To ask if there are any other insomniacs out there and how you cope with it?

[Whatisthisfuckery]

Just that really. I can’t sleep. I go through periods of this from time to time, maybe a couple of times a year. It tends to last a month or so. I’m two weeks in and feeling ill with tiredness. During the day I’m shattered, can hardly keep my eyes open, then at night my brain lights up and I can’t sleep for love nor money.

I have a range of OTC sleeping pills and a small supply of Diasepam which I use sparingly as I don’t want to become dependent.

I’ve tried Headspace sleep meditations; long walks during the day; reading a book; bath before bed; warm milky drink, nothing works.

Please tell me I’m not alone, although I don’t wish this on anybody.

Is there something else I should try? I’m losing my shit here.

Been awake since 3am and not a hope in hell of getting back to sleep

Nothing. It's been over ten years now.

www.amazon.co.uk/Effortless-Sleep-Method-Incredible-Insomnia/dp/1456492543

Please read this, it was recommended on here by another mumsnetter and I've never looked back. I've loaned it to countless people who have said the same.

Nytol in the dark blue packet (have to ask the pharmacist in Boots) has saved my life.

@Balloondog it’s awful isn’t it?

I’ve also tried Melatonin, bought them OTC in Spain on holiday and they do nothing for me except make me feel groggy the next day. Doctor said he’s surprised that Zolpidem/Zopiclone don’t work for me. I also take lots of prescription meds for my fibro and anxiety, including Diazepam and I’ll still wake up in the early hours.

The only positive I find is that I love the quiet time and tend to get lots done during the night I appreciate its different when you’re going to work though

I’m going to get the book that a pp has recommended above.

It’s the absolute pits, I feel for you. I got terrible insomnia after the birth of my second child. He did not sleep for the first 5 months of his life and then when he started to sleep better I just couldn’t sleep. I was averaging maybe a few hours a night. It really affected my mentally and I felt horrific. The only thing that worked for me was dosulepin off the gp. 4 years later I’m still on a very small dose. I still get woken up multiple times a night by dc but I manage to fall back to sleep. I do still have anxious times when I can’t sleep but I move to spare room, use deep sleep pillow spray (by this works), earplugs and eye mask. I occasionally use antihistamine liquid if desperate. I have bought some cbd oil but haven’t tried it yet.