To hate not being able to sleep

[saltnpepa]

Just that really. About once every few months I can't sleep and end up going to sleep at 2 or 4am and a few times I have been awake all night. I hate these nights and get in a total state about it and worry about not being able to function the following day. I wish I could just shrug it off as a bad night but I hate the laying awake fretting. Anyone else the same?

[hiccupgirl]

My insomnia comes and goes depending on what's going on in my life.

At the mo I either fall asleep on the sofa about 9pm, wake at 11 and then can't get back to sleep until 3-4am then DS gets up about 6.30. Or I manage to not fall asleep on the sofa, go to bed and fall asleep about 11pm, wake up at 3am and then am awake until 6. I'm good at getting by on 3 hours sleep but it's so much better when I manage 6-7 hours.

If you can't sleep after 30 mins, get a book or kindle or go and watch some TV though I find it harder to switch back off again after TV.

[yeahokthen]

I don't know if it's insomnia but I'm wide awake at 5am every morning.

It doesn't matter if I go to bed at 9pm or 11pm it's the same.

I thought it was the menopause but even after starting HRT it's the same.
Reading normally sends me to sleep, Kindle Paper White is great because you don't need the light on, but I just can't get back to sleep. It's exhausting.

[Hippee]

I used to be an insomniac, lying awake and worrying about everything - not least the fact that I couldn't get to sleep. I've tried all sorts of list-making and counting stuff, but have finally discovered a method that works for me 99% of the time. I have a story that I create, and every night I add a bit more, or elaborate a bit. I am enjoying the story so much that I don't mind if I don't go to sleep for a while, but I usually go off quite quickly. My story is a historical romance, set at the time of the crusades - I'll let you know when I finally write it down and get published . I think it's actually much harder to get back to sleep if you wake too early, though.

[Blueskybrightstar]

This might only be relevant for a few posters but supplementing with magnesium and calcium before bed can make a massive difference to the inability to fall asleep (or toss and turn for an hour or two) and to stop early wake ups (e.g. 4 or 5am waking). Taking it made a huge difference for me as I suffered from both-it made an immediate impact and now, after a few months of taking it every night, plus a sleep cue (mine is just reading a relaxing book), and finally ear plugs (but that's more a snoring partner issue!) I can literally fall asleep in a minute or two. Often I also have a herbal tea with a mild dose of valerian in it too and that also really helps.

[ThinkIveBeenHacked]

My brain kicks into overdrive when I get into bed. It is frustrating, however Ive found the easiest way to get myself to sleep is to have something to watch. We dont have a TV in the bedroom so its an episode of something on my phone under my pillow to listen to or an audiobook.

I know its not good sleep rules but it worksand so far its the only thing Ive found that works at 2am after a nightfeed.

[yeahokthen]

It's good to feel I'm not the only one. Off to buy Magnesium today, thanks for the tip.

[LocalEditorEssex]

This is me this week. I go to sleep between 9pm and 10pm and wake up at 3.30am. I felt amazing yesterday as managed to sleep until 5.30am.
Today is another 3.30 though.

I try not to worry about how shit I will feel later in the day.

I know why I am not sleeping, I just hope I can get back to normal soon.

[nooka]

My dd is on high dose magnesium for migraines and also because it makes her sleepy at night and she otherwise struggles (and being tired is a big migraine trigger for her). I take a magnesium, zinc and melatonin supplement at bedtime (am in North America so can get this from my pharmacist) and it's made a huge difference to my ability to get to sleep.

[Thisishowyoudisappear]

If it's only every few months, it's probably not doing you any harm.

Valerian tea is great for mild insomnia - Dr Stuart's, available in Holland & Barrett and Asda. It's an acquired taste, but brilliant.

As PP mentioned, Night Nurse or Sominex (promethazine) are good for occasional insomnia, and not addictive.

I try to do a body scan, head to feet, or if my mind feels agitated I go through the alphabet thinking of something for each letter for a certain topic ... Usually sandwich fillings.

Practising relaxation or meditation during the day makes it easier to relax on demand.

[hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman]

Had a couple of crap nights on the trot again now, seems to be a cycle for me. A few OK nights then several crap ones was awake until gone 2am then woke naturally at 4.30, 13 hours at work today should be fun. I have given up looking for an answer.