I am having a terrible time trying to get a real night's sleep. Found out the truth about my H's PA with my best friend, which happened almost 6 years ago. Finally found out the truth 4 days ago. I can see it's going to be a sleepless summer. Does anyone have any ideas for medicine that has worked for them? I understand most doctors are very hesitant to prescribe sleeping pills because they are addicting. Thanks for your help.

As a BS and surgeon, here's what I have relied on:<P>In the <B>short-term</B>, the sleeping medicine Ambien works quite well for helping you fall asleep. In dosages from 2.5mg to 10mg, depending on your size. It has very little addictive potential - I used it for about 2 weeks after things got ugly with my WS and noticed no problems going off. Nice thing, too, is that it doesn't give you any "hangover" feeling the next morning. Only down-side I had was that I invariably awoke every morning about 3:30am while I was on it - this did allow me to develop my meditation practice, however <P>However, you can consider more natural ways that I find helpful still from time to time. Chamomile tea at night (either by itself or blended, such as in "Sleepy Time") works wonders. Reading, journaling, watching a relaxing movie also help.<P>I also eventually started trying other natural aids: St. Johns Wort, Kava-Kava, Melatonin to name a few. The SJW is particularly effective especially if dealing with an associated depression (however, it takes a few weeks for this to work).<P>Finally, antidepressants for long-term coping are highly affective, though more fraught with side-effects. I'm on Zoloft and it has helped tremendously in leveling my mood, quiting the anxiety and stress, which helps sleeping as well. Again, it takes a few weeks to work and you normally commit to several months of maintainance.<P>Of course, consult with a physician before taking any medications <P>Best wishes!

maggierose,<P>I think I gotten 3 complete nights sleep since late in Feburary, when she asked me to leave. I'm up every night @ around 3. <P>The day after D-day (May 20)I consulted my physician and she told me that this is a classic sign of depression a prescribed an anitdepressant Celexa. It has been a god send, I still wake up but I fall right back to sleep.<P>It takes about 3 weeks to kick in and they are like happy pills with no side effect and are not addictive. As my physician said, you can take them for life. Yipppey.<P>Good luck<P>JK<P>

mr:<P>Talk to your doctor. Wellbutrin, in my case, has worked wonders for depression and ADD effects.<P>In any event, it is usually a combination of things: medication is only one factor. Creating a relaxing atmosphere helps as well. As does proper diet. Etc.<P>Godspeed,<BR>STL

maggierose:<P>I'd second SNL's advice. Talk to you doctor. An anti-depressant is often indicated after the discovery of an affair. It doesn't mean you are weak or anything, it just means that the human brain does not react very well to betrayal. Anti-depressants can help with sleep.<P>Sleep problems are also common *in the extreme* in these cases. So don't feel like something is wrong with you. Do you lay awake and run things over and over in your mind? That's what I did and just about everyone else. Some other good suggestions are to get some decent exercise during the day (a good long walk is very therapeutic). Stay away from caffeine after Noon (beware of soda). And drink a lot of water.<P>But, by all means, see your doctor, tell him about what you discovered. It makes good sense.<P>Take care,<P>Ish

St. John's Wort for depression.<P>Passionflower, Chamomile to relax - relieve anxiety.<P>Valerian Root to sleep.<P>All natural - non-addiciting. They really work.<P>B-Complex to handle stress.<P>------------------<BR>Faith1