Menopausal Insomnia? The bloody crap never ends!

[ConstantlyFireFighting]

Been awake since 2.20am, wide awake, tossing and turning so came downstairs at 4.30am. DH appears in lounge shortly afterwards making me jump 10 foot in the air annoyed that I woke him up by not being in bed .

This has been going on since before Christmas now, starting off due to not being able to sleep due to back pain (recently diagnosed with spondylosis). Back not too bad now but I can't get to sleep! Had precisely 1 hour 30 mins of sleep now which has fed me up for the rest of the day. Its lucky I'm a SAHM so can go back to bed now but I have plenty I should be doing.

I have never had Insomnia in my life until now. In fact I used to view people who said they couldn't sleep even though they were exhausted like this !

I'm 47, periods have been less frequent since early last year but the last one, after 2 months without, was just brown smudging for a few days, which I am delighted about as I used to have bloodbath type periods and had to avoid going out for 3 days of it. I'd rather have them and sleep back now though.

Any ideas on how to deal with the insomnia without taking tablets?

The usual advice about, no alcohol, cutting out dairy etc does help with symptoms.

I've always meditated and I found relaxation techniques and breathing exercises would at least stop the anxiety when I woke up.

Are you taking any supplements?

I am 47 too and I had the same over Christmas ( I was off work for a fortnight) I think the disruption to routine doesn't help. Since going back to work I have been really strict with myself, I leave my phone downstairs as before I was lying in bed Mumsnetting, and am doing dry january . I don't know what is making the difference, but I am sleeping through the night again. Before I would wake at 3 or 4 and be awake for hours. Ditch screens an hour before bed and see if that helps. It was horrible so you have my sympathy.

Also, I'd add that I'm now 51 and the insomnia went within two years. Other symptoms haven't so I'm starting HRT.

There's been massive improvements in HRT and we know a lot more about Female Cancers to make the right choice for each Woman.

I'm 57 now but started the menopause around 53. Had insomnia, hot flushes, heart palpitations, the lot. Tried various things and nothing worked. Then started on Vitamin E capsules, have been on them for about a year now and all the symptoms have subsided. It took some time but it is definitely worth a go.