How can I sleep longer?

[belindarose]

I know there is a sleep topic, but it's mostly baby related. I've got a horrible problem with waking really early on work mornings (4am today) and not being able to go back to sleep. By the time I get to work I'm already exhausted! I have a 2 yo so don't get to catch up much on other mornings. Fortunately it's only two days a week, but it is awful.

I don't worry about the job, particularly, although I certainly don't love it at the moment. Any tips?

[cyb]

I find putting R4 on, really quietly, helps me go back to sleep

[belindarose]

Thanks. We have the radio on - Radio 4 and the World Service - all night anyway!

[FrauHolle]

have you tried melatonin
we always use it for jetlags but also when i want t o doze off and wake up without that groggy feeling.

lots of mums develop sleeping disorders and it seems your on your way. the best thing is a strict bedtime routine (no tv an hour before bed, a warm bath or shower, a glass of milk and a book or magazine).

The melatonin will help you settle into a restful sleep cycle.

[belindarose]

I'll look into melatonin then, thanks.

[topsi]

Yeah or tryptophan. You will have a problem getting either in the UK but tryptophan is on the revital web site under amino acids and Melatonin is only available from USA try i-herb.

[nightcat]

radio on all night :o why? this could be part of the problem?
also, is your bedroom completely dark? if not, then this would explain it too

[nightcat]

oh dear, was meant to say

[belindarose]

Don't think it is, as we've always had the radio on and this is a new problem. Just found out I'm pregnant though, and definitely remember very poor sleep in the early stages of my last pregnancy, so that might be it. Not work worries as just as bad over this weekend. Going to sleep now! Thanks.