, California) on 06/14/2009
this is very good to know...i am taking valerian in a menopause formula for my premenopause symptoms.. i am taking magnesium and more natural sleep aids like 5htp. very hard to stay asleep..i've been taking right before bed..i really don't know how much to take of each!
No Cell Phone or Computer 2 Hours Before Bed
Posted by Linda (Malden, Ma) on 03/27/2013
I read in bed before attempting to sleep (terrible insomnia). I put a low-light wattage bulb in the bed light. My husband bought me a new Paperwight Kindle for Christmas. Now, I do not put a light on to read and adjust the "back light" on the Kindle to minimum. I fall asleep much faster, and am noticing less insomnia.
Kakao (Raw Chocolate)
Posted by Gabi (TORONTO, CANADA) on 02/12/2008
★★★★★
Insomnia remedy. Hi all Insomniacs! I discovered my remedy a few years ago by accident. I just turned vegan and was looking for something raw to sweeten up my food and desserts. It is KAKAO (cacao). Raw Chocolate nibs. You will find them in health food store. Take 1-2 teaspoon in the evening and chew it. I put mine in a coffee grinder.God, how well I sleep! I am not insomniac but used to have sleepless nights time to time and my friend with sleeping problems is already on it and sends me his blessings every morning so I hope it will help you also. Don't ask me if there is caffeine. I don;t know.It works. I use it when my schedule is craze and I sleep 2-4 hr every night and this is going for months sometimes.Being "on cacao" I fall in a sleep in seconds and wake up well rested. I just feel in the morning like a baby again! Please send me email if it works for you.
Kakao (Raw Chocolate)
Posted by Susan (Vancouver, Canada) on 08/25/2009
Yes, I started using cacao (Cocoa) in the powder form. It is very healthy. I have researched it on the internet and it has the most flavanoids (immune booster) of any food. As well it is a pure protein. Do not mix with dairy as they block many of these nutrients.
Kakao (Raw Chocolate)
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl) on 04/21/2012
★★★★★
Cacao is rich in magnesium, which helps to promote sleep. That is why some people also have relief from insomnia from taking magnesium orally or taking epsom salt baths. :)
Oil Pulling With Safflower Oil
Posted by Mary Lou (Louisville Ky) on 08/27/2020
Just reading you comment about taking safflower for belly fat blasters and noticed it helps sleep. How much do you take?
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by Kimmi (Park City, Ks) on 06/14/2011 12 posts
★☆☆☆☆
i tried this last night for my insomnia.... And nothing... How disappointing... Sigh... But I may still try it for weight loss.. ;-)
ACV, Baking Soda and Cayenne
Posted by Shifra (Boston) on 06/24/2017
When do you take it. If I use it for sleep do I take before bed?
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Carole (Mission Viejo, Ca) on 12/11/2009
Please tell me the proportions in baking soda and ACV for the insomnia
Bentonite Clay
Posted by GT (Vero Beach, Florida) on 08/24/2007
★★★★★
Used Medicinal grade Bentonite clay for acid reflux,works within a few sips. Get a small bottle of water put in a teaspoon of bentonite clay (PH is 9.1) shake hard so it disolves in the water and take some sips. You will notice within the second sip the acid starts to calm down. A note; People with bad acid reflux have trouble sleeping, magnesium gets depleted when acid is on overload, a few sips of bentonite clay before bed you sleep like a baby. Magnesium' has a 'calming' effect for the mind and the physical muscles. There is magnesium in bentonite clay.
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Trudyg (Anon) on 05/09/2013
What about those of us with ibs/d who can't take magnesium? It's so easy to say take 400 mg, but even 50 mg and I'm on the toilet all night. I use the magnesium oil but too much of that and I'm out with the D, too.
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 05/09/2013
I find chamomile tea or Sleepytime tea before bed to reallly help when I am having trouble sleeping. I have read about a number of people using 5-HTP for sleep help.
Blackstrap Molasses has magnesium in it and is a food instead of a supplement. It might work better than a supplement. 1 T. At bedtime. My son is trying this for bruxism and if my husband takes it before bed after a long day working outside (and sweating a lot) he won't get leg cramps. My point is, it doesn't take a ton to get results.
Valerian is another herb some people use to help with insomia.
Hope you get some good sleep soon.
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Trudyg (Anon) on 05/09/2013
I will try the blackstrap molasses--have some, just didn't think about it. The sleepy time tea is good, but it makes me go to the bathroom so much, I just can't drink anything or I'm up 10 times. Thanks.
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by An (Anon) on 05/10/2013
Hi, Let me know how your son gets on as my daughter has this night time teeth grinding and it's a struggle to get her to take bvits and CLO regularly. Thanks
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/16/2013
I was just reading in the addiction section in earth clinic and they gave the remedy for teeth grinding in there.
Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Jo (Nm) on 04/16/2014
Mg glycinate is least likely to cause diarrhea. I adjust the amt I take. Need at least 800 mg for restless leg and charley horse. Sometimes need another 400. If I get bound up, I switch to mg citrate. My husband takes the citrate, at least 1200 mg because his meds cause extreme constipation. Took Clark's for many years, and am thinking of finding it again.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Shabana (Bradford, UK) on 12/27/2008
hi, what exactly do you do with coconut oil? drink or masage it? plz let me know.
Amino Acids
Posted by One2die4 (Washington, DC) on 05/23/2009
What brand have you used for L-arginine and L-glutamine.or doesn't matter.
Amino Acids
Posted by Wing Sum (Singapore) on 06/02/2010
I have been taking L glutamine before go to sleep for the past few days. And I cant sleep the whole night. My eyes are wide opening. And alert through the night.
I cant think of the reason why I cant sleep. I have stopped already but still not yet can sleep. Is it because I didnt take L arginine together?
Can you please advice me? I hope I can survive in these few days without sleep.
thank you
Ear Plugs
Posted by Michelle (Penryn, CA) on 09/29/2006
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I started using earplugs about 5 years ago to drown out the sounds of a snoring husband. This worked great for a while. But now I am DEPENDANT on them in order to sleep. I used to be able to fall asleep with noise, with some lights on, with the television on, but now I am ONLY able to sleep in complete silence and darkness, and with my EAR PLUGS. It would be so nice just to fall asleep whenever I am tired. Now I have insomnia problems I feel because I can't just fall asleep whenever I want to-- only when I have my EAR PLUGS. Not to mension, my ears always ache now and have sores in them, probably due to the ear wax build up. EAR PLUGS do work for a while, but please try them at your own risk!
Ear Plugs
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/09/2010
★★★★★
Hi again, I hadn't seen your earlier post..... I also wear earpluggs and I have gotten dependent on them. I suppose that my sleep is very light therefore without them I wake up easily. I have worn them for a number of years now with no side effects (even thought we live in a very peaceful place, at least at night....). I do pannic a bit if we go away and I forget them...... Other than that no problems!
Magnesium
Posted by Ankita (Toronto, Ontario) on 05/01/2009
Donna, Can you please tell me clearly how much magnesium You are taking (Day time and before bed time) I also have CFS and sleep problem.I recently started Amino acid chelated Calcium 360mg and Magnesium 180 mg at bed time and doesn't seem to be helping for my sleep.
L-Glutamine
Posted by Wydo (Ventura, Ca) on 12/06/2009
I have a question for Victoria. I am very interested in the HGH at night product but I cannot find it sold anywhere. If you still have a bottle could you please post the ingredients here?
I have tried everything just about to help me get to sleep. I have just started taking GABA and it helps me get a better sleep but does not help me to get to sleep. A lot of suplements help at first but over time quit working so I cannot rate the GABA just yet. I do think you must be right about having a good bowel movement helping to make a better sleep at night. I notice when I have a good early bowel movement I can get to sleep better at night. I also have IBS so I want to work on that as well.
Magnesium and Calcium
Posted by Karin (Arlington) on 08/29/2005
★★★★★
My sister has Fibro and was taking meds to sleep at night. I mentioned how well calcium makes a huge difference in how my husband and I sleep at night. She is hooked! She only takes her meds to sleep when she absolutley has too.
Magnesium and Calcium
Posted by Ankita (Toronto, Ontario) on 05/01/2009
Karin, Can you please tell me clearly how much calcium and magnesium your sister is taking (Day time and before bed time) I also have CFS and sleep problem. I recently started Amino acid chelated Calcium 360mg and Magnesium 180 mg at bed time and doesn't seem to be helping for my sleep.
Valerian Root
Posted by Ralph (Mountain City,TN)
★★★★★
When I'm having trouble with sleep, I take valerian root capsules.
Valerian Root
Posted by Joella (NYC)
★★★★★
Half a dropper of valerian root and half a dropper of lobelia in a little water 15 minutes before bed does wonders for my sleep. It also induces intense dreaming!
Magnesium and Calcium
Posted by SHERRI (RICHMOND, VA)
★★★★★
Take magnesium before bed time.
