After taking the sleeping tablets how much time will someone be asleep for?

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Many old people have trouble sleeping. Your grandmother knows best what she needs. A sleeping tablet should only be prescribed by a doctor. It may take half an hour or so to put her to sleep and she might sleep for a few hours or all night. It really depends on what is keeping her awake.

We really can't help you here. You need a doctor.

Everyone reacts diferently to sleep medication, Often times the main ingredient in sleeping aids is a low dose antihistimine known as Diphenhydramine. For me I will be out of commision for more than 12 hours, as I over-react to it. I know other people who it has the complete opposite effect on. It will make them nervous and jittery so they will actually sleep less.

I took melotonin for a short time and it did help me sleep, but gave me some wild and vivid dreams. I always woke up wondering what was going on and never really felt rested so I gave them up. So now the only thin I use to help me sleep is herbal tea. Either Sleepytime or Nighty Night. A good nights sleep without dream overload, and no drugs.

There are a number of over the counter products that provide a sleep aid .. Even just taking a regular Benadryl (antihistimine) can cause drowsiness which helps to promote sleep.

The thing is .. Taking an aid or even a sleeping pill is not always the answer.  There are a few things to consider when dealing with sleep issues especially  with someone who is elderly. 

Often the problem will arise because the person is sleeing too often during the day. Overnapping (if that is even a word) can create a disruption in the regular cycle of much needed sleep.  Consumption of caffienated products, not getting enough exercise or movement also may compromise sleep.  And for those who are elderly, too much tea during the day or  having a sedentary lifestyle will affect sleep.

Before you start suggesting sleep aids or even sleeping pills .. Encourage your grandmother to reduce her caffiene intake during the latter part of the day .. Go for a walk, and even try to improve her eating habits. All those things in combination will improve her overall health .. Which in turn will improve her ability to ... Zzzzzzz.

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