joannqn Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Between my racing mind, DH's loud snoring, feeling crowded in bed, my itchy skin, etc., I can be lying awake in bed wishing I were asleep until 3 or 4 in the morning. Then kids get noisy around 7:30. Three or four hours of sleep is NOT working for me. I'm glad I wear glasses because they help hide the bags under my eyes! So, I went looking at melatonin. I decided to double check with the pharmacist if I can use it while nursing. He expected it to be ok and was shocked that it was contraindicated for nursing moms because it can cause heart rhythm problems in the baby. So, that's out. He suggested Benedryl because it is used in children so it would be safe to use while nursing. Benedryl does sedate me pretty well. I also take Claritin, so I would be using two antihistamines at the same time. I'm not worried about it drying me up, because my nursling is 2 1/2 years old. If I dried up and that facilitated her weaning, I would be thrilled. So, have you used it for this purpose as an adult? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 The active ingredient in Benadryl is Diphenhydramine, the *same* ingredient that induces sleep in Tylenol PM, most Unisom products, Advil PM, etc. Any adult who has taken an OTC nighttime sleep-aid has probably used this ingredient. FWIW, it makes me feel groggy in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessicaLady Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Yes, I have. I have struggled with insomnia my entire life. It has greatly worsened since having childre n (one who is special needs). I tried RX sleep aids, but had very unpleasant side effects and they aren't indicated for long term use. I've used Benadryl 1 25mg tab once-twice/wk for the last few years. I take it when I haven't even begun to feel sleepy by 1am and have no trouble functioning by 8am. I don't have a headache or feel groggy. I've take 2 tabs on a few occasions and did fine as well, but not much better than just one. I have a good friend who is 3 yrs post lung transplant and her docs. told her is ok to take long term. I'm assuming if her body can handle it on top of all the other meds she must take, then so can mine. Sorry about your sleep struggles. My husband's snoring rattles the windows and we no longer sleep in the same bedroom. :( somehow, we've conceived 3 children during this time so I guess it hasn't really affected our relationship! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 The active ingredient in Benadryl is Diphenhydramine, the *same* ingredient that induces sleep in Tylenol PM, most Unisom products, Advil PM, etc. Any adult who has taken an OTC nighttime sleep-aid has probably used this ingredient. FWIW, it makes me feel groggy in the morning. :iagree: I take a single Benedryl tablet at a time during the day when my allergies are bad and a single Advil PM at night if I have trouble sleeping. One benedryl isn't enough to tire me out during the day but helps my allergies while one Advil PM is enough to help me fall asleep if I'm lying down and tired. I don't have any problem waking up if the kids need me or feel sluggish in the morning when I take just one Advil PM. IF I take 2 and sleep less than 6 hours, I will feel very tired and sluggish in the morning. Benedryl is one of those products that has been around for a very long time so there is a clear idea of its safety. It's one of the few allergy/asthma medicines I felt okay taking during pregnancy and nursing. I need meds year-round on pretty much a daily basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zookeeper Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 If your nursling is over 2, I'd try the melatonin. The benadryl can dry everything up so badly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessReplanted Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I take a 1/2 of a Benadryl almost every night to help me sleep and to help with allergies. I also remember that it was the only safe allergy medicine while I was pregnant. But, if you are not used to taking it, make sure you keep a close eye on your milk production - it may be effected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted December 4, 2011 Author Share Posted December 4, 2011 Thanks. He did warn me that it might make me a little groggy in the morning. But, if you are not used to taking it, make sure you keep a close eye on your milk production - it may be effected. I'm not at all worried about my supply. I would prefer if she would wean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Many, many people use it. It has a slow onset and very slow wear off. Many people feel "hung over" in the morning. As far as side effects, it is considered a "dirty drug" that can lead to poor sleep hygiene. Most people get a tolerance if they use it every night. That is how allergy sufferers can use it and still function. YMMV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I take benadryl Every night. It keeps my allergies under control and helps me sleep. Can't be without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I usually take one. If I take two I do feel hungover. I sometimes take Advil PM, but those make me feel more hungover. I have allergy and sinus issues, so the benadryl help more than the Advil PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I take one every night. If I don't I can't sleep. I've been dealing with insomnia for over 20 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I'll take a couple if I absolutely cannot sleep. Puts me out pretty quick. As long as I can get at least eight hours of sleep after I take it, I feel okay in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I do. I have chronic hives and it seems that they get worse at night. I am allergic to everything!! Bendryl really takes the itch away and helps me sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I use it regularly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 During allergy season, I take a Benadryl and an Advil almost every night. If I don't take the Benadryl, my throat "catches" all night and my eyes itch the whole next day. I have not had any problems with grogginess from Benadryl... much worse from not getting enough sleep. Some other ideas that have helped with my recurrent insomnia over the years: Drink Sleepy Time teas -- There are various types, such as "Extra" (with Valerian, so check if that's okay for nursing moms) and "Throat Tamer." I like and benefit from a hot cup of either type about an hour before bedtime. Don't drink it too close to bedtime, or you will have to get up to use the bathroom. :001_smile: Eliminate the Snoring Husband -- When we first married (we hadn't slept together before our wedding night), I realized I had married the Chainsaw Sleeper from hell. So romantic, right? The WEEK after we got back from our three-day honeymoon, that man was at the sleep specialist having a sleep study. SLEEP APNEA KILLS PEOPLE. It killed my aunt, and I'm not going to knowingly let it kill my husband. Get him to the sleep lab ASAP, because he probably snores from obstructive sleep apnea or a similar, treatable condition. My poor husband was waking up literally HUNDREDS of times each night -- because he stopped breathing. Hello? This is not healthy, people. Get it fixed, please. Now my dear Beloved wears a C-PAP mask each night, no problems, and says it's the best sleep because it's deeper (and safer... and quieter). Buy a Bigger Bed -- Big purchase, I know, but perhaps worth the sacrifice? Could you save up for a year or more? I wouldn't take a bed second-hand (bedbugs and all), but it would be hard for the two of us to fit into anything smaller than our king. Ask me how I know. :glare: Yeah, we are "large-boned." :lol: You should have seen me when I was 39 weeks pregnant with the twins. I actually couldn't sleep in the bed, because if I laid down, I couldn't breathe.... Get a (free) back rub before you sleep. :D Much cheaper than a king sized bed, a back rub might help you fall right off to sleep. It does wonders for me. Recruit that snoring husband to your advantage! Turn the lights lower as the afternoon wears on. This really helps in the winter, because when the sun goes down, I start to "wind down the house" by turning lights off. I know, you think it should be on, but we want the brain to think it's time to settle down. Light is part of that, so turn the lights off (or lower) a few hours before you want to sleep. Bright light in the morning (outdoor light is best), lower lights in the late afternoon and evening, and darkness at night. Stay off the computer either (a) ___# of nights per week; and/or (b) after the children go to bed. This is my last resort, LOL, but sometimes I have to enforce this rule on myself. The "no computer" rule works for me, because after a long day of mothering and teaching, a book is the surest and fastest way to fall asleep. :lol: (And I love to read, really, but I'm a mom now, so books do me in.) I read somewhere that the type of light on a computer screen is stimulating, rather than relaxing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubamama Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I can't get the words a Dr had for me when I casually told him I was taking Benadryl every "night" after work...I worked ER and ICU as an RN during the night shift for years and I could scarcely get any sleep during the day. I am a really light sleeper. He told me that Benadryl was the worst drug for sleep - people think it's harmless but it destroys the body's circadian rhythms and actually makes sleep more difficult in the long run. Thanks, Dr. I asked him what I should do - "Get a day shift position." As if it were that easy! Now my dh snores like the chainsaw....he had a sleep study 10 years ago and it was borderline. I guess I need to force him to get another one. I hope you find a solution, lack of sleep really is torture. Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 You can build a tolerance to it if you take it every evening. During allergy season I take two benedryl every four hours all day long without any sleepiness. I am bi-polar and have severe insomnia. The less sleep I get the greater my mood disruption. I take a serious amount of medication to force sleep. I do know that mine is a special case so I don't know what to recommend for the average person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlygirlzx2 Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 If you want to try something natural take 200 mg of magnesium and 600 mg of calcium every night. Other suggestions are chamomile, lavender, or valerian. 2 tsp of honey in decaffeinated tea, sunflower seeds, almonds, and food with tryptophan. Also get your vitamin d levels checked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 This is a magnesium supplement that you might try. IMO it tastes terrible but is quite effective. I buy it at the Vitamin Shoppe. I mix a tsp with a small amount of hot tap water and chug it. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Calm-Rasp-Lemon-powder/dp/B000WVY4PE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura in CA Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 :bigear: Watching this thread with interest ... I've taken one Benadryl at night for several years (otherwise I don't unwind, and am liable to start major projects at 1 a.m. :glare:), but lately I've been feeling SO groggy in the morning (I've learned not to schedule anything before 10 or 11) and I'm not getting much done during the day. It's slowly dawning on me that this is not normal (duh!). I thought it might be due to perimenopause, or side effects of other medication, or just being a lazy bum :D, etc., but now I'm wondering if it's the Benadryl ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I have and it worked fine. I did get a little dry though. I use Valerian Root now. Maybe you can check and see if it's okay for nursing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 He told me that Benadryl was the worst drug for sleep - people think it's harmless but it destroys the body's circadian rhythms and actually makes sleep more difficult in the long run. I've heard this too. My take was that it's okay for very occasional use, but it's not a long term solution by any means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I've taken benadryl for years. I've taken up to 3 each night, but I can do fine on two. I take them with a cup of hot tea (decaf) about 40 minutes before I want to be in bed. I think the tea melts them and makes them take effect faster, and it's a soothing bedtime ritual anyways. If I can do that and know I will get at least 6 hours, I don't seem to be too groggy. I will tell you I have now moved on to melatonin and I do think I am more alert in the morning. But until such time as you can take mel, bennies might be a great solution! It's been the only thing that's worked for me with my chronic insomnia and snoring husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 FWIW, it makes me feel groggy in the morning. If I take Benadryl at night I feel hungover with a throbbing headache the next morning. I know everyone has a different reaction, but this is what it does to me. It would definitely put me to sleep, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zookeeper Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I can't take it at night. I never know if it's going to make me groggy or wire me. It's just my luck that I take it for the sleep effect and get wired instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 If you want to try something natural take 200 mg of magnesium and 600 mg of calcium every night. Other suggestions are chamomile, lavender, or valerian. 2 tsp of honey in decaffeinated tea, sunflower seeds, almonds, and food with tryptophan. Also get your vitamin d levels checked. I agree with the magnesium suggestion. DH used to take Benadryl occasionally to help him sleep, but 300 mg of magnesium before bed does the trick as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 This is a magnesium supplement that you might try. IMO it tastes terrible but is quite effective. I buy it at the Vitamin Shoppe. I mix a tsp with a small amount of hot tap water and chug it. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Calm-Rasp-Lemon-powder/dp/B000WVY4PE There are 4 or 5 flavors, including a non flavored option. My ds also uses it (he has Tourette's--works wonders). He prefers the unflavored Calm mixed in orange juice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaSheep Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I take it occasionally for insomnia, but not more than a few nights in a row. I have to take it around supper time for it to wear off by a decent time in the morning. But I do get a good nights sleep and wake up feeling rested--as long as I've left enough time for it to get out of my system. I can't take it for allergies because even half a dose knocks me out so thoroughly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angjune Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I had heard that Benadryl can also help with headaches, so if I have a migraine and don't want to take excedrin for migraines due to the caffeine (which would keep me up), I have taken Benadryl. It worked for the headache and the sleeping. However, I have taken just 1 or 2 tsp of the Children's liquid Benadryl. It helped me to sleep but didn't leave me groggy. So, try the children's liquid for rest but will keep you clear headed the next day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I also have a difficult time sleeping. Melatonin can help but some really tough nights it doesn't. I discovered Simply Sleep and am so happy. A dose is 2 tablets and over a few nights I discovered that breaking the tablets and taking HALF of ONE is perfect and I'm not groggy in the morning. I like the melatonin but if your mind can fight it, you might find yourself still awake. Just another thought. Also, you're avoiding the "drying out" aspect of Benadryl and the additional ingredients you don't need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I take Benadryl every night before bed for sleep issues like you have described. When I was a young child I had a horrible skin allergy. The allergist told my RN mother I could take Benadryl every day if needed, and it wouldn't hurt me. So, there you have it! I've actually seen it sold at Walmart in two separate packages: 1 labelled allergy medication, 1 labelled sleep aid. Right next to each other on the shelf!~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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