Natural insomnia remedies?

[MBA]

I figured this question fit best in the nighttime parenting category, because my insomnia is the direct result of my repeated, broken, erratic waking and sleeping. I used to be a terrific sleeper, but now my little girl has got me all messed up :nut . It's really uncool to wake up for 4 hours whilst the babe is sleeping, only to be aroused 1 hour after I finally fall asleep to care for her. This is me :coffee except I don;t drink coffee so I just turn into "bitchmother" (if Imay borrow a term from my favorite zine, the East Village Inky). Anyway, my question is, what can I do to help myself naturally? I'm this close to getting meds but wanted to try herbs first. Valerian? What dosages?

Thank you!

[Rox5266]

I don't know about valerian (it never helped my frequently night-waking toddler when I tried it) but I would suggest you try Nighty Night tea by Traditional Medicinals. I get mine from Whole Foods, but don't always get to make it for myself. I sympathize with your situation, I am in the same boat (awake while baby sleeps only to have him wake me up again as soon as I finally fall asleep).

Good luck!

[Avena]

Heya mama,
Could you take a nice warm bath w/some lavender bath salts, light a yummy candle and make your self some tea..Sleepy Time or I can give you an at home blend to make: Equal parts chamomile, catnip,avena, rose....Etcccc pm me if ya want for more details :)

What's your diet like? Foods play an important role in being able to sleep etc..
Hope you get some

:zzz soon!

[CryPixie83]

Lavender essential oil on your big toe. Strange I know but it helps :)

[travelinmom]

When I had trouble sleeping I used to eat toast with peanut butter and camomille tea every night before bed.

[Lizafava]

I have pretty horrendous insomnia cycles. Melatonin seems to help me (valerian/chamomile/lavendar never did). I take 2-4 mgs. I try not to take it all the time, because I read that your body can become dependant on it, and stop producing it naturally. I really don't know if thats true - I've been too tired to do as much research as I'd like :lol Avoiding bright light in the evening (like the computer) also helps me . . .

But yeah, I right there with you, up all night listening to the baby breathe . . . I would definitely try melatoin before "real" sleep medication.

Hope you get some sleep!