This is probably going to sound ridiculous but.....

[pepperpots]

I have such trouble getting a refreshing nights sleep as i dream so much! I know that sounds weird but its really starting to get me down i sleep for 8 hours min a night and wake up exhausted! Does anyone have any advice? I have tried sleeping tablets (herbal) but seem to make the problem worse. Tia for any advice

I wish I could offer better advice, but I've had to use tranquilisers in the past for poor sleep.

I need to be alert in the morning i have two small children and need to drive to various places, will i be able to do this with tranquilisers?

If you cut it in half, yes. I was .

see your doctor. it could be something like sleep apnoea which means that you have disturbed sleep and don't get proper rest.
do you know if you snore? (cos that's related to it)

otherwise, they may be able to prescribe something that'll help you sleep. ie, some anti depressants make you more relaxed and sleepy... anti-anxiety type stuff.

I know it might be a long shot but have you had your thyroid checked? A symptom of a seriously underactive thyroid is vivid dreams and hallucinations, also causes extreme tiredness. Thyroid problems are common after having children.

Pepperpots, I have tried herbal Nytol to no avail - If I find I'm not sleeping well I take Nytol ' one a night' and I usually get at least 5 - 6 hrs without waking - they work for me!

I always notice that I dream more if I eat too close to bedtime, or have hard to digest things. Don't know if that helps or not...

Try a glass of wine and a nurofen migraine tablet. Works for me!

thanks for all your replies some interesting stuff i dont tend to eat b4 bed as im on a strict diet of no eating after 7pm i had blood tests done a few months ago and they checked everything like iron levels, thyroid, seleium(i think thtas what she said???), liver function and underlying infection. Apart from liver results being a bit high (used to drink quite a lot ) everything came back clear. The other thing that was suggested was depression but the only thing that is getting me down is the fact i am always so tired all the time! I watch other mums running around after there children and i want to be like that so much but some days find it increasingly dificult to move of the sofa even though i feel fine in myself iyswim. Sorry for waffling but sometimes just to know im not going crazy is enough

Pepperpots, have you cut out tea and coffee in the evening. Alcohol is also a stimulant.