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Original poster

How to stay asleep in the morning

47 replies

Whu · 24/06/2023 06:34

For weeks now I’ve been waking up between 4 and 5am and I can’t get back to sleep.
I don’t pick my phone up till around 6.30am but sometimes will read. I get up normal time 7/7.30.
it’s driving me mad as I’m exhausted by 8pm and like tonight I’m off out till late and will be so tired then still ping awake early tomorrow.
Any tips?

OP posts:
MyfavouriteisA · 24/06/2023 06:37

Black out blind or curtains?

stoptheasshat · 24/06/2023 06:37

Good morning!!! The Calm app is quite good as they have meditation sessions designed for getting back to sleep - but you have to commit fully to the meditation and not let your thoughts fight it!

MaggieBsBoat · 24/06/2023 06:37

Following with interest. This is me and it’s so frustrating. I wonder if it’s my age (50 and perimenopausal).

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Sleep
EthicalNonMahogany · 24/06/2023 06:39

perimenopause? Progesterone helps

recklessgran · 24/06/2023 06:46

Me too. For context I'm 67. Been at my desk with coffee since 5.30am and just off to Tesco to do the shopping. Every cloud has a silver lining - the shop will be fully stocked and not many of us in there so early on a Saturday so in and out in half an hour, whizz round and no queues!
I wish I knew the answer - I've been like this for years but I am way more productive in the first couple of hours of the day so just go with it. It's only extra annoying when we're on holiday as DH is reptilian in the morning to say the least - you know, still and silent, a bit like a lizard. He is retired and doesn't get up until 9.00ish. Jealous? Me? Nah, I adore him and am in awe of his ability to sleep all night AND take a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon if we're not busy. Meanwhile I plod on with my 5 hours a night.

Original poster
Whu · 24/06/2023 06:48

Good suggestions so far!
I will try the meditation tomorrow morning - thanks.
I do have wooden blinds and quite thick curtains which I can’t afford to replace at the minute it maybe I could try a sleep
mask it seems reasonable it is the light!

I’m already on progesterone for the PoP and a little young (mid thirties) for peri?

Sorry to the other unwilling early birds out there. I’ve been a 7/7.30 waker for as long as I can remember prior to this starting!

OP posts:
Lcb123 · 24/06/2023 06:49

I listen to a podcast I’ve listened to before - most of the Time I drop off!

RedRosie · 24/06/2023 06:52

Combination of things probably ... I've found this has got worse into my 50s.

It is very bright out there currently! Have you tried a sleep mask? That sometimes helps me get back to sleep although it took a while to find the right one. I also find that often my brain kicks into gear though ... Then it's very hard to wind down again.

recklessgran · 24/06/2023 06:52

Op you could try magnesium glyconate - they reckon that helps you stay asleep for longer. I bought some but haven't actually taken it yet. Will read back later when I'm back from shopping.

Cookiecrush · 24/06/2023 06:53

Go to bed later ? If you are going to bed at 8pm, 4am is 8 hours sleep later.

JaninaDuszejko · 24/06/2023 06:55

How much do you drink? Cut down alcohol and see if that helps.

Original poster
Whu · 24/06/2023 06:58

Cookiecrush · 24/06/2023 06:53

Go to bed later ? If you are going to bed at 8pm, 4am is 8 hours sleep later.

I go to bed at 11pm. I’m tired by 8pm and tonight I’ll be out till 1am and exhausted!

OP posts:
Original poster
Whu · 24/06/2023 06:58

JaninaDuszejko · 24/06/2023 06:55

How much do you drink? Cut down alcohol and see if that helps.

Almost nothing so that’s not it. Maybe a glass or 2 every couple of weeks. Good suggestion for others though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whu · 24/06/2023 06:59

recklessgran · 24/06/2023 06:52

Op you could try magnesium glyconate - they reckon that helps you stay asleep for longer. I bought some but haven't actually taken it yet. Will read back later when I'm back from shopping.

Will try this, meditation and sleep mask.
They seem to be a good and easily achievable starting point!

OP posts:
Batalax · 24/06/2023 07:04

I read on here that the army teach their guys to relax the jaw. The really helped me. Also concentrate on relaxing your body starting from the toes and working your way up the body. Ankles, calves, knees etc.

Justleaveitblankthen · 24/06/2023 07:15

Agree with the sleep mask.
I have one hanging on my bedstead and it works a treat.
Most of the time I don't use it as, like PP, i like to get stuff done while all the world still sleeps.

shakeitoffsis · 24/06/2023 07:16

I'm the same. Eye mask seems to be helping and the noise of a fan.

DustyLee123 · 24/06/2023 07:19

Give up alcohol, take some magnesium glycinate, and have a good regular bedtime routine.
‘Failing this, embrace it and get stuff done early. You can’t fight it !

Willmafrockfit · 24/06/2023 07:20

i am the same, i go through stages
3.30 all week this week, until today,
i get up - cup of tea, dog has her breakfast!
then go back to bed and try and enjoy just lying down!

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/06/2023 07:21

Could it be that something is happening outside/next door that's waking you up?

DP was wondering why it had started happening to him until I was on one of my all nighters (Insomnia is a right bitch) and realised it coincided with the bloke next door making himself a protein shake with their new Vitamix - they are so loud - and then leaving the house for a new job.

Just as well it was before he'd collected the anti depressants the GP had prescribed him for 'early morning waking', really. 🤔

Pkhsvd · 24/06/2023 07:22

I keep waking up early recently and I’ve started using a sleep mask I got from an airplane trip and it’s worked so well that im going to be buying a more comfortable one. The light has definitely been a factor for me this year but sometimes it happens when I’m stressed too so the meditation stuff is useful

mondaytosunday · 24/06/2023 07:33

I wake up to go to the loo about 5am and can usually get back to sleep but it's so light out now the dogs wake up and think I'm heading downstairs so get up and then I think they must need to go out and I can hear the cat meowing for their breakfasts... so having to go down to do all that and I'm really awake!
If I didn't have to get up at least twice to use the loo (I go to bed about midnight) it wouldn't be an issue!

Thankgoodnessforabitofsun · 24/06/2023 07:53

How active are you OP? If I have a sedentary day I sleep badly. Need to have a decent walk at least. Do you work from home/drive to work and not live much. Is it any better if you exercise?

Thankgoodnessforabitofsun · 24/06/2023 07:55

Also, if I’m overtired I wake up early. Try having a really early night, like 9pm with a night nurse/decongestant to knock you out, so you’re not overtired the next night. Have a really active day, then go to bed at your normal time with an eye mask and noise of fan/phone app

OakTreex · 24/06/2023 07:55

Is there anything perhaps waking you? I've started waking up at 4am but I know why - the birds are super noisy outside my window at this stage of summer, always starting at 4am!

I put white noise on to block the sound out and go back to sleep. White noise is quite soothing and aids sleep I find, you can get an app on your phone to try it.