Sleep Questions and Answers - Experts advice and answers on Sleep

Does Dormeasan help in the case of Narcolepsy?

I am afraid we would not recommend Dormeasan if you have Narcolepsy as it is unlikely to help, and may interact with any medication you are on.If you... Read the full answer 〉

I have no problem going to sleep but do wake up after a couple of hours and then find it difficult to go back, my mind starts going!! I would love to sleep longer, I feel quite exhausted with lack of sleep. I average about 5 hours a night, broken sleep.

This is a very common problem. Do you always wake at the same time and if so, what time? Firstly, I would take Dormesan, Vogel's natural sleep... Read the full answer 〉

I have a 79 year old friend who tells me that she has had disturbed sleep for the last 40 years, and that it started around the time of her menopause. She is not on any medication as far as I am aware. Can I suggest the Valaerian and hops (Dormeasan)?

Yes, the Dormeasan® would be an excellent thing to try, as long as she is not taking prescribed sleeping or anti anxiety medication. Poor... Read the full answer 〉

I couldn't sleep before, but now my mum has been diagnosed with cancer, I can't sleep because I get scared something will happen while I am sleeping. I'm getting really tired. I am 11 years old. What can I do?

I am so sorry about your mum. Please tell me, is there any adult in your life who you feel you could talk to about your fears and your sleeping... Read the full answer 〉

I’m having sleeping problems for 3 weeks now. No problem to fall asleep but I wake up a few times a night or very early in the morning. It takes about an hour to get back to sleep. Even when I slept for 7-8 hours I woke up tired, not rested. During the day I’m exhausted and as soon as I sit down, for example to watch TV, I’m falling asleep. I noticed I’m also more forgetful. Recently I had a sinus surgery which caused teeth removal too and it’s a long process until everything is back to normal. So this is the only thing bothering me, but I’m not depressed or anything. What can I do? Any use of going to my GP? Many thanks for your help.

I think any change in sleeping patterns like that should be discussed with your GP, as they may want to run some tests or rule certain things out.... Read the full answer 〉

I don't have problems falling asleep, but I usually only have a good, deep sleep for 10 minutes or an hour if I am lucky. Then after this my brain goes into active mode and won’t stop trying to sort out puzzles. I really want to get a good 8 hours sleep. Help!

The best thing to try, as long as you are not on prescribed sleeping medication, is Dormeasan, our natural sleep aid. It works very well and very... Read the full answer 〉

No matter what time I go to bed, I still end up lying there for at least an hour, thinking about things. Do I have a problem?

I don't think you have a problem. This is an incredibly common issue. Most people have busy, stressful lives these days and this can mean that... Read the full answer 〉

I go to bed yawning but as soon as my head hits the pillow I’m wide awake. Then when I finally do drop off I keep wakening up. I’ve made up a drink containing bananas, gobi berries, pumpkin seeds and almonds. I will try anything.

Does that drink work? It is certainly full of ingredients that are meant to help with sleep. Although it is a good recipe, I think I would try a... Read the full answer 〉

I can't get to sleep without a sleeping pill.

It is difficult for me to give you much advice without understanding a bit more about your sleeping problems - how long they have lasted, what... Read the full answer 〉

I can’t fall asleep. My mind won’t switch off.

I would try Dormesan, our sleep remedy. Just 30 drops in water half an hour before bed helps many people with this issue. And also our follow our... Read the full answer 〉

I have insomnia and some nights I don’t sleep. Trying to work for 8 hours is a nightmare. Sometimes the lack of sleep makes me feel drunk. I am now trying reflexology. Any ideas?

Have you tried Dormeasan? It is our remedy for sleep problems, in most cases works well and fast so I think this should be your first port of... Read the full answer 〉

I work shifts and it is impossible to go to bed at the same time. I suffer from stress and anxiety and do both night work as well as day work. I get very little sleep, sometimes it feels like I don't get any at all other than cat naps. I need help. This has been going on for many years.

Shift work is very tricky to deal with, as the body likes regular sleep patterns! But you can do everything possible to mitigate the effects on the... Read the full answer 〉

Any remedy for restless legs ? Getting off to sleep is not the problem.

The most common cause of restless legs is magnesium deficiency, so I would suggest trying a magnesium supplement (preferably a liquid or powder for... Read the full answer 〉

I fall asleep but constantly wake up at 2-3am in the morning and then don't fall asleep again. I have no real stress at the moment, but really need a good night sleep once in a while.

It could be that you are not getting into the deeper stages of sleep for long enough, and so are sleeping too lightly. Extracts of valerian can... Read the full answer 〉

Can Milk Thistle help with sleep? I am pre-menopausal and have just come off the Mirena coil. I have bad side effects but I have gone cold turkey. I have been on HRT for a year now. I feel very down and the not sleeping really doesn’t help. I feel spaced out all the time, not good when I have 3 little ones.

I am not surprised you are struggling - going cold turkey when coming off hormonal medication can lead to horrible symptoms. I spoke to our menopause... Read the full answer 〉

Why can I sleep better and quicker on my sofa than in my bed?

It is hard to say why this is, but it is worth you looking at the variables that could affect your sleep in each room - it could be the light, the... Read the full answer 〉

I can’t sleep at all.

Try Vogel's Dormesan®. It should get you to sleep in 30 minutes.Also, watch your caffeine and sugar intake. Keep both to an absolute minimum.It... Read the full answer 〉

Every night, I take melatonin but it doesn’t help. I am 80 years old, have chronic pain and can barely walk. Last March I stopped taking pain medication and found out the hard way I was addicted, but managed to come through it without help.

Well done for coming off such strong medication. If you are struggling to sleep because of your chronic pain, it may well be a good idea to try... Read the full answer 〉

How do you wake up feeling fresh?

Although the amount of time you spend asleep is important, equally important is the quality of your sleep. We all go through cycles of sleep... Read the full answer 〉

I work a three shift pattern. When I sleep I wake at least 4 times each night.

Shift work is very tricky to deal with, as the body likes regular sleep patterns! But you can do everything possible to mitigate the effects on the... Read the full answer 〉

My son from birth has never needed a lot of sleep, really hardly any, and we were told by health visitors that it would change when he starts walking, then they said when he starts school and so on. He is now nearly 13 and is struggling to go to sleep. What can we do?

I think I would need to know a little more about your son, to try and work out what the problem could be. Did he have a difficult birth or was... Read the full answer 〉

Can eating too many sweets cause sleep problems?

Yes, eating too many sweets can definitely cause sleeping problems (unfortunately)! Sweets cause a rapid rise in your blood sugar level, which... Read the full answer 〉

How long does insomnia last?

It is hard to say how long insomnia can last, as everyone is so different. Most people during their life will experience bouts of sleeplessness... Read the full answer 〉

I can't get to sleep at night.

The best thing to try, in the first instance, is our remedy for sleep - Dormeasan®. If this does not help after a few weeks, let us... Read the full answer 〉

Can the menopause cause you to wake up early and then be unable to get back to sleep?

Yes this is a very common complaint in the menopause. It can be caused by the adrenal glands having to work too hard to deal with the stress in the... Read the full answer 〉

Why do I keep thinking when I should be sleeping?

My instinct is that you are producing stress chemicals, such as adrenaline, in the evening. This then means that the chemicals that should make you... Read the full answer 〉

Problems getting to sleep/

I think if you are struggling to get to sleep, then Dormeasan, our sleep remedy, is the best place to start. It should get you to sleep 30 minutes... Read the full answer 〉

Problem sleeping.

Well it does depend on the exact nature of the problem - is it that you can't get to sleep, or that you wake up at night? Has it started... Read the full answer 〉

Since my menopause started I can't sleep and now have panda eyes. What can I do?

This is a common problem post menopause, as declining oestrogen levels contribute to higher anxiety levels, and in addition, night sweats can cause... Read the full answer 〉

I have not been able to sleep for weeks now. I have seen the doctor and he gave me sleeping tablets, but I am still not sleeping. What can I do?

In the first instance I would urge you to go back to your doctor. They may want to change the medication or check there are no underlying problems... Read the full answer 〉

I can only sleep for 2 to 3 hours a night. I have been like this for three weeks. Sleeping tablets are only keeping me a sleep for little time. What can I do?

In the first instance, I would suggest you go back to your doctor if the medication is not working for you. We have herbal remedies for sleep... Read the full answer 〉

I go to bed at ten and I am still awake at midnight. I can not seem to switch off.

It sounds like you could be producing a lot of stress chemicals during the day, which are then making it hard for you to switch off. I would... Read the full answer 〉

I can’t sleep because of restless leg syndrome.

The best thing for this is a magnesium supplement, taken in liquid or powder form before bed. Magnesium helps muscle function, eases cramps and... Read the full answer 〉

I don’t sleep at night and I have the feeling that I'm going to die. What can I do?

What you are describing could be because your nervous system is overacting and is essentially constantly in 'fight or flight' mode, and so is... Read the full answer 〉

I can’t sleep because of pain all over my body. I lost my husband 10 years ago and I can’t stop thinking about him. I haven’t slept a full night in all that time. I have arthritis, gout cervical spondilytis and sciatica.

I am sorry that you can't sleep. I am not surprised though, as with lots of physical pain it can be difficult to relax. The good news is... Read the full answer 〉

Is there any dietary help to getting a better sleep?

Eating a healthy balanced diet with exercise is always important, as well as reducing your tea or coffee intake before bedtime. Stress or anxiety... Read the full answer 〉

It's been almost a week now that I haven’t been able to sleep for. I feel very sleepy when it's time for me to go to work around 10 am in the morning but I can't go back to sleep. I am worried about my health. Please let me know what should I do?

Sleep disturbances can cause a lack of concentration and fatigue throughout the day. Try not to drink tea or coffee too late before bed. Stress or... Read the full answer 〉

Does the alcohol in Dormeasan get removed when a little boiling water is added? I use an ethical to hold 30 drops then add boiling water (a small amount) there is still a clear residue around the preparation - would this be water or remains of alcohol.

Normally when using boiling water it is enough to evaporate the alcohol within a couple of minutes. Any residue that is found would... Read the full answer 〉

I wake up between 1am till 5-6pm. It's very hard as I had a stroke 12 weeks ago. Help would be appreciated?

Sorry to hear you are having trouble sleeping. A traumatic event of any description, like a stroke, could easily disrupt your sleep... Read the full answer 〉

After working for fifty years and normally only having five to six hours sleep each night because of my job I can't get out of this habit. Any suggestions please?

Unfortunately after such a long time your sleep patterns can take a little time to return to normal or adjust. In the meantime I would suggest... Read the full answer 〉

At night when I feel tired I go to bed, but I find I cannot sleep most of the night.... The next day I feel weary and nod off in my chair, sometimes for a couple of minutes, sometimes up to a couple of hours. Upon awakening I do not immediately know date or time. This pattern repeats itself daily. What can I do?

You could try Dormeasan® as this is traditionally used to help promote a good night's sleep. Also make sure that you are not drinking coffee late... Read the full answer 〉

I have trouble sleeping, anxiety problems, lack of breath and aches and pains all over the place. I get panic attacks in cars and when by myself. What can I do?

Problems with sleeping, especially if this has gone on for some time, can affect our daily life making us more susceptible to stress and anxiety. I... Read the full answer 〉

Why do I wake up every night about 3am – after a good sleep and then struggle to sleep any more? I’m feeling very tired.

This is quite commonly experienced when digestion is not comfortable.If you find that you are constipated or bloated or get indigestion then this... Read the full answer 〉

Can valerian be taken along side prescription anti depressant medicine?

It is not something we would recommend as Valerian may potentiate the effects of any existing sedative therapy. If you are not getting the desired... Read the full answer 〉

My 16 year old daughter suffers with stress and finds it very hard to sleep at night because her mind doesn't switch off for her to relax and fall asleep. We have tried some herbal remedies with valerian and things like camomile tea, but she's still struggling and its makiing her exhausted during the day. Can you suggest anything she could try as she is too young for sleeping tablets from the GP.

I'm sorry to hear of your daughters problem. Flower Essences can help the mind to slow down and within our range there is Night Essence which would... Read the full answer 〉

Why do I have trouble sleeping at night?

Sorry to hear of your problem. Are you stressed? If this is the case the natural remedy Dormesasan® is traditionally used for this.For more... Read the full answer 〉

I'm getting injected with testosterone (Nebido) every few months. Could this be why I'm not getting any sleep.

Some drugs may affect sleep but you would need to check this with your doctor as they should be aware of any side effects this particular drug may... Read the full answer 〉

I am a 19 year old female and I have had trouble sleeping for as long as I can remember and it's started to take a roll on my day to day life. I am unable to hold a job because of my disorder and I am starting to feel drained and weak. Please could you follow through with me some tips and advice, I would really appreciate it.

I'm sorry to hear of your problem. You could have a look at Dormeasan® which is traditionally used for sleep problems. However if you feel this is... Read the full answer 〉

How can I wake up refreshed after a really late night?

Unfortunately in those nights where you have very little sleep the body is unable to incorporate the proper sleeping cycles and as a result you will... Read the full answer 〉

I have recently been suffering from symptoms of hyperthyroidism and have halved my dose of thyroxine from 100mcg to 50mcg under supervision from my GP. I had been suffering from severe heart palpitations and rapid heart rate at rest. I have also been suffering from sleep problems, waking up after an hour then at least twice more during the early hours. I have been taking Kalms, one a night for 1 week, then increased it to 2 a night (as is advised in instruction leaflet) with a gap of a couple of hours between the two tablets. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not. I have also been having a small glass of red wine to help, which it does more often than not. However, I have recently added Dormesan sleep 30 drops to the Kalms and glass of wine and last night about midnight I woke up very hot with palpitations. Is this anything to do with the Kalms, Dormesan sleep and wine concoction? Or is more likely to be my thyroid? I have had this happen one other time over the past 3 weeks. I was just surprised it happened last night as I haven't had any palpitations for 2 weeks. I'd be interested to see what you think ?

We would not recommend taking Dormeasan and Kalms together as this may result in drowsiness the next morning so I would suggest using either one or... Read the full answer 〉

I can drop off to sleep some nights without any problems, but wake up after an hour or so. I have to get up as my legs move. I suffer from Tinnitus. Other nights I can't sleep at all for hours.

I am sorry to hear of your problem. Traditionally the remedy Dormeasan® is used for this kind of sleeping problem.For more information and advice on... Read the full answer 〉

Wake up every morning between 3a.m and 4a.m and cannot get back to sleep. What can I do?

You could try Dormeasan® Valerian-Hops which has been traditionally used to aid a good night's sleep. Read the full answer 〉

When I wake up I don't feel like I've slept, even if I've been asleep for 7 hours. I've also been told that I've been moving a lot in my sleep like I've been having a bad dream or something. I've tried blocking out all the light into my room, going to bed earlier, drinking a warm drink before bed and just trying to relax, but nothings worked. What would you suggest?

You could try Dormeasan®, this is traditionally used to help promote a good night's sleep. Make sure that you don't drink any coffee after midday as... Read the full answer 〉

I am going through the menopause just now. I keep waking during the night for no aparent reason. I am not sure if this is just another symptom of the menopuase but need some sleep. How can I get a good nights sleep?

This can indeed be a symptom of the menopause, especially if you are overheating at night. Ensure that your bedroom is cool rather than warm, and... Read the full answer 〉

I have had a very disturbed sleep pattern lately, but now want to get back in to a good sleep regime. How can I do this?

Observe sleep hygiene tips, and try Dormeasan® Valerian & Hops until your sleep pattern has been re-established. Read the full answer 〉

Is it OK to take both Dormeasan and Passiflora, as whilst I am sleeping better since taking Dormeasan, I am still waking up, (although later around 5 am) and still have difficulty getting back to sleep, even if it is for only a couple more hours of much needed sleep.

If you have only been taking Dormeasan® Sleep remedy for a short period of time then I would persist, as your sleep pattern may well improve... Read the full answer 〉

I have an elderly mother (91) who suffers from poor sleep pattern and is currently taking prescribed medication, which I am not happy about. I've tried over-the-counter alternatives/herbal pills but they don't seem to work for her - any suggestions.

Coming off sleep medication can be tricky, as side effects can often result. It would be useful to talk it over with her doctor to see how best to... Read the full answer 〉

My third child has just left home and it has affected me really badly. I have started to suffer from anxiety. My stomach feels in knots all the time and I am having trouble sleeping. Can you suggest something to help me sleep better?

You may find that Night Essence helps with the sleep, as it supports the emotions that have become disturbed through significant life changes. You... Read the full answer 〉

I have a long history - some 5/6 years of sleep problems. I wake frequently during the night after about 2 hours sleep, sometimes I manage to get back to sleep and other times I can be awake for 3 to 4 hours. I don't want to take chemical medicine but feel this lack of sleep is impairing my daytime life, i.e,. needing to sleep during the day, irritability, emotional etc.

Follow sleep hygiene tips, and try Dormeasan® Sleep .It is not addictive nor associated with the side effects of many sleep medications. Read the full answer 〉

I have recently bought some Dormeasan. I am currently waking up at about 3.30 every morning and not getting back to sleep. I don't usually have any problems getting to sleep when I go to bed. Please - should I take the drops before going to bed or when I wake at 3.30, or both? Any help you can offer will be much appreciated. Thank you.

Take Dormeasan® when you go to bed, as this may be sufficient to allow you to sleep to a more reasonable hour. If you wake up then you can take... Read the full answer 〉

I keep waking at 3 - 4 am with my heart racing and struggle to get back to sleep. What can I do?

Make sure that you are drinking plenty of plain water during the day. A minimum of 1.5 litres is a good idea. Avoid all caffeine, including that... Read the full answer 〉

I currently take pain medication long term but I am having problems sleeping. Is there or can you suggest any products that could be used alongside the medication.

If the sleeping problems are due to the pain or the side effects of the medication then you will need to discuss these points with your doctor.... Read the full answer 〉

I am having trouble sleeping at the moment. I do sleep then wake up and can't get back to sleep. Last night I only slept from 11 till 4.30.

Observe the sleep hygiene tip advice. If you currently don't exercise then consider a gentle 10-20 minute walk daily, as this can help ready the body... Read the full answer 〉

Does what I eat and drink affect how I sleep?

Yes. Caffeine can interfere with healthy sleep, and eating a large meal late at night can cause disturbed or restless sleep. Refined sugar intake may... Read the full answer 〉

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