I can't stop waking up at 5am

[EdwinaFlurry]

I'm grumpy and tired but can't get back to sleep. I've tried reading and podcasts but can't seem to fix it.
Any strategies or am going to have to go to sleep at 10pm forever?

Ha thats a lie- in ! I'm wide awake at 3.30 -4 most mornings...I've found some anti histamines helpful in the past and if you have time before having to get up for the day just lie there with eyes closed and day dream ..often sends me back to sleep .

Do you mean take them when you wake up early @ginandbearit or the night before? Don't you feel awful three hours later?

Used to take them about half hour before bed ..even if it was quite early..also zero caffeine after six ..but everyone's metabolism is different , hope you can find something to help ..I also found reading quite soporific but not podcasts or radio .

HRT? What age are you?

2 mg Circadin works for me when I'm jet-lagged. One three hours before sleep.

It is usually a rush of Adrenalin that causes early morning awakening.

I suffered with it when I was under severe stress when I was with my ex. It went when we split up.

I get this when I'm pregnant, so thinking it could be linked to hormones?

Menopausal, classic symptom

@ginandbearit when you say antihistamines, does that mean like Piriton anti allergy stuff? I wake at 3am every night. I've tried sleeping tablets but haven't tried antihistamines

I'm 53, menopausal but on HRT. Circadin is worth a google, thank you.

cherryplum yes ..make sure you dont get the non drowsy!

Caffeine in your diet? I can’t have any after 12pm, else I can’t get to sleep, when I do sleep it’s fitfully, then I’m awake with the birds.