Is she taking Ambien for her sleep? If so, the hallucinations may be a side affect from the Ambien. Maybe the dose is too high for system. I've experienced the same side effect from that medication. I would ask her doctor to prescribe a different brand to see if it makes a difference. I hope you find a solution!
Calms Forte works for some people, and it is a natural, over-the-counter product. A nurse, speaking of the residents in my father's first nursing facility, told me, "Everybody should be taking this." (amazon/Before-Door-Closes-Daughters-Alcoholic/dp/1490808949/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426248656&sr=1-1&keywords=judith+hall+simon)
I had this same problem with my mom but now have a system that is working well. My mom has Parkinson's and takes carbadopa/levodopa which can cause insommnia in some people. I give her 10mg timed released melatonin, 100mg timed released 5-HTP, Kavinace Ultra PM, and an otc sleep aid like sominex. She sleeps soundly without side effects but still will wake if she has to use the bathroom. The Kavinace is expensive so I'm trying just plain Kavinace which doesn't have any melatonin in it when I run out of the Ultra PM. I may need to increase the melatonin then. She was on Ambien for quite awhile but then started having bad hallucinations. Calms Forte is good too but I've found it isn't strong enough and it doesn't take her through the night like the timed released melatonin and 5-HTP do. She was waking up every 2 hours.
Taking 5-HTP supplements benefits your body if it has low levels of tryptophan. Low levels of tryptophan are most common in people who are depressed. If her insomnia is associated with depression, it might be a good question to ask your doctor. In one study, 100 mg of the supplement was enough to make sleep longer and better.
Melatonin is a hormone which regulates the biological clock, as you get older you make less melatonin which leads experts to believe why older people have trouble sleeping.
You may also try Valerian which is a staple medicinal herb used throughout Europe. Valerian contains chemicals with strong muscle-relaxant and sedative properties.
I have found the herb valerian is reliable, especially along with time release 10mg melatonin. But that's for me - the parents only get the 10mg melatonin as I'm leery of drug interactions with herbs. Let us know what you figure out! Hallucinations can be scary. They can also be part of the Alzheimer's disease. They can seem extremely real to the person and can even seem to form false memories that linger just like real ones. Also agree with the questioning of Ambien, due to the sleepwalking issues as well as hallucinations having been reported.
I'm with you on drug interactions with herbs. That's why I always coordinate them with my husband's neurologist, cardiologist, and endocrinologist first. On the other hand, Calms Forte is a homeopathic, and homeopathic remedies do not interact with drugs. About ten years ago, I took valerian (recommended by a relative) for a headache and ended up with the worst headache I had ever had (unable to move or get out of bed).
Angelsiwel and Judyjourneys, my Mother also has Parkinson's and is on cardadopa/levodopa (Stalevo). She was taking 2 150 mg pills a day and 2 200 mg pills a day and we noticed that around 8 pm every night she was raring to go! Before my Daddy died last year, we played around with it (with approval from neurologist of course) and took one of the 150 mg away and while she still has energy during the day she is calmer at the end of the night. How much of the cardadopa/levodopa do they take?
Even though your mother feels safer & more comfortable in bed, that may not be the best thing for her. For one, she is at risk for bedsores. Secondly, she isn't doing anything to tire her body out so that she can sleep at night. It may be better for both of you to get her out of bed during the day to get her mind & body stimulated.
My mother takes valerian or passion flower and has done so for years, but spending so much time in bed would cause restless legs, I would think. Now that the weather is getting warm, getting her out in the sunshine in a wheelchair would help her sleep better at night also.
Johnjoe and Angelsiwel, FYI, here are the directions for adult usage of Calms Forte: As a relaxant: 1 to 2 tablets with water as needed three times daily, preferably before meals. For Sleeplessness: 1 to 3 tablets 1/2 to 1 hour before retiring.
Hi Laureen W. Mom had been prescribed Stilnoct 5mgI informed Mom's GP and She said STOP taking the sleeping tablets, but offered no other solution. Here in Bandon, Ireland Our medications vary considerably to Your Meds in the USA, I guess. I am considering trying the health shop to see Their alternative. Thank You Laureen W, for taking the time to respond to My query. Hugs from Johnjoe,xx
Hi, Johnjoe, thank you for your response. It's difficult finding the right solution to insomnia. What works for one person doesn't always work for another. I've struggled with it for years. I'm sure what is available varies from one location to another. I've used melatonin before but when I get sleep deprevation I have to be careful of what supplement I take. I have a rare condition or syndrom called exploding head syndrome. When I'm fatigued from lack of sleep it comes on right before falling asleep by hearing an extremely loud explosion in my head that jolts me awake. It's extremly disturbing and melatonin seems to bring it on. I use a couple of stress releiving supplements called 5-HTP which is a Hydrotryptophan and Cortisol Manager which is a stress hormone manager. It contains Ashwagandha and an extract of L-theamine (by Integrative Therapeutics recommended by a doctor. You may be able to purchase it on-line but I'm not sure). It's very relaxing but not sedative. Sedatives are not recommended for anyone with memory impairments as well. anyway, it may be an alternative. Good luck, I hope you find something that works and I would be curious to know what it is.
Thank You Laureen W for giving Me Your findings on Insomnia. I will get some stress relieving supplements for Mother in Our local health shop, which will Im sure have positive results.
Melatonin is a hormone which regulates the biological clock, as you get older you make less melatonin which leads experts to believe why older people have trouble sleeping.
You may also try Valerian which is a staple medicinal herb used throughout Europe. Valerian contains chemicals with strong muscle-relaxant and sedative properties.
Thank you! :)
Thank You Laureen W, for taking the time to respond to My query. Hugs from Johnjoe,xx
Monday morning next.
Kind regards from Johnjoe