Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Tired in the evenings but wide awake when I go to bed... anyone else?

24 replies

TheArgentineFanjo · 05/12/2021 00:16

I feel quite tired most of the evening but when I actually go to bed I’m awake and can’t nod off. Do I need to change my routine? Or any other tips?

OP posts:
KloppsTeeth · 05/12/2021 01:33

I am the same. I get tired early evening but if I go to bed early I wake up in the early hours and can’t get back to sleep.
I am blaming peri menopause and I need to find out how to change my body clock so I can sleep at a normal time and stay asleep.

GoingBacktoSchool123 · 05/12/2021 01:41

Yep. Couldn't keep my eyes open in front of the TV tonight. Had to set an alarm to make sure I didn't forget to pick DC up at 11pm. Been arsing a round since getting them to bed at midnight FFS!,,

me4real · 05/12/2021 02:20

I get more awake as the day goes on. Going to try and do something about it, get started earlier etc.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Sleep
newtothis1990 · 05/12/2021 02:37

Same! I get so sleepy after work that I could easily nap, which most days i dont..and I still have a rough time falling asleep at night.. it doesn't help that my mind races 100 miles a minute

lucysmam · 05/12/2021 08:54

Yep, same here.

It's like my brain realises I've got in bed & thinks "aha! 💡perfect time to sort your mental to do list, overthink everything, and work through today" 🙄

Oh, and I always have to get out again, about 20 mins after going to bed, for a second wee 🤷‍♀️ Drives me nuts!

spottygymbag · 05/12/2021 09:49

Really recommend Why We Sleep’: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams. It goes through the way our sleep cycles change as we age and what we can do to maximise sleep quality and quantity at each stage. It's all based on scientific research so no wishy-washy stuff.

Original poster
TheArgentineFanjo · 05/12/2021 16:23

It's like my brain realises I've got in bed & thinks "aha! 💡perfect time to sort your mental to do list, overthink everything, and work through today" 🙄

Oh, and I always have to get out again, about 20 mins after going to bed, for a second wee 🤷‍♀️ Drives me nuts!

This is me to a tee!

OP posts:
Original poster
TheArgentineFanjo · 05/12/2021 16:24

Thanks @spottygymbag that sounds v interesting I’m going to order that.

OP posts:
lucysmam · 05/12/2021 17:27

@TheArgentineFanjo glad to see it's not only me!

@spottygymbag that sounds interesting, I'm googling too (but after tea!).

Jobseeker19 · 05/12/2021 17:28

I had this and someone recommended magnesium supplements which did work and I can sleep early and deeply.

vodkaredbullgirl · 05/12/2021 17:32

I work nights so my sleep pattern is all over the place.

NannyGythaOgg · 05/12/2021 17:55

Magnesium Glysophate has helped me. I still wake a couple of times most nights but it's definitely easier to get back to sleep.

The other thing I do is have a bedtime story on my phone or have Alexa read one of my Audible books all Saga so although enjoyable they are pretty slow paced and not exciting. They keep my mind occupied enough to stop the endless circling about things that are only important in the middle of the night but are not exciting enough to keep me awake. One book lasts months - the only problem is finding out what I remember from the previous day and getting back to that place.

suckingonchillidogs · 05/12/2021 17:55

Yep - can't remember the last time I actually saw the end of a tv show in the evening but when I'm actually trying to sleep for the night, no chance. I've missed most of Angela Black, Vigil, any number of Netflix programmes, so annoying

FindingFlorestan · 05/12/2021 17:58

I found writing a list for the next day before getting ready for bed helps avoid that ticking brain feeling.

LadyEloise1 · 05/12/2021 19:10

You are not alone @TheArgentineFanjo
Some nights I almost crawl up to bed I'm so tired. Practically fall into bed and then I can't fall asleep. Sad

spottygymbag · 05/12/2021 19:48

@TheArgentineFanjo @lucysmam I've always struggled with sleep but different issues over the years. I found this had really good tips and actually just put a lot of it in perspective so it took a lot of the angst away. Hope you find it helpful!
I also use Bose sleep buds and slow release melatonin. The Bose are an every night thing. The melatonin I use for stretches to get things back on track but can be really helpful as we age.

Original poster
TheArgentineFanjo · 05/12/2021 20:07

I found writing a list for the next day before getting ready for bed helps avoid that ticking brain feeling.

This is a good idea!

Thanks @spottygymbag can you buy the melatonin over the counter or do you need it prescribed?

OP posts:
Elieza · 05/12/2021 20:09

It’s not just me then!

spottygymbag · 05/12/2021 20:15

I think it depends on where you are, @TheArgentineFanjo. Where I am over 55's can get it otc with a pharmacist consultation but I've always needed a prescription. Annoying but worth it. I think some countries you can order online etc and import but I'm not really clued up on that. Definitely needs to be slow release though, and make sure you take it early enough in the evening that it fits with your sleep cycle. It's non addictive too so no physical dependency issues like with other sleep medications.
I've spent a fortune over the years on all possible alternative remedies before a sympathetic and knowledgeable GP came to the rescue. Since moved a few times and now I just go straight to the new gp and say this is what I need.

Original poster
TheArgentineFanjo · 05/12/2021 20:29

You are a mine of information spotty thank you so much!

OP posts:
Catsstillrock · 05/12/2021 20:52

I’ve had this. For me it’s a combo of…

Age. Makes other tendencies worse.

Blood sugar crash, especially if I’m awake in the night and can’t get back to sleep. A low carb diet and making sure I eat proteins and fats at dinner really helps. If I’ve fallen off that and I’m wide awake at 4am I’ll eat something small like a few almonds and go back to sleep more easily

Being over tired. There’s definitely a window, as there is with babies. Falling asleep at 9.30 on the sofa but can’t sleep at midnight. You’ve left it too long.

The wrong type of tired. Spending time outside in daylight and exercise really help.

Wrong stuff before bed. Screens. I’m often too tired to read but listening to audio books really helps me keep my mind occupied enough as I fall asleep.

Magnesium really helps. I take the stuff that dissolves I’m not water before bed.

I’m also looking into HRT as I’m peri menopausal

spottygymbag · 05/12/2021 21:30

Totally agree @Catsstillrock- age and the drop in natural melatonin we produce, plus the changing hormones has a real impact.
There's lots we can do behaviour wise but the actual physician changes in our bodies still have a massive influence.
My DH's family have some magical sleep voodoo magic where they can just switch off and that's it-sleep through til morning. All of them, all ages. I wish I could bottle it!

spottygymbag · 05/12/2021 21:31

Physical... not physician Hmm

Terminallysleepdeprived · 05/12/2021 21:35

Yup. Start to doze off on the sofa so I go to bed and the second my head hits the pillow it's like my brain comes alive.

I have tried everything including sleeping pills and nothing helps. If anything the pills made it worse

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread