I recently hurt my back at work. My doctor put me on the usual meds ( Flexiril, Oxycodone), but i would rather not take them. He prescribed Ibuprofen--800 mg. I took one in conjunction with two Benadrils (alergies) and was OUT. Keep in mind i am 6"3" tall, 230 lbs. I believe that there is something there as far as the combo goes for a sleep aid.
Recently, I have been reading on Melatonin, sold in the vitamin section of drugstores and at almost all health food stores.
In the mid 1990's there was a buzz of interest in this stuff as a sleep aid, jet lag aid and more exotically, for anti-aging, improved immune system and sexual enhancement.
I tried some at a 1 mg dose two nights ago and fell asleep solid for almost 8 hours - which I ordinarily never do. Last night, I took it again, but the sleep was somewhere between the normal fitful sleep and the wonderful sleep of the previous night.
A number of web citations indicate that older folks need somewhat higher doses for sleep aid.
The Mayo Clinic website has a page on melatonin. Gives a fair rating for sleep aid applications, and mostly rates the other applications as having poor quality research in back of them.
It also cautions that long term safety hasn't been demonstrated, and the usual statement that the over the counter medications can't be relied upon to be pure and at the potency given on the label.
Another vote for hammocks.....i'd hang one in the bedroom if my wife would let me get away with it. My wife loves her Hennessey and usually has to be dumped out the next morning or she'll "sleep in".
Dick, I keep a mexican hammock on the patio all the time. Sometimes I light the chiminea to keep the skeeters away, and sack out in the hammock....waking up at first light. Almost like camping! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!