Question: What the best sleep aid? I think I have tried everything, but nothing seems to work.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Sleeping pills aren't the best way to get to sleep. We all have a natural sleep cycle that is affected by light and the habits we engage in to help us get to sleep.
Make sure your bedroom is dark, that you go to sleep and wake about the same time every day, and take care not to read or watch TV in bed, since both activities can keep you up at night.
You should also ask your doctor to review any and all medications you take, to see if drugs may be interfering with your sleep. Take care to avoid alcohol close to bedtime (and drink responsibly; no more than two drinks a day) and don't consume caffeine after 3 p.m. daily.
You should also avoid eating right before bedtime. If these strategies don't work, you can ask your doctor for a trial of melatonin, but it's not a good idea to turn to sleeping pills on a regular basis.
For most people, changes in lifestyle and bedtime habits are the best bet for getting a good night's sleep. But you should also consult your doctor to be sure there is no underlying condition that is affecting your sleeping patterns. Sleep apnea is a silent killer and, as a chronic insomniac, you owe it to yourself to be screened for this.
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