Do you suffer from insomnia?

I have been a chronic insomniac for over 20 years. I've taken all the advice in "Say Goodnight to Insomnia", the book that comes most highly recommended. Some things help for a short time, most help not at all. Serious painkillers don't even knock me out when I've had them prescribed for other reasons! I do find that Ambien will help me sleep, but I don't have a scrip for it. Valerian, chamomile, etc. don't help me even a bit.

It's gotten John on a regular sleep schedule, at least, and I'm starting to feel it a bit too. The trick is staying asleep...

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

For some reason, I'm having longer and longer bouts. My mom says it's perimenopause, and I think she could be right.

It used to be up to 6 or 7 days at the most, but in December I went 26 days straight without sleeping more than 3 hours in a stretch. Right now, I'm on day 9.

I have both can't get to sleep problems (racing mind) and can't stay asleep problems. I've tried herbal remidies, sleep rituals, meditation, music therapy, melatonin, reiki, and psychotherapy.
Nothing has worked so far except that in the low stress periods in my life I sleep great. If I could just eliminate all the stress and anxiety in my life, I'd be fine. No problem, right?

I did take an ambien once, and it worked, but I'm just really afraid that if I start with that I will need it the rest of my life, and I hate that idea.

So, for now I'm stuck, but I would love to hear more about your melatonin experience Lynn. I only tried it for 3 days. Maybe that wasn't long enough.