Insomnia

I have chronic isomnia (going on 6 years) but I never went for any sleep studies yet - which might be in my future. I don't feel it's related to my Uc but due to stress. I am now able to sleep every other night or so without the sleep aids because my stress level has decreased significantly in the past 3 months.

Oh I have tons of tips for insomnia! :) Because I use them all! lol I've used Ambien too but it started making me do weird things which scared me so I stopped them. It worked great for me though eventually it stopped working as well so the doc prescribed Ambien CR (I think it was CR) but my insurance doesn't cover the extended release. There are other prescription sleep aids you can try such as Lunesta or R......can't think of the name of this one. Right now I use Tylonel Simply Sleep and it works good for me. I can use it and wake up in the middle of the night if needed and it doesn't give me that hungover feeling.

Some tips: Sleep in a dark cool room, not cold. Have a fan in the background for white noise - this will take some getting used to if you're not used to noise. Don't do anything to stimulate you at LEAST 2 hours before you go to bed, such as exercise, watching a thrilling movie etc. Do not drink any caffeine for at least 6 hours before you go to bed. Cut any liquids 2 hours before you go to sleep so you're not waking up having to urinate. Don't eat 2 hours before bed. No doing thing other then sleeping in your bed. Your bed is for sleeping only (well maybe for sex too) and if you read, watch tv, do work etc in your bed, your mind associates the bed for other things besides sleeping. If you like tea, you can drink Sleepytime Tea by Celestial Seasons. Hmmm that's it for now, I think.