Does anyone else have this problem?

[ncforcatquestion]

All my adult life, I've had not just insomnia but also an inability to have a set wake/ sleep cycle. It gets later every day. People don't really understand it, they minimise it, but it makes it impossible for me to have a normal life. At my last job (night work) I had to use sleeping pills to keep to a schedule. They stop working after a while. I feel like I'm in another world from normal people. I don't want my whole life to be the way it is but I've tried everything. Just wondering if anyone can relate

Me. I've been an awful insomniac since I was 17. I'm now 44. I've had years where it's been so bad I've had to give up or cut down on work. I get every illness going because my immunity is compromised.

I've tried everything. Nothing h has worked for longer than a day or two.

No advice I can give you-but solidarity. It is awful and debilitating.

@ncforcatquestion Sounds very disruptive. It reminded me of something. Have you ever been diagnosed with Non 24 hour Sleep Wake disorder? Not diagnosing you, but something you might want to look into.

@Keepingongoing I've read about this and I think that's what it is. The doctors don't seem to care or think much of it

It sounds like it could be that. I think with a rare condition where there isn’t a clear treatment pathway, GPs are often not much help. You have to really tell them how much it’s affecting you.

If you’re in a position to pay for a private consultation, I was helped (for a different sleep problem) at the Edinburgh sleep centre, about 16 years ago. I’m not sure if it still exists, but I think it was part of the London Sleep Centre, which is still going.

Do you take melatonin?

I do take melatonin sometimes but it only works some of the time. I take sleeping pills half the time as well, they just lose effectiveness quickly every month and then I end up doubling the dose and running out every month. I was referred to that sleep clinic once, but on the NHS, and they wrote back saying they couldn't see me. Although the doctor had just written "insomnia" on the referral. Maybe that is an idea to pay privately, could be worth it

I am the same, as is my son. I just can't sleep and am very envious of those that drop off in 5 minutes. Even as a kid I couldn't sleep and would read with a torch under the covers.

I do now think that if I was that kid I would have ADHD - I have all the traits.

I'm relieved to read someone else has this.

I had a breakdown doing CBT earlier this year because all I wanted to achieve was 1 week of normal bedtime and I couldn't do it.

I'm about to give it another attempt. Last time I introduced too many things at once so I'm going to try slower. It's also good not to introduce too many opinions as everyone has an opinion on sleep.

Saying that I did find Why We Sleep useful.