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.
Nutmeg
Posted by Ravi S (Dallas, Texas, United States) on 12/26/2009
★★★★★
For sleep disorder
Please try a pinch of ground nutmeg in a cup of warm milk. Worked wonders for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ravi S (Dallas, Texas) on 12/20/2009
★★★★★
Last night I was reading on ACV/Honey, ACV/baking soda for sleep disorders. Decided to give it a try. I took ACV/Honey one teaspoon each in a cup of warm water at 9.09pm. By 9.30pm I started winding down and by 10pm, I was fast asleep. I had FEWER disturbance. My problem earlier was to get back to sleep if i am disturbed and that happened frequently. This seemed to work pretty good and I woke up real fresh.
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
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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Andrea (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 12/06/2009
You can do oil pulling with coconut oil. Place 1 tbsp. coconut oil in your mouth; It will desove from your body tempurature. Start swishing it around in your mouth, around your gums for 15 min. Poke your index finger into your cheeks. Spit it into the toilet, when you are done, and rinse several times. No more irritating itches and sinus congestions.
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.
Melatonin
Posted by Bob (Ohrid, Macedonia) on 10/11/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Cow brain is a major source of melatonin. Buyer beware!
Borax
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/27/2009
I really have no idea what causes the nightmares--I guess it's stress or a nutritional deficiency, but these probably vary over time. The nightmares became worse for a couple of years after my boyfriend died in 2006, but I've had them and/or the sleeplessness for at least a decade...then sometimes I'll sleep better for a while, but I have no idea why. I also have bi-polar disorder, and sometimes would barely sleep for 3 days during a manic episode; however, I haven't had a severe episode in almost 3 years, since being on medication.
Elderberry Extract
Posted by Samuel (Seattle, Wa) on 09/22/2009
★★★★★
I have discovered that elderberry extract is great for insomnia-2 tablespoons. Plus it really does get rid of flu or cold fast.
Borax
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 09/22/2009
Leelannee, were you having problems sleeping and having nightmares due to anxiety? I just wondered if this relaxed you overall.
Borax
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/22/2009
Linda: Sorry, I don't know about recommending this for a small child. I use such a small amount, and I imagine a child would need only a fraction of that; but her sleeplessness could be caused by something totally different than mine, or something in her diet. When my son was little, I used homeopathic remedies (rather than herbs or supplements) because they are usually very safe.
Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
Posted by Sasha (Sav, Jamaica) on 09/14/2009
★★★★★
This really works. I took it one evening and i was trying to remember what i ate or drank why i slept so calm and peaceful. Now that i saw this post, i realized that it was the calcium, magnesium and zinc combo. Thanks for sharing!
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.
Borax
Posted by Roy (Ocala, Florida) on 09/10/2009
We solved the problem of baby falling over the top crib rail by taking (sawing) one slat out of one side at the end of the crib. The baby found his way out, but it was a little bit tight, so he stayed in at night.
Borax
Posted by Linda (York County, Maine) on 09/10/2009
Leelannee-any idea if this could by employed for a toddler? My granddaughter is 17 months old and is waking up during the night; since her crib rail has been removed, she crawls out of bed and sometimes is awake for an hour or more....this has been happening since the rail was removed and she started sleeping in her 'big girl bed'....part of it could be simply because she knows she CAN get out of bed - it's been happening for a month, or more, and her parents are pretty sleepy much of the time!!
Borax
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★
I read about using 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of borax in water for various health issues, although not insomnia specifically. I decided to try it, and right away noticed that I was able to fall asleep easily and sleep through the night better. I've had insomnia & nightmares for years & have tried many natural supplements & remedies. I'm often tired but don't feel sleepy...after so many years of insomnia, I LOVE that delicious sleepy feeling! Magnesium has worked ok for me but gets expensive & sometimes I'd be awake for an hour or more after sleeping for just a few minutes. Perhaps the borax is detoxifying flouride or something from my body, or killing off a fungus that was affecting my health. However, I've skipped the borax twice in the last few weeks and had a horrible time that same night. I've read that boron helps you absorb calcium better, and calcium helps you relax and sleep, so maybe that's why it's helping me. In the morning I prepare a liter bottle with 1/4 teaspoon borax and sip it throughout the day. Even if I finish it in the early afternoon or drink the whole bottle an hour before bed, it seems to work
Borax
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★
I read about using 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of borax in water for various health issues, although not insomnia specifically. I decided to try it, and right away noticed that I was able to fall asleep easily and sleep through the night better. I've had insomnia & nightmares for years & have tried many natural supplements & remedies. I'm often tired but don't feel sleepy...after so many years of insomnia, I LOVE that delicious sleepy feeling! Magnesium has worked ok for me but gets expensive & sometimes I'd be awake for an hour or more after sleeping for just a few minutes. Perhaps the borax is detoxifying flouride or something from my body, or killing off a fungus that was affecting my health. However, I've skipped the borax twice in the last few weeks and had a horrible time that same night. I've read that boron helps you absorb calcium better, and calcium helps you relax and sleep, so maybe that's why it's helping me. In the morning I prepare a liter bottle with 1/4 teaspoon borax and sip it throughout the day. Even if I finish it in the early afternoon or drink the whole bottle an hour before bed, it seems to work.
EC: More about borax here.
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.
Cod Liver Oil
Posted by Erika (Vancouver, Bc) on 08/04/2009
★★★★★
Hi, my eyes have been sensitive to light lately, so I researched and found that it may be a lack of fish oils, so I started taking cod liver oil capsules and very suddenly I started sleeping like a log through the night. So I told my father to try the cod liver oil for his sleep problems and sure enough the very first night he slept through 8 hrs. (usually he gets 3 hrs. then wakes up!) People with insomnia try this and let others know. Note: On one site I read says that if you get oil reflux or diahrea it is due to the oil being old. I've been feeling very healthy lately with no daytime tiredness since I have started this as well as great bowel movements, and my farsightedness has become clearer. Good Luck. Erika
Magnesium
Posted by R (Sarasota, FL, USA) on 07/11/2009
Can you please provide the form (citrate?) of magnesium you are taking? Thank you.
Magnesium
Posted by Anna (Dayton, OH) on 07/10/2009
★★★★★
I take two 200 or 250 mgs of magnesium every night to help me sleep. I have tried other products to help me sleep like phosphorus and melatonin. Phosporus is also very good but makes me too groggy when I wake up. Melatonin also makes me too groggy. I take Melatonin when I have had caffiene before bed and it knocks me out. I get the tablets and nibble the tiniest bit off of the edge and it works everytime but seems to be too strong for me and makes me tired during the day. For me magnesium is gentle and when I wake up I feel relaxed but not tired. We stayed overnight in New York City at my daughters boyfriends apt on a busy, noisy, avenue. I took my two magnesiums as usual but woke up in the middle of the night because of the terrible street noises. The next few nights I took 3 magnesiums (200 or 250mg's)and slept thru it all. At home I take two every night. Thank you so much for this website!! People helping People!! YaY people power!
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.
Basil
Posted by Kate (Atlanta, GA) on 06/27/2009
★★★★★
Basil has been by far the best remedy for my insomnia. I bring about 2 cups of water to a simmer, add 1/2 of a tablespoon of dried basil, turn the stove off, and let it sit, covered, for about twenty minutes. I've substituted a bruised sprig of fresh basil on occasion with the same wonderful effects. I start sipping on this tea about two hours before bed, and it knocks me out every time. I've upped the ammount of basil in the tea or the ammount of the tea I drink on occasion but the above measurements are the average ammounts that work best for me.
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!
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.
Horlicks
Posted by Beth (London, UK) on 06/01/2009
★★★★★
My mum is 65 years old and has been experiencing lack of sleep at night for about 3-4 years. She would drop off to sleep but never have any sound sleep as she would hear everything happening at night and had difficulty falling asleep after getting up at night. She now takes a drink of Horlicks every night and sleeps quite soundly that I have to wake her up in the morning. She gets up in the early hours of the morning to go to the toilet then drops back to sleep quite soundly that she can't hear my radio playing music in the morning. She started with 4 teaspoons of horlicks in a cup of milk as the label states but now sleeps even with taking one teaspoon. She also uses the light, medium and strong types and they all work the same. On the nights she doesn't take horlicks, she doesn't sleep. What I can't understand is that she used to take vitamin B complex tablets, which horlicks is mainly made of, every night but never slept. Does anybody know of any side effects for long term usage of horlicks?
Catnip
Posted by One2die4 (Oxon Hill, Washington DC) on 05/23/2009
so do you drink the catnip tea or what? thanks
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.
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.
Sea Salt
Posted by Cal (Calgary, AB) on 05/13/2009
★★★★★
I was having problems falling asleep at one point and I resorted to all kinds of things even drinking alcohol, working out hard in the day so I would be exhausted but still wouldn't fall asleep but somehow (don't know how and why) it stopped and I was able to fall asleep. Then I would fall asleep fine but around 2am I would just awake sometimes for no reason sometimes to pee and I would hardly be able to fall asleep again. This happened for months. My eyes would just open and I would like there for hours trying to fall asleep again and no matter what I did it just won't happen. I even got eyebags due to lack of sleep now I want to get rid of them. I had gone to a health store and bought some sea salt - one without preservatives or additives and just sun and wind dried. Somewhere I had read something about sea salt but didn't quite remember what so I decided to try it. Add some to my drinking water and lo and behold that solved the problem. Another thing is I could only fall asleep on my left side so I started developing pain in my left shoulder and I could only sleep in that position. I couldn't sleep on my back or right side or belly but since drinking the sea salts I sleep on my back or right side like a baby. Sometimes i even sleep all through the night and even if I wake up to pee I will fall asleep again. I am sooooo happy. Hope this helps someone. I still take it daily or almost daily by adding about a little to about 1 liter of water - enough to taste it but not be salty. I think I was missing some minerals which the salts provided
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Alex (Aventura, Fl.) on 02/27/2009
★★★★★
first of all i can talk all day regarding health its my passion [ as a nutritional researcher ] coconut oil eliminated sleeping problems now my body is in tone at sun down i begin to feel the affects of bed time befor sunrise am getting more awake to begin my day personaly it take 1-2 days to reset my body clock 1tbsp.early morning and 1tbsp.late afternoon does not need to be perfect. this fixed my problem. etc...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kaybe (Bristol, TN) on 02/25/2009
I get constipated with vinegar also...and I only use Organic, with "the Mother".
Sweet Woodruff
Posted by Tricia (Murrells Inlet, SC USA) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
To combat insomnia, take 1/2 tsp of powdered woodruff mixed with honey or fruit puree 30 min before bedtime.Take Care! In large doses, woodruff may cause internal bleeding. Don't use it if you're pregnant or taking conventional medication for circulatory problems.
