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.
Iodine
Posted by Allmymarbles (New York City, New York) on 04/04/2010
★★★★★
For 30 years I suffered from ever-worsening insomnia. The cause was never found, but it was suggested slyly that I was neurotic. Ultimately I developed short-term memory loss and my exhaustion was profound.
One winter I developed a craving for clams and could not seem to get enough of them. I noticed that occasionally I had short periods of normal sleep. Then it hit me - iodine! I had myself tested for hypothyroidism. The result was positive. And I was furious. I never got help from the medical profession, lived for years as a zombie, and had to find the cure all by myself! Thanks to potassium iodide I sleep just fine. Although I started at a higher dosage, I currently take only four drops of 5 per cent solution a week. Now if I could get a refund of all the money I wasted on doctors who resorted to facile psychology instead of medicine . . . .
Castor Oil
Posted by Mel (Katy, Tx) on 01/17/2010
Kay, I just use a q-tip and dip in the Castor oil bottle and have just a drop fall on the tip of my finger and quickly apply to my eyelid. Do the same for the other eye. Rub it in very well and get in bed. It works very fast. I am more excited about my pterygium diminishing and maybe possibly going away for good. Keeping my fingers crossed. So, for me it has helped in two ways and I hope that it helps someone else with insomnia and a pterygium.
Sea Salt
Posted by Jennie (Adelaide, South Australia, Australia) on 03/09/2012
★★★★★
I have had great success with this over the past week!
"Sea salt is very important for regulating sleep. It is a natural hypnotic. If you drink a full glass of water then put a few grains of sea salt on your tongue and let it stay there, you will fall into a natural, deep sleep. Don't use salts on your tongue without drinking water for repeated use of salt alone might cause nosebleeds". http://nzungseraphine.hubpages.com/hub/SOME-HIDDEN-MIRACLES-OF-SEA-SALT
5 HTP
Posted by Stefanie (Minden, Louisiana) on 07/17/2008
★★★★★
I found this remedy when I was looking for herbal remedies for my daily headaches. I found 5-HTP. According to the article, some of the things it helped with are insomnia, headaches, anxiety & depression. I thought could it be? I immediately went to my husband to show him what I had found because he had problems sleeping at night as well. We went a few days later to our local drug store and picked up a bottle of 50mg. 5-HTP. We had decided on the lowest dosage available in our area, upping the dosage as we went along if it was necessary. We have only been on it for a few days now but there is a very noticeable difference. We both have been sleeping through the night and feeling more refreshed when we wake. My anxiety attacks are gone as well as my headaches. We both are much less snappish than what we were before. We haven't noticed any side effects so far. We are taking them with a meal or a small snack and so far we have stayed at 50mg. Thanks for the very useful information that lead to this discovery!
EC: Read more about 5-HTP here.
Wiggle the Toe Method
Posted by Hazel (London, England) on 07/04/2007
★★★★★
I had psychotic depression after my childs birth. I didn't sleep for days. A reflexologist told me this. You wiggle one toe, then the next one, then the next one and so on. Over and over. It works brilliantly, try it tonight!
Avoid Sugar
Posted by Michele (Los Angeles, California) on 06/13/2024
★★★★★
My big problem for years was my sleep but I managed to solve the problem. I worked a lot on nutrition and I had eliminated, as is often said, gluten and dairy products and lots of other things to no avail. Well, I finally found: it's the sugar and so I no longer have dessert and from the first day I had a big improvement in my sleep. It's really hard not to have dessert and nothing sweet but it's worth it. All I have now during the day is a few fruit.
Melatonin
Posted by GertieJr (Madison) on 09/10/2022
I agree, when melatonin works, it works great. It just doesn't work consistently. I recently bought some gummies w/ melatonin (total 3 mg/ dose) and have started using apigenin as well. The first few days of these 2 items, I slept like a log. Then it stopped working and I was up and down all night again. So I added another apigenin and slept again. After the 2nd night of this higher dose, I see my face is breaking out. Not whitehead pimples, but red bumps that soon scab over. It looks like I have rosacea. So, what to do? I'd rather sleep than worry about my skin, so hope it gets better over time. This insomnia is terrible and NOTHING I have ever used works very long.
Dried Figs
Posted by Junebug (East Earl, PA) on 05/31/2022
★★★★★
I have noticed that my trouble sleeping vanished when I started snacking on dried figs (maybe about a cup a day). An eye twitch that I had been suffering with for over a year also disappeared. I noticed the improvement less than a week after starting to eat the figs. I skipped one day, and that night the sleeplessness returned. I resumed eating figs the next day and my sleep improved. It's been about a month now and I am so impressed by the results! I have read that figs are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, so I think it might be the combination that works for me. I had tried eliminating caffeine and taking magnesium supplements with no effect. I also tried mag-rich foods like hemp and pumpkin seeds with no effect. Potassium-rich bananas and avocados never helped me either.
Calcium
Posted by Connie (Utah) on 03/16/2022
★★★★★
Agree on Calcium as top sleep aid. I believe I've tried it all, including medications, but especially nutrition.
It seems obvious now, but I'd always tried calcium with other supplements.
I've gone so long with this deficiency, that I need calcium chelate without co-factors. It's something genetic because family members had other signs, such as heart arrhythmias, anxiety, so on. I'm taking a lot so I think it's an individualized thing.
Melatonin
Posted by Missm (New York) on 07/31/2020
Art has given excellent advice BUT if you don't do things like stop caffeine intake early in the afternoon, indulge in chocolate at night which has caffeine, use your computer before going to sleep, have light emanating from devices in your bedroom you will have problems.
Work on above and sleep improves. Also setting regular sleeping hours! Melatonin does work. I love it. I get deep rest from it.
Another option is to listen to theta waves with headphones before sleeping. if you are not familiar with these just google theatre waves for sleep.
Melatonin
Posted by Art (California) on 08/03/2020 2715 posts
Gertjr,
LDN is available by prescription only, but if the doctor is familiar with LDN and its good safety profile, they will sometimes prescribe it for you. It is generally used at less than 5 mgs per night. Otherwise, some of the LDN websites can recommend a doctor in your area who will prescribe it for you. LDN is used for many health issues and more recently, possibly for Covid-19. Here is a link to a brief article that discusses the use of LDN for IBS-c/d :
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/naltrexone/
Here is a link to 2 LDN sites :
https://ldnresearchtrust.org/
https://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/
Art
Melatonin
Posted by Deirdre (Ct) on 06/25/2020
Hi Gertjr!
I suggest you take Art's lead on the melatonin dosage. I am going to try his 123 method tonight with 10 mg each hour. I decided to skip melatonin and magnesium last night to see how I would do. Was wide awake at 3:00am and couldn't fall back asleep, so I ended up taking 10 mg of melatonin and mag l threonate at 3:30. It did eventually kick in.
Note: I also regularly use my Waff max to help put me in the sleep and peaceful zone. Not sure you saw my video on it a year ago. It's almost impossible to explain how well it works until you lie on one and, unfortunately, there is no way to demo it unless you happen to work at Loreal in France where they have a giant room with Waffs for their employees to recuperate on! At any rate, the Waff at least once a day plus the 2 supplements have totally turned night-time around for me in the past month. Good luck!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Steve L. (United States) on 03/28/2019
You might be one of many folks who have high night time cortisol. You can have it tested. It is usually related to adrenal fatigue/stress. If this is the case there is only one product that I have found helpful to reduce night time cortisol which is called seriphos. It is a special formulation of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus that blocks cortisol so you can sleep. Might be worth a try if nothing else has worked. You have to play with the dosage until you find what works for you.
Niacin
Posted by Sl0J0n (Waycross, GA, US) on 01/06/2023
Niacin is an 'approved treatment' for "elevated cholesterol".
Unfortunately, "elevated cholesterol" is absolutely *NOT* an actual health threat. It is a 'made-up' problem to sell (mostly) worthless drugs. In reality, "elevated cholesterol" is a symptom just as cardiovascular disease is a symptom.
Most don't know but many so-called "health" problems are really dietary & nutritional issues. The real cause of "elevated cholesterol" AND cardiovascular disease is over consumption of carbohydrates &/or carbohydrate sensitivity. The proof is diabetes (also too many carbs + sensitivty) is considered to 'cause' cardiovascular disease!
To 'solve' the "elevated cholesterol" issue just cut carbs. Personally, I lost over 100lb, lowered blood glucose, resolved high blood pressure, & helped other 'health issues' on a low carb/keto diet. I found out about this from Dr. William Davis' "Wheat Belly" books. He lost his mother to cardiovascular disease so he set out to discover why the "standard protocols" didn't work. Dr. Eric Berg said we need only FIVE grams of carbs per day & our livers can make the 5gm from fat or protein.
The 'medical establishment' is controlled by the drug/pharmaceutical industry to profit from illness & injury.
If 'doctors' want to 'help' people do they have to charge so much? I don't think so.
Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
Ginger Tea
Posted by Jean H. (Us) on 04/14/2018
Ginger also lowers cortisol levels.
Raw Onions
Posted by Anon (Usa) on 10/23/2017
★★★★★
I wake up feeling more refreshed if I eat raw onion befor bed. I mix it in guacamole, maybe half a medium onion. I use yellow.
Skullcap and Valerian
Posted by J. (Bozeman, Montana) on 11/27/2016
★★★★★
Hi,
Some time ago I started waking up at night, unable to sleep consistently. I searched around and found that the herbal mixtures of skullcap and valerian finally worked for me.
J.
Skullcap and Valerian
Posted by Sam (Canada) on 05/05/2021 67 posts
★★★★☆
I also found scullcap to be helpful. But it didn't seem enough on it's own. Need more. Maybe a combo. Trying magnesium (& potassium) which began working but the magnesium dose was too high and started causing loose stools. Will try another type and a lower dose. Glycine is another addition that seems to help many. I heard taurine also helps. I seem to need a stack. Continue to biohack myself.
Nettle Tea
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/21/2016
Dear Rsw,
Well, I have checked several of my herbal books. Though some are technical in nature, none are technical enough to answer your excellent question about nettle's effect on serum iron levels of those with already high levels.
I will keep my eyes open for the answer to this in my reading and if I find out anything further I will let you know!
~Mama to Many~
Neem
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 06/23/2016
★★★★★
I have to admit I am fascinated with Neem Tea. It does so many wonderful things for your health if you are faithful to it.
But one thing I have a problem with is it makes me sleepy. I learned there are different degrees of sleepiness of how deep certain herbs, minerals etc make or help you to sleep. Well I only take a few sips of Neem tea a day during its term of use, and it never fails to make me knock me out sleep. If you are a driver, the day you take the neem is a good day to take the train or bus. Someone needs to know why they are sleeping so hard. Take a look in the insomnia section where I would like EC to post this one. You will find out why you are so sleepy during the day. For example I did not know iodine gives you good sleep. But it does. I saw it on the list and tested it out.
HisJewel
5 HTP
Posted by C (Ava, Mo) on 06/05/2016
★★☆☆☆
2 stars for 5 HTP. Oh I forgot the most important one!!! If your stomach is bloated and you have gas, it may be a sign of allergies of food, for example gluten or milk. If people eat what they are allergic to, it can cause severe insomnia. The very best recommendation is go on an elimination diet like I did and I started sleeping. When I mess up the diet, my sleep is bad.
Zinc
Posted by Flippside (Tampa, Fl) on 09/30/2015
★★★★★
I am a 52 year old post menopausal woman who has had a challenging time during the past couple of years during the transition due to adrenal fatigue. I have tried everything for insomnia due to cortisol fluctuations and recently tried zinc supplements (zinc glycinate chelate) after reading that zinc lowers cortisol. Results were immediate and I'm happy to report that I have been sleeping like a baby, 8-9 hours straight, for over two weeks now! I initially started with 30mg before bed, but I have cut back to 15mg with no noticeable affect. I also take magnesium glycinate before bed but it alone wasn't enough. Just wanted to share in hopes that supplementing with zinc might help others!
Iron
Posted by Gal (Gal) on 09/30/2015
★★★★★
I happened to be at the hospital and spoke to a sleep Dr.She said the first thing she has sleep patients do is start iron. Said that, often, this is enough to correct the sleep issue. I've never heard of this but I'm willing to try anything. What kind is most easily tolerated? I've tried the sloFE and it was awful on my tummy. Thanks.
Flax Seeds
Posted by Lily (Los Angeles) on 08/06/2015
★★★★★
Whenever I can't sleep, I take about 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds at night in rice or almond milk or cottage cheese and I instantly feel calm and can have the best night's sleep!
Chia Seeds
Posted by Wendy (New York, Ny) on 03/09/2015
★★★★★
I've been suffering from insomnia for years and I finally found something that really works & wanted to report it for people here! I've been taking 2 heaping tablespoons of Chia seeds in 8 ounces of almond milk, and within an hour after, I'm out like a light and super relaxed all day, I may even feel a bit too sleepy throughout the day, but it's a welcomed relief from the insomnia that has left me stressed out & debilitated for years. Chia has been a real miracle for me, definitely try it if your stressed out, have anxiety, and can't sleep!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lois (Victoria, Canada) on 04/02/2025
★★★★★
Yes! It is my go to remedy for insomnia. I actually do put it in my thyme tea at night and it helps me have a restful and uninterrupted sleep. It's by far the best remedy!
Skullcap
Posted by Penelope (Ojai, California) on 06/14/2014
★★★★★
Skullcap tea for Hyperthyroid, insomnia, nervous tension
Skullcap tea will immediately calm you down, slow down your nervous system. I have to be careful with how much of this tea I drink because of how fast it works and how effective. I want to go to sleep right after I drink it, so be sure to pace yourselves. Works like nothing else for this - a true miracle! A miracle for insomnia, hyperthyroid, and anxiety problems!
