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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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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.

 

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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/

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