Q. I have suffered with insomnia for years. Now that I am in my 60s the problem is worse than ever. I started using Benadryl at night with my doctor’s approval, but it makes me groggy in the morning.
Magnesium Caused an Accident:
A friend suggested magnesium before bed. This seems to help, but I have had some bouts with diarrhea and an “accident” on the way to the bathroom. What else can I take that is natural and won’t cause side effects?
Tart Cherry Juice as a Special Nightcap:
A. You might try tart cherry juice. Montmorency cherries are rich in melatonin, which is helpful for overcoming jet lag and reducing insomnia (Nutrition Journal, Nov. 7, 2014). Studies have shown that drinking tart cherry juice in the afternoon or evening can improve sleep quality and duration (European Journal of Nutrition, Dec., 2012; Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, vol. 17 No. 6, 2013).
We would like to send you our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep, with a discussion of nondrug alternatives to sleeping pills. It covers both melatonin and magnesium supplements, as well as acupressure, herbs, and the pros and cons of sleeping pills.
Perhaps your dose of magnesium was too high. You might try a lower dose to see if a little bit of magnesium washed down with tart cherry juice helps you doze off more quickly.
Be Wary of Benadryl:
We are not fans of Benadryl as a sleep aid for people in their 60s and older. This anticholinergic medication can lead to confusion and memory difficulties as well as morning-after grogginess. Besides Benadryl, its active ingredient diphenhydramine is found in many nighttime pain relievers such as Advil PM or Tylenol PM. You can read more about these problems in our Guide to Drugs and Older People.
