Sleep... or lack of!

[shootingstar1234]

Hi, this is my first thread and is on a topic that has been driving me insane for as long as I can remember.

Ever since I was a child I've found it near impossible to get to sleep. Even if I've been up early, had a really busy day and feel tired, it can still take hours. This then makes it harder for me to get up in the morning, which makes it even harder to sleep the next night... and the cycles continues.

I've tried everything- getting up early, going to bed at the same time every night, exercise, warm bath and hot drink before bed and nothing makes any difference. Been thinking maybe about trying an over the counter tablet for nights when the problem is at its worst.

I'd be truly grateful for your opinions :)

Night nurse.

What's your diet like?

Make sure your diet isn't high protein, have complex carbs for lunch and dinner (brown rice or pasta). avoid any stimulants eg sugar coffee etc
A brisk walk is much better than intense exercise before bed.
Zma supplement is also worth a try

Diet is fine- I eat lots of brown pasta and rice anyway, could perhaps cut down on the caffeine though. Think I shall try the supplement then the Night Nurse if all else fails, thanks :)

I have this problem on and off - mainly on. Stress is a big factor for me. Have you tried relaxation CDs? I used to guffaw but when I started getting massages and facials - the CDs used to remind of having a good pummelling or a lovely hydrated face or a favourite holiday and they truly do help - if only to relax you. My friend has dreadful insomnia. She just gets up and does something useful and then has a better sleep the next night. Maybe you just naturally need less.

PS Herbal nytol is good - but doesn't have that horrible groggy feeling the next day.

OP, I have the same problem - always have had.

Since having dd2 (and therefore needing to be able to cope during the day with two small kids) I have occasionally taken Nytol, but not the herbal one. I found that did nothing at all for me, but the antihistamine one does.

It does make you feel groggy in the morning, and it's not an ongoing cure - but when you're at your wits' ends and know you have to function the next day, worth a try. You could try herbal ones first, of course.

Also, if you do try them, try taking half of one first - you may just need that slight help to let go and get to sleep, and it would lessen the dopey start the next morning. But less toxic than Night Nurse, IMO!