I'm sitting here very late at night with a glass of wine in my hand, because it's very late and I can't sleep a wink. I've been taking ambien for the last two months or so, but now my doctor has stopped prescribing it for me because she doesn't want me to become dependant. But I really miss that hazy drowsy feeling, and I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep w/o it.

Any insominacs out there who've had the same experience w/ ambien? just curious.

I can't help you, I've never taken Ambien. I just wanted to say good luck.

I take melatonin, valerian and sometimes Tylenol PM to help with sleeplessness.

I had to go off Ambien for the same reasons. When I realized I was taking it more recreationally than medicinally, I got alarmed and told my shrink. He was like well enjoy it while it lasts, because you're not getting any more!

Anyway, don't worry; you will sleep again, but I do commiserate.

Do you exercise? That will definitely help with the insomnia.

As a hardcore insomniac I never take sleeping pills, because I'm just too afraid of addiction. The only exception is that I take Tylenol PM when I'm flying a red-eye flight.

I second the recommendation about exercise. That's been the thing that's worked most consistently for me. I work out in the morning, before work, 3-5 days per week. It's a pain in the ass to get up for it, but it gives me an energy boost and helps me feel tired at night.

I third the excercise thing! Heavy housework does the trick for me. Try to do it as early in the day as possible, since fatigue can actually make insomnia worse.

I was on a full Ambien dose for a while, then I started breaking my pills in half. I haven't yet gotten to the point where I can sleep without a little something. Sometimes I vary the routine by having a shot of vodka instead. And if I have a cold or an allergy attack, I jump at the chance to take NyQuil or Benadryl instead of Ambien. Anything to break the cycle.

When I'm really, really nervous I take a Xanax, but only as a last resort, because that's even more addicting than Ambien.

yeah, I'm afraid of taking sleeping pills, because they're so addictive.

I bought a box of Sominex (OTC) a while back and haven't finished them. I only take them when I have to get my sleep to prevent getting sick, I find that my insomnia is worst around then, ironically.

thanks for all the replys girls. Yes I have made myself a promise to keep up my yoga practice. That did so much more to keep me on track sleep wise then anything. So after these pills are gone it's back to the mat