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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask you what you do when you can't sleep?

36 replies

Namechangegame123 · 21/02/2021 09:34

My sleep started going up the left about 6 months ago. I would get to sleep but then wake a few hours later and be up the rest of the night. Lately it seems to have settled into a pattern where about once a week I just don't sleep at all at night, literally not a wink.

I have tried soothing music, magnesium tablets and melatonin tablets, but they don't really seem to help. I'm finding it hard to get outside as we have 4 kids at home and by the time we get through all of the homeschooling it's dark, or often the rain is coming in sideways. One of my kids is 18 months and is going through a phase of loathing his buggy and this has made getting out for walks basically impossible.

It's really starting to impact me. The day after I get no sleep I nearly feel hungover, I have a headache and my shoulders and neck are really tense.

So has anyone got any tips for getting over to sleep and staying asleep?

OP posts:
CrazyOldBagLady · 21/02/2021 09:36

I listen to audio books. They help my mind from thinking about important/stressful things that might keep me awake. I have some Bluetooth earplugs, I just wear one side and I get audiobooks from my libraries app, YouTube or Audible. Podcasts can be good too.

DownUdderer · 21/02/2021 09:37

I listen to audiobooks when I can't sleep, it stops my brain feeling so busy. It's like I need to switch my brain off and avoid overthinking, so an audiobook helps me.

DownUdderer · 21/02/2021 09:37

Snap

JofraArchersFastestBall · 21/02/2021 09:42

Same - I can't fall asleep without something to listen to. It needs to be enough to distract me from my own thoughts, without being too gripping. Either an audiobook I know really well (Harry potter or an Agatha Christie or PG Wodehouse) or a podcast on gardening or cycling.

I've got a headband with little speakers in it so that I can listen without bothering my husband.

JofraArchersFastestBall · 21/02/2021 09:45

Also, my toddler is very anti pram, so frustrating when all you want is a walk at a decent pace. I got a micro scooter with a seat and handle which she loves and means I can march around the block without a fight.

LittleOwl153 · 21/02/2021 09:48

Try the 18 month old on a push along trike or if they stand well a scooter - you can push him along on a 3 wheeled one!
On the sleep I don't known I end up getting up and reading but I dont think that helps!

Funkyslippers · 21/02/2021 09:49

I take 4 drops of Rescue Remedy Night plus a paracetamol, then I tense and relax each part of my body whilst breathing in for 7, holding for 4 then breathing out for 11. Also try not to worry about not sleeping. Not easy I know!

puppygalore · 21/02/2021 09:51

I've struggled with sleep for years. Tried all the gadgets with no luck. 1 time melatonin sent me off almost instantly, the next time I used it absolutely no effect. I use Nytol about once a fortnight to guarantee me at least one decent night, it tends to put me in a deeper sleep. The other nights I take the starpowa snooze gummies, which I believe have helped me to some extent. I have a sensitive bladder and tinnitus so most nights I make sure I've drank nothing past 8pm, earplugs in, something mindless on TV to drown out exterior noises and tinnitus drone, then scroll something on my phone til I drop off. I know telly and electronics are not recommended but if I don't have anything I'll just lie awake in the dark for hours, so for me it's better to have something to read. There is a military breathing technique I've read about that might be worth a try for you.

Touchitmoveit · 21/02/2021 09:53

Downloaded Calm app during the first lockdown as I couldn’t sleep at all after being a brilliant sleeper. I listen to their sleep stories every night and usually don’t remember anything last first 10 mins.

I also use the Neom magnesium body butter- that combined with the sleep stories knocks me out like a truck and I remember nothing!

Flaunch · 21/02/2021 10:00

Audio books here too, usually Harry Potter as I’ve read it so much it takes no effort and it doesn’t matter if I doze off.

It’s it’s slid in to habit i take a couple of DH’s strong co codamol and that knocks me out.

Haggisfish · 21/02/2021 10:02

Meditainment.com has great guided meditations that I listen to.

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 21/02/2021 10:04

I have a speaker that goes into the headphone socket on my phone and I put it under my pillow. I listen to podcasts. I tried audio books but I was frustrated when I would wake up in the middle and the story didn't make sense.

Veterinari · 21/02/2021 10:19

@Funkyslippers

I take 4 drops of Rescue Remedy Night plus a paracetamol, then I tense and relax each part of my body whilst breathing in for 7, holding for 4 then breathing out for 11. Also try not to worry about not sleeping. Not easy I know!
Why a paracetamol?
Veterinari · 21/02/2021 10:20

I use audiobooks too - usually Agatha Christie.

Original poster
Namechangegame123 · 21/02/2021 10:35

Oops didn't realise I'd left the voting on.

Thanks, plenty for me to try!

OP posts:
Bettysnow · 21/02/2021 10:42

If i really have trouble sleeping i take nytol (non herbal) and I'm asleep in 20 minutes. I wouldn't take them regularly but they are fantastic when you need to get a good nights sleep

morninglive · 21/02/2021 10:45

Get up, get a cup of tea and slice of toast. Read my kindle, then listen to an audiobook. If my head aches I take 2 paracetamol too.

Serin · 21/02/2021 10:46

Google Laura Mitchell relaxation technique.
Devised by a physio, it systematically relaxes each part of your body. It's a bit like the tense and relax method but with no "tensing" (as tensing can leave a residual stress behind).
Also look at what you are consuming through the day, are you drinking caffeine? Too much sugar?
Are you exercising? Tried online yoga?
The toddler doesn't get to control where you go during the day, if you need to get out then you must go! Give them a treat to eat along the way or a toy to hold or tell them you are going to feed the ducks or look for tractors. Going outside at dusk is meant to be very helpful in resetting your body clock.
I can only imagine how shattered you are and hope things improve soon.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 21/02/2021 10:52

I listen to podcasts - history or social science. Not comedy.

SuperbGorgonzola · 21/02/2021 11:01

The key is to find something to read or listen to that is interesting enough to distract you from any real life problems, but not so interesting that it is going to keep you awake.

My categories are:
BBC4: History, Astronomy, Art
Radio4: In Our Time, classic audiobooks
Youtube: quiet video game lets plays (The Sims, Farming Simulator, Civilizations).

I like ASMR videos as well but if i'm really wide awake, I find them not distracting enough to stop my own thoughts.

MissBaskinIfYoureNasty · 21/02/2021 11:03

Audio books and podcasts for me.

WorryingMum2029 · 21/02/2021 11:07

Nothing Much Happens podcast is just brilliant. Totally life changing for me.

Funkyslippers · 21/02/2021 12:18

Why a paracetamol? it relaxes me. I don't know if it's a placebo thing but my MIL recommended I try it when I can't get back to sleep and it works for me

Wimpeyspread · 21/02/2021 12:46

Get up, make a cup of tea, make sure I’m warm (hot wheat bag, socks) and go back to bed with some sudokus until my eyes start to close. I alway go to sleep with the radio on a timer, it helps distract my brain

Margaritatime · 21/02/2021 12:58

NHS Feeling good app www.nhs.uk/apps-library/feeling-good-positive-mindset/

I usually fall asleep before the end of a track.

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