I have two friends who are going through withdrawal. ONe can attend a methadone clinic and the other is on her own, what can they do to get to sleep -the insomnia is severe. unfortuneately, there really isn't much you can do. I have gone thru methadone withdrawal and so have many of my friends. Sleep is something you won't get much of at all. And, if you do sleep you're often plagued with nightmares. Try taking some valium or benzodiazapine class drugs-- but use them very sparingly, the idea is to detox not switch to a different drug. A doctor may be able to prescribe a sleep aid. Also lots of hot baths help a little.But the only real way to get sleep is to just get thru the withdrawal.(I know, easier said than done) Also one more thing; if your friends are on methadone clinics and are doing a voluntary detox, I suggest taking it very very slow. this will make it much easier. For example: my ex-husband was on 80 mgs and took just over a year to detox. He still suffered from insomnia but it was not too bad. The first remedies to try are melatonin 1-2mg at 30 minutes before bedtime (contraindicated if depression is involved, according to 2006 research), and if that doesn't work, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50mg at 15 minutes before bedtime. They should exercise during the day, but not for 3 hours before bed. Also no heavy food 3 hours before bed, limited sugar intake, and no caffeine after lunch.
If all of that fails, the next step up is a prescription sleep aid, and I have to admit that I don't know the interaction between prescription sleep aids and methadone withdrawal. It may or may not be possible. Obviously a doctor is required for the prescription anyway, so he/she would know. Here are the some suggestions wherein insomnia can be treated:
1. Follow a positive routine.
If an insomniac has an erratic eating routine, this should be changed to a fixed routine dedicated to directly fight insomnia. The person should eat early dinner so as to condition the body to sleep early.
2. Do not drink coffee.
As much as possible, a person with insomnia should avoid drinking coffee, sodas, chocolate, cocoa, green tea, black tea or anything that has caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers sleeplessness. It can make someone awake for as long as 20 hours. For some, even drinking a cup of coffee in the morning causes them sleeplessness at night.
3. Exercise at night.
Insomnia is often caused by too much stress. Doing exercise at night makes blood to circulate in our brain and body. This in turn makes us calm and stress free.
4. The bedroom should be conducive to sleep.
Loud noise coming from cars in the street, upbeat music set at very high volume, bright lights and uncomfortable bed should be avoided.
5. Read not watch.
Read books, magazines or anything that interests an insomniac instead of watching television. Television enhances attention which makes a person awake. Reading on the other hand while in bed causes the eye to get tired and creates a sleepy feeling.
6. Relax
Try ways that causes our body to relax. Meditation technique like yoga can initiate a calm state of mind and body. Listening to soft and classical music can also help. There are fragrant oils, incense, and candles that are made specifically to aid in relaxation. Consult a shop that sells these on type of scents that can induce sleep.
7. The root solution for insomnia.
There are root extracts that can engender a sleepy state. 300 to 600 mg of concentrated extract should be taken 30 minutes prior to going to bed. This root extract can be mixed with calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower and balm made from lemon.
8. Take melatonin with caution
Melatonin can help in adjusting one鈥檚 sleeping pattern. 0.5 to 3.0 mg an hour or two before going to bed may help. Melatonin though should only be taken with the approval of a physician. The human body has different reactions to melatonin.
As people grow older, the melatonin level of the body decreases. This explains why older people usually have a hard time sleeping and sleep less compared to children and younger people.
9. Magnesium
Conditions such as restless legs syndrome (RLS) and period limb movements (PLM) while sleeping can cause insomnia. Taking 300 mg of magnesium at night from four to six weeks can solve insomnia. Again this should be done with doctor鈥檚 consent.
10. Acupuncture
Acupuncture which is a Chinese healing method could help to heal insomnia. These needles put into the skin strike nerve transmitters that produce sleep inducing hormones like serotonin.
Natural methods in curing insomnia are always preferred but upon a doctor鈥檚 approval the following over the counter medicines are formulated to stimulate sleep.
鈥?Diphenhydramine (Excedrin, Nytol, Sominex)
鈥?Doxylamine (Unisom)
Altering a person鈥檚 diet is effective in preventing and healing insomnia. Doctors suggest eating food that is high in carbohydrate prior to sleep.
(sleep foods & drinks here : http://www.sleep-aid-tips.com/sleep-aid-... )
Examples of these are bread and crackers. Studies showed that carbohydrates enhance the quantity of serotonin produced by the body. Serotonin is a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter that affects the brain. This chemical lessens anxiety which in turn creates sleep.
Consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist may give light in solving insomnia. This sleeping disorder is usually caused by stress. A psychologist or psychiatrist can give expert advice on how to treat insomnia.
There are natural methods, practices, over the counter medicines and prescribed medicines that can be the solution to insomnia. It would be best to consult a doctor on this disorder for sound guidance towards a sound sleep.
there are hundreds of safe, natural herbal and home remedy treatments to help relax your body, calm your mind, make your environment more soothing, improve your sleep inducing foods etc etc.
http://www.sleep-aid-tips.com/sleep-aid-...
This sleep aid site is full of great ideas to use and improve your overall sleep hygiene so that you have a better, more stable sleep habit every night.
As a reformed insomniac, I sympathyse with how tough it is to sleep when your body is out of balance... I suggest you use every single tool that is helpful to you...
GOOD LUCK & ALL THE BEST TO YOU - Helene Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress,
dietary and medical problems. By making
small lifestyle changes like having a fixed
daily routine, relaxing and eating properly,
insomnia can be cured. I found the information
at http://www.nosleep.in/insomniacause.html |
