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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Sleeplessness. Tried Nyquil. Need Better Medication

I have had trouble sleeping for almost 4 years, since my husband passed away. If I go to sleep soon after going to bed I wake up withing 3-4 hours then cant go back to sleep. If I cant get to sleep right away, then I lay there for hours before I fall asleep and its usually before my alarm goes off. What can I take over the counter to help me sleep that wont make me feel restless. I tried using the new ZZquil from Nyquil and that made me feel weird soon after I took it, and I havent tried it since.

Fri, 17 May 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Following some simple sleep hygiene measures will help you improve your sleep:
• Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning.
• Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, and relaxing. Make sure your bed is comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Remove all TVs, computers, and other "gadgets" from the bedroom.
• Avoid large meals before bedtime.
• Avoid tea, coffee, and cigarettes for at least 4-6 hours before going to bed.
• Avoid strenuous exercise at least 4 hours before sleep.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation can help with sleep problems.

If your problem persists, I would not recommend taking any medicine over the counter. Long-term (chronic) sleep disturbance can result from a number of reasons like maladaptive lifestyle, stress, alcohol, depression, and anxiety. If lifestyle changes do not help you with your sleep problem, evaluation and management of the cause are necessary.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ankita Mishra
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Sleeplessness. Tried Nyquil. Need Better Medication

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Following some simple sleep hygiene measures will help you improve your sleep: • Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning. • Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, and relaxing. Make sure your bed is comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Remove all TVs, computers, and other gadgets from the bedroom. • Avoid large meals before bedtime. • Avoid tea, coffee, and cigarettes for at least 4-6 hours before going to bed. • Avoid strenuous exercise at least 4 hours before sleep. • Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation can help with sleep problems. If your problem persists, I would not recommend taking any medicine over the counter. Long-term (chronic) sleep disturbance can result from a number of reasons like maladaptive lifestyle, stress, alcohol, depression, and anxiety. If lifestyle changes do not help you with your sleep problem, evaluation and management of the cause are necessary. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ankita Mishra