Struggling with sleep

[JS1902]

I’ve not been sleeping too great since the start of the year. At first it was a case of waking up an hour or so before my alarm every weekday but weekends were fine. I started reading into sleep hygiene and it actually had the opposite effect and a few weeks ago I had 3 nights of hardly any sleep which really got to me. Since then falling asleep is no issue but I keep waking up every 3 hours - sometimes I’ll be able to get back to sleep quickly other times not. Tried Sominex herbal for a few nights which had some positive effect but I don’t want to get dependent on them. Mental health wise I’m fine apart from feeling down about my poor sleep and the worry that this will just continue!!

[d_a_n1979]

JS1902 said:

I’ve not been sleeping too great since the start of the year. At first it was a case of waking up an hour or so before my alarm every weekday but weekends were fine. I started reading into sleep hygiene and it actually had the opposite effect and a few weeks ago I had 3 nights of hardly any sleep which really got to me. Since then falling asleep is no issue but I keep waking up every 3 hours - sometimes I’ll be able to get back to sleep quickly other times not. Tried Sominex herbal for a few nights which had some positive effect but I don’t want to get dependent on them. Mental health wise I’m fine apart from feeling down about my poor sleep and the worry that this will just continue!!

I don't have great sleep at the best of times; a trait I've inherited from my folks unfortunately

However I found that this helps a lot: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avogel-30408-A-Vogel-Aven...

It takes a good week or so to start working properly; but with no devices being used a good hour before bed; a read of a book and the Avenacalm drops; my sleep has improved a lot

[JS1902]

Thanks I’ll look into that ^

I don’t really have a history of sleep issues aside from the odd bout of poor sleep here and there which didn’t last long. In fact end of last year I was sleeping great! Maybe there is something underlying? I may speak to my GP and ask for a full works check up.

[2HFL]

Quite a few threads worth searching for on insomnia on PH, might give you some tips.

Simple stuff like black out blinds, right temperature in the room, no artificial light or device use in the dark, having a suitable mattress and pillow combo etc, can all help.

[FMOB]

d_a_n1979 said:

JS1902 said:

I’ve not been sleeping too great since the start of the year. At first it was a case of waking up an hour or so before my alarm every weekday but weekends were fine. I started reading into sleep hygiene and it actually had the opposite effect and a few weeks ago I had 3 nights of hardly any sleep which really got to me. Since then falling asleep is no issue but I keep waking up every 3 hours - sometimes I’ll be able to get back to sleep quickly other times not. Tried Sominex herbal for a few nights which had some positive effect but I don’t want to get dependent on them. Mental health wise I’m fine apart from feeling down about my poor sleep and the worry that this will just continue!!

I don't have great sleep at the best of times; a trait I've inherited from my folks unfortunately

However I found that this helps a lot: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avogel-30408-A-Vogel-Aven...

It takes a good week or so to start working properly; but with no devices being used a good hour before bed; a read of a book and the Avenacalm drops; my sleep has improved a lot

Similar to the above https://www.amazon.co.uk/Capsules-Natural-Essences...

The above work for me, another thing to try which sounded weird when I was first told and still sound weird but again works for me. If you wake in the night is to get out of bed, stand upright and basically give your arms, legs, etc a shake like an exaggerated loose shiver for 10-15 seconds and go back to bed.

Yup, still sounds weird.

[Mark_S1000RR_2010]

I’m going to be v dull and suggest, nay recommend, a chat with your GP. Your medication, comorbidities, mental state etc all have a strong influence on your sleep patterns.

Your GP can get you a referral through to a sleep specialist. They’ll help you, no doubt.

[Luke.]

Try not to fall asleep.

Helped me. Took the pressure off and was sleeping much better.

[ATM]

Cut out all Caffeine

Takes at least a week to fully detox

Exercise helps - you will be tired

[AB]

Exercise an hour before bed followed by taking a Zopiclone for a couple of weeks prescribed by GP did a decent job of resetting my sleep cycle.

[Luke.]

AB said:

Exercise an hour before bed followed by taking a Zopiclone for a couple of weeks prescribed by GP did a decent job of resetting my sleep cycle.

I think the Zopiclone negates the need for any exercise.

BTW, try staying awake on a Zopiclone rather than sleeping - great way to start hallucinating...

[AB]

If you don't go to bed quickly enough after taking them, you certainly get a bit wobbly. But I'm asleep quickly and tend to sleep quite peacefully through.

[Ashfordian]

JS1902 said:

I’ve not been sleeping too great since the start of the year. At first it was a case of waking up an hour or so before my alarm every weekday but weekends were fine. I started reading into sleep hygiene and it actually had the opposite effect and a few weeks ago I had 3 nights of hardly any sleep which really got to me. Since then falling asleep is no issue but I keep waking up every 3 hours - sometimes I’ll be able to get back to sleep quickly other times not. Tried Sominex herbal for a few nights which had some positive effect but I don’t want to get dependent on them. Mental health wise I’m fine apart from feeling down about my poor sleep and the worry that this will just continue!!

Reads like work stress to me.

Edit: Scrub that. You are a hypochondriac based on your posting history. You should seek out the correct mental help for this!

Edited by Ashfordian on Saturday 6th April 12:51

[Steve_H80]

It sounds like you're obsessing about it, just try and go with the flow for a while.

[cronie007]

This post is old but wanted to reply since my daughter went through this exact thing last year. Waking every few hours, absolutely shattered all the time. I ordered from Drowsy Sleep a good sleeping mask ( not all sleeping masks are good) , cutting out screens before bed, and trying not to stress when she woke up. Also got her thyroid checked which was fine. Took about 6 weeks for full sleep recovery.

Edited by cronie007 on Monday 15th December 11:11

[Pistom]

Not sleeping has just become a way of life for me.

I'm sure not everyone is the same though so just because I can live with 3-4 hours a night and it's not a problem doesn't mean it's never a problem for others. I only mention it as it took me years to stop stressing about it.

The worst part is living around normal people who have a normal 6-8 hours as I feel the slightest sound might disturb them.

The best part is I'm always up to date on admin.