Sleep Aid Recommendatios

[jwoceanside]

I receive 4-5 hours of sleep per night. And some of that is interrupted.

Looking for a recommendation that may help add on a few more sleeping hours. I would prefer OTC

I've had this problem before CPAP. Over the past 6 weeks my AHI has been between 1-2. Will change mask to full face, since I have a mouthbreathing problem

Thanks
Jack

[LSAT]

When I have a problem I have been using OTC Benadryl (generic). Often I fall asleep OK, but wake up 3- 4 hours later and have a hard time getting back to sleep. When I wake up, I pop a Benadryl. It works relatively quickly and usually I can get another 3 hours. Benadryl is an OTC Antihistamine that make you sleepy. I got a bottle of 600 for $4.50 at Costco. Foe me, it works better than Melatonin.

[ChicagoGranny]

Looking for a recommendation that may help add on a few more sleeping hours.

---------------------->

Good Sleep for CPAPers

- Practice good sleep hygiene (Google it and read several sources; ignore extreme advice.)
- Eat a good diet
- Have a regular, moderate exercise program
- Try to avoid daytime naps
- Practice total abstinence of caffeine including sources like chocolate (sigh)
- Review all medicines, vitamins and supplements you are taking to make sure none are interfering with sleep
- Use the bedroom for sleeping (and sex) only, and make sure the bedroom and bed are comfortable.
- Learn to appropriately handle emotional stress in your life
- Do not listen to your breathing or the sound of the machine as you are falling asleep. (Some people, including me, actually find listening to their breathing and the sound of the machine to be relaxing.)
- Distract your mind by thinking of a pleasant, relaxing activity that you enjoy.
- If you are awakening at night, do not be too concerned. It is actually a normal part of sleep. (It does become a problem though for people who, when they awaken, become frustrated and have difficulty returning to sleep.)
- Use CPAP software, such as the free SleepyHead, to make sure your therapy is optimized
- If you still don't feel or sleep well, make sure you have regular medical checkups to confirm there are no other medical problems

This is a checklist. Some of the things you already do. Some are easy and can be done right away. Others you can work at over time.

CG

[Garylee]

I don't give recommendations, I only tell of my experience.

When I received my first CPAP, It did me no good. I told my doctor this and she argued with me. Eventually they tested me again and told me that I needed an oxygen supplement. Once I received oxygen at night I slept through the night and I received a restfull night's sleep. Don;t give up, there is help for you. We are here for you.

[freetimecreations]

I receive 4-5 hours of sleep per night. And some of that is interrupted.

Looking for a recommendation that may help add on a few more sleeping hours. I would prefer OTC

Why only 4-5 hours of sleep?
Are you not going to bed early enough to get more?
Going to bed early but can't fall asleep?
What wakes you up in the middle of the night? Pets, bathroom break, noises, spouse, fleeting mind?

I have the "fleeting mind problem" and the "snoring spouse" and I take a low dose prescription sleep aid should I wake up at 3 am.

The OP may PM me if they want to know what it is.

[ChicagoGranny]

I take a low dose prescription sleep aid should I wake up at 3 am.

The OP may PM me if they want to know what it is.

Beware of recommendations that are made by PM. They are not reviewed by other members of the forum who may have their own experiences with the sleep aid.

The collective wisdom of the group is greater than the wisdom of any one member (except Pugsy).

[Pugsy]

Given the OP's age and other health issues....I would suggest that the patient's doctor would be the first person to have a chat with about the sleep maintenance insomnia....even for OTC stuff.

Just to make sure there aren't some contraindications going on that even OTC meds might impact.
Just because something is OTC doesn't mean it might not be a problem for some people.

[freetimecreations]

I take a low dose prescription sleep aid should I wake up at 3 am.

The OP may PM me if they want to know what it is.

Beware of recommendations that are made by PM. They are not reviewed by other members of the forum who may have their own experiences with the sleep aid.

The collective wisdom of the group is greater than the wisdom of any one member (except Pugsy).

Thanks for pointing that out however I was purposely avoiding the collective wisdom of the group about a touchy subject like prescription sleep aides.

The OP may ask me through PM and then post questions about the medicine here.

[palerider]

Thanks for pointing that out however I was purposely avoiding the collective wisdom of the group about a touchy subject like prescription sleep aides.

Afraid people will say you're a fool for using them?

Why are you avoiding the 'collective wisdom'? OP still has to go through a prescriber to get anything.

[freetimecreations]

Thanks for pointing that out however I was purposely avoiding the collective wisdom of the group about a touchy subject like prescription sleep aides.

Afraid people will say you're a fool for using them?

Why are you avoiding the 'collective wisdom'? OP still has to go through a prescriber to get anything.

Yes I am afraid people will say I'm a fool for using them.

and

Yes avoiding the "collective wisdom" because of the fact most here may give opinions about "Sleep Aides" and not prescriptions.

[palerider]

Thanks for pointing that out however I was purposely avoiding the collective wisdom of the group about a touchy subject like prescription sleep aides.

Afraid people will say you're a fool for using them?

Why are you avoiding the 'collective wisdom'? OP still has to go through a prescriber to get anything.

Yes I am afraid people will say I'm a fool for using them.

and

Yes avoiding the "collective wisdom" because of the fact most here may give opinions about "Sleep Aides" and not prescriptions.

Maybe you are a fool, maybe you aren't... the meaningful question would be "do they work for you".

And, if they do, might they help someone else, who could talk to their doctor and possibly find help.

[zonker]

I have the "fleeting mind problem" and the "snoring spouse" and I take a low dose prescription sleep aid should I wake up at 3 am.

The OP may PM me if they want to know what it is.

if i may suggest it, a good way to avoid this altogether is for YOU to PM the OP.

now, if only i could find more initials to put in this post....

[freetimecreations]

The OP may PM me if they want to know what it is.

if i may suggest it, a good way to avoid this altogether is for YOU to PM the OP.

Good suggestion, I see "The collective wisdom of the group is greater than the wisdom of any one member (mainly me)."

[freetimecreations]

The OP may PM me if they want to know what it is.

if i may suggest it, a good way to avoid this altogether is for YOU to PM the OP.

Good suggestion, I see "The collective wisdom of the group is greater than the wisdom of any one member (mainly me)."

I reread the OP's ? and they prefer OTC.

[Sissy63]

You might consider looking into CBD oil or L-Theanine. They probably won’t knock you out, but might make it where you can sleep.