Dan Stracner

I take magnesium glycinate. It’s safe and non-addictive. There are many forms of magnesium, but this one seems to help the most with sleep issues. Magnesium deficiencies are fairly common as you age.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

As a veteran who uses Veteran's Administration Health Care in conjunction with general health care, I feel I must disagree with you on the subject. I have found that a cooperative and communicative atmosphere and attitude between the two is extremely helpful and improves overall care for individuals. My opinion may come from anecdotal information and experience, but I have heard similar information from many different areas of the country. VA care and support has improved greatly over the past couple decades. I believe it will continue to improve with the support of the general population and the government. Remember we veterans are responsible for the non verterans having the freedoms, rights and liberties afforded them in this great country.

End of rant.

On a different note, sleep studies and sleep apnea treatments are hit and miss at best. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea several years ago and find the use of a CPAP machine very cumbersom, irritating, inefficient and totally unpleasant. The tubes, masks, and air flow is a constant irritation and often interruption of sleep. If the mask gets a little out of place the air flow can awaken the person or partner and interrupt their sleep, a very unpleasant experience in my nights.

Sleep studies are inefficient and do not truly measure a full night's sleep record. I have had four or five of them and each one I went home after less than 6 hours of potential sleep which was not constistent or restful. I felt I was awake more than I was asleep.

The recently more advertised implant invention seems to mis-inform the public also. It claims that a person can get rid of the machine and have no tubes or masks, just sleep. I have spoken with a sleep specialist physician regarding that and even called the company, there is no guarantee that the CPAP machine will NOT be necessary to continue the treatment. In addition the installation of the device requires surgery and implantation of three different items in three different locations. Is that false advertisement?

I guess I should here end my second rant.

JBRIII

I took Ambien for more than a year. Then the next doctor went bananas, saying it could kill me. I never had the problems described, excessive behavior: gambling, sex, etc. and only once forgot anything happening, but I had to admit the benefits had warn off, so I stopped it. Trying to wean myself off was the hardest thing I've ever tried to do. Took several efforts over months before I got off and could sleep at all. I've never used illegal drugs, but I can imagine now what stopping must be like. I believe it is one of those Black label drugs.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...my VA experience must be in the minority, then. Recent cataract surgery, hernia, and just got a new shoulder installed...regular appts at various clinics, rehab, treatment for PTSD, etc., etc. I have plenty of friends that have difficulties with their various health plans...<shrug> not me. Oh, as far as the sleep thing, I'm so active with no "habits" that it's not that much of an issue...

druthven

If I'm awake for 15 minutes or so I just concentrate on my slow rhythmic breathing and that usually allows me to go back to sleep.

majeskiphoto Loc: Hamilton, Ontario

Indica all the way!
Or for those who fear THC, just try CBD
Or Lions Mane

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Now in my 90th year the body is falling apart and I wake up about 2 to 4 and have a real problem going back to sleep. Reading helps.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have been taking Advil for my arthritis for a couple years. Some relatives swore that CBD would give relief so I got some. Took one and the pain went away. Next day I took another and it was OK for the morning but returned in the afternoon so I took another. Next day I took one in the morning and it did nothing. Took another at lunch and nothing more. I went back to Advil.

My doctor said Tylenol would be better than Advil. I looked at the instructions and there was a caution not to take more than 6 per day, both Advil and Tylenol. I had been taking 2 Advil a day. Tried Tylenol and I had to take 4/day to get the same effect. I decided 2/day is further away from the limit than 4/day so the smaller dose is preferable as long as it works as well.

paulf6 Loc: Orono, ME

I'm 78 now and fortunately, I'm able to get out to shoot photos several times each week. I get into bed by 8:00 PM each night, read a few pages, turn off the light, and go right to sleep. Paul

les spencer

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Toby

Good reply, thanks

Barre Loc: Fairfax Co, VA

Traz will get you to sleep, but it does'nt necessarily keep you asleep. Take it from one who knows

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Jerry, I know what you mean. Age is 77 and if lucky I get four hours sleep a night and check out the alarm clock too. Guess the four hours works for me with an additional four hours napping at the kitchen table while using my chromebook. I have been known to fall asleep while searching the web for my wife. Guess this is what the Golden Years are all about? It sucks.....
Once I fell asleep while in a traffic jam, not a good thing.

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

Before I retired I hated getting up early and my main thought was that after retirement I'd be able to sleep late.

After I retired I was like Jerry, waking up in the middle of the night, waking up early. On the rare occasions I am able to sleep late, I know that the next night I probably won't sleep much at all.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

maybe this will help with my photographic skills if I am awake…lol