Insomnia - starting to effect my life. I'm at the end of my tether

[Summeristhebest]

Every night for the since mid July I have woken up and not been able to get back to sleep. I am constantly tired and starting to feel quite down. I am normally a happy, positive person but the thought of feeling like this for the rest of my life is depressing me. I have cut out caffeine, I don't drink excessively, I am not worried about anything, I exercise 3-4 times a week, I don't use screens in the evening, I eat well. I just don't know what to do. It's starting to effect my concentration at work and I sometimes feel dizzy. I really need some advice on how to tackle this or tips on how to get back to sleep.

Get some Melatonin gummies

melatonin is your natural sleepiness and sometimes it can go for a walk..... i take one of these and hey presto i'm dead all night. I find that after taking one my sleep is more stable for ages and i don't need any

I've been taking magnesium and sleep better for it. I will also be trying melatonin.

Depending on your age it can be hormonal. I've had awful insomnia since I hit the perimenopause.

Will definitely look at getting those thank you. How do I know if I'm peri menopausal? I'm 44 and my periods are completely regular.

You might find that meditation might help (check out YouTube). That way even if you're awake in the night, you're meditating and relaxing - not getting stressed and making it worse. You can think "oh well, I can't sleep - this gives me some time to do something constructive". In my experience you'll probably fall asleep while doing it anyway - I find it nearly impossible to meditate without falling asleep when I'm tired.

ASMR videos can also be helpful. Even if you don't experience ASMR they can be very relaxing.

I'd also suggest getting more light in the mornings as it helps to regulate your circadian rhythm. I had to do that for a little while before it started to help.

I also sleep with ear plugs as my neighbours banging at any/all hours wakes me up and its hard to get back to sleep.

Summer, did you order some gummies? let me know how you got on with them, i'm interested to hear how other people find them

I could have written your post op. I used to go to bed at night and wake up in the morning. But at 44 this all changed when I started peri menopause.

A few years on I’m on bio identical HRT, take melatonin AND magnesium and i still don’t sleep. Did your mum have sleep problems at that age? Mine did, and I’m starting to wonder if bad sleep in/after menopause is hereditary.

Another vote here for ASMR videos on youtube.

Have you tried sleep apps? There are loads its just a case of finding one you like. I like the "soft rainfall" ones, they're really popular.

HRT really helped my sleep.

Given that you're 44, and even though your periods are still regular, I would bet that you have entered peri-menopause. Sleep problems are one of the first symptoms. I suggest you talk to your gp and ask about solutions. I was put on birth control pills even though my tubes are tied, and it has helped enormously.