Growing Older with Grace: More Hours in My Day: Insomnia

Some days I do have more hours in my day because I have fewer hours in sleep. Insomnia is one of the challenges of growing older. There are plenty of over the counter and prescription products available to help us get needed sleep. This one, I have found helpful.

First the standard medical disclaimers: I am not a doctor, nor am I providing medical advice. I would be happy to be paid to blog about this product, but I’m not…sigh. It has helped me get some much needed sleep, so I would like to share this information with other women who might find it helpful.

The product I use for occasional insomnia is Nature Made brand valerian . Valerian  is an herbal product that smells like dead molding plants when you open the bottle. It is inexpensive and has no known side effects. Like all medications, you should check for drug interactions  before using it, if you are taking any other medications.

Aside from the nasty smell, valerian has worked well for me. I first heard about it on The People’s Pharmacy  radio broadcast. I was looking for something my then 11 year old could take for her insomnia. I take it about an hour before bedtime. Usually before that hour is up, I am sound asleep. I don’t think this product is helpful to those who can fall asleep but have trouble staying asleep. I use it only when I am planning on seven hours of sleep. I do wake up a little groggy but that is what coffee is for.

Like most women, I would love more my hours in my day, but not at the expense of less hours in my night.

Comments

[AvidReader]

Thanks for the advice, is it addicting at all, ie. do you need it every night now? I'll look up what I can on it.

[Carol Taber]

Hi Avid, I use it a few times a month. The valerian and Valerian links in the post will lead you to 2 different sites with lots of information.