Loren (name has been changed) has been on Ambien for a long time and is now having some health problems and would like to quit. Unfortunately there is no easy way to wean off these drugs. You could try doing it slowly by taking 1/2 the dose for a while, but in my experience this is just prolonging the agony. Read my page on comming off sleeping pills for more information. Here is Loren’s question…
Hi I have been on ambien for over 3 years and my heart is having some pressure. I also talk a lot of herbal sup.for sleep. I only sleep for 6 hrs at most. Can you help me?
Hi Loren
One thing to consider, not all of us need to sleep 8 hours a night. Do you find that you’re tired or sleepy during the day? If not you may be getting enough sleep. I don’t sleep for more than 6 hours. If I do sleep say for 7 hours for 1 night, I’ll sleep less the following night, so it averages out for 6 hours anyway.
However, if you feel very tired during the day then you need either more sleep or a better quality of sleep. Unfortunately Ambien won’t provide that especially over the long term.
There are many things which impact our sleep. Stress and anxiety is at the top of the list, but there is also certain medications, lack of exercise, spinal/pelvic misalignment, caffeine and hormone imbalances. Sometimes it’s best to go to a naturopath if you’ve already tried a doctor without success.
I know it’s very hard to wean yourself off sleeping pills, I’ve been through it. Sometimes it’s best to go “cold turkey”. You may have several nights without sleep, but gradually your natural sleep pattern will re-establish itself.
Good luck and take care Loren
Wendy
