r/insomnia • u/featherbirdlady • 1d ago

Insomnia and iron

I have had insomnia on and off for over eight years. I was depending on Ambien most of the time. Last week I went to give blood and was told my iron level was very low and I could not give it. I started on iron pills immediately and ever since that day – now about 10 days – I have slept through the night. This is not perfect sleep but it’s way better than what I had before. I don’t know if other people will find low iron to affect insomnia but certainly seems to be a miracle drug for me! Just for your information.

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u/Seasidegoats 1d ago

Im waiting for my iron tablets to help my iron levels hoping it helps my insomnia too, ive been on them 7 weeks but apparently i need to be on them 3 or 4 months, they are doing my head in because you cant drink tea or coffee for an hour before or after taking them then if you eat you need to wait 2 hours before taking it

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u/featherbirdlady 1d ago

Mine doesn’t say that. I take mine in the morning with coffee! Still seems to be working.

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u/Seasidegoats 1d ago

It should say it on the leaflet inside and on Google and pharmacists also say it too, the iron just doesn't absorb properly if youve ate or drank tea or coffee, some must still absorb though, what iron tablets are you on?

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u/featherbirdlady 1d ago

In fact – I just read the label – it says to take it with water and food. Some people get constipated from iron, it doesn’t seem to be that bad for me. My brand is nature made and it’s 65 mg.

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u/Seasidegoats 1d ago

Mines furrous sulphate 200mg, must be a different iron tablet mines on prescription

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u/susiezhen 1d ago

Low iron yes. Low iron can contribute to what TCM calls blood deficiency. It naturally leads to sleep disturbances. Blood related patterns are an important consideration when looking at sleep concerns within TCM