I haven't slept more than a few hours each night since my accident. Which is a best over the counter sleep aid?

SA Jim Arnold — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 02:50:03 -0400

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 3:02 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 03:02:34 -0400

I've never used OTC remedies but some home ones you can do is

1) White Noise (fan blowing to block any noise that may not be constant like cars, animals, etc)
2) Warm tea
3) A cold shower (Contrary to belief, you body rests when it's colder and not warmer... hense why people hate warm pillows and blankets)
4) Melatonin

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 13 at 2016 12:09 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:09:24 -0400

I switch between Ny-quil, Tylenol PM, and actual sleep aids. I try not to take the same one repeatedly because I don't want my body getting used to it and not work anymore.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Sep 13 at 2016 3:43 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:43:30 -0400

Melatonin is a naturel sleep supplement. I like to use it because it is not addictive. Doesn't really put you to sleep but lets you go right back to sleep if you wake up. I use it every night.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 13 at 2016 4:13 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:13:41 -0400

SA Jim Arnold Seriously, how many sheep can you count? If you lose count, start over! FOCUS! I learned to mentally revisit a trip to Ohio. Focusing on every step, turn, street sign, buildings observed, stop light intersection and freeway of that trip clears my mind of the extraneous crap that was keeping me awake!

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Sep 13 at 2016 7:24 PM

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 19:24:40 -0400

Melatonin, Valium, and Burbon.

Just don't take them together.

Response by Sgt Neil Klein made Aug 26 at 2017 4:15 PM

Sgt Neil Klein — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 16:15:30 -0400

Due to PTSD I take perscription sleep aids but I have been cutting back

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Aug 26 at 2017 4:21 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 16:21:49 -0400

a six pack when I was healthy and mobile. that fixed my sleep cycle for a long period of time. if you have to do it more than twice a week find another method. After my accident I have slept no longer than 3 hrs at a time. melatonin helps get me to sleep it just doesn't keep me there