I've used this long weekend to experiment with different things to help me sleep. I already follow a sleep hygiene regiment. No screens an hour before bed. A stretching and relaxing routine 30 mins before bed. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day (within reason on the weekends.) All the things your supposed to.
It still takes me forever to fall asleep. And I tend to wake up anywhere between 1 am and 3am and usually can't fall back asleep after that. Or I wake up a dozen times. I snooze when I can. if I'm lucky, I get a 60 min nap before the alarm.
I have to be careful with what I choose because I am high risk for dementia so I can't take things that are not good for brain health. My results:
I also can't take melatonin. Most people don't realize it's a hormone and it gives me awful anxiety the next day, so I've been trying other options.
Sleepy time tea doesn't help. (Valerian Root, Hop, Skullcap, Holy Basil) I tried it for a couple of weeks without benefit.
I use xanex on an emergency basis and usually it helps me sleep decently throughout the night. I wake up a few times, but I feel rested the next day. But it's a benzo and that is not good for long-term brain health so it has to stay an emergency use.
Valium actually makes me feel awake. (Not that I've used it much)
Nightquil gives me the long deep sleep I love. I feel rested the next day but again, the sleep ingredient is bad for long-term brain health and I can't take it on a regular basis.
CBD helps some. I wake up fewer times during the night, but I don't get that deep sleep I crave.
I went to the dispensary and consulted with an expert and bought gummies that were THC 5 mg/ CBD 10 mg CBN 5 mg . I took half. It kept me up ALL NIGHT. It was like a drank coffee and this is the stuff that is meant for sleep.
I was really hoping THC/CBD combo was going to be my holy grail. It looks like I'll stick with CBD. At least it gave me partial benefit and doesn't have dangerous ingredients for long-term brain health.
Since I'm also getting older, I have a doctor's appointment to consult about hormone therapy since one of the biggest symptoms of per-menopuase is insomnia and night sweats. (I already have the latter) Which can start occurring in your 30's, but mainly in your 40's.
If anyone else has had success with something I didn't list, I'd love to hear it!
