Tips for dealing with insomnia

[notaflyingmonkey]

I've going through a lot of stress at the moment, which is unavoidable. It has really affected my sleep to the point that I am usually up around 3 or 4am every day, but this morning that was 1am. I can't function on a couple of hours sleep, not least of all because I work full time.

Can anyone recommend over the counter remedies that have worked for them please?

It might be wort trying Sominex. It's an OTC sleeping aid based on antihistamines (I think). I often go through phases where I wake up at 4am and my mind is in overdrive worrying about things. Sominex makes me drowsy enough that I can fall back asleep which is great. I only take 1/4 of a tablet as otherwise I get a "hangover" the next day and I only take it for a couple of days to break the cycle. Works for me.

Piriton can work in the short term,

Look at your sleep routine too. Cut out phones/screens/tv before bed. Try techniques to relax before bed and again when you wake up.
Is your situation likely to become less stressful? Can you have a "plan" to help resolve the stress that you can go over when you feel stress building again so you know you're dealing with thing.
You have my sympathies, I'm running on 1-3 hrs sleep at the moment due to ongoing issues.M abs it's bloody hard.

I sometimes use Nytol for a few nights, seems to break the cycle.

Peri-menopause? If so, HRT is a lifesaver.

I use Boots Sleepeze which are probably similar to Sominex, an OTC antihistamine. I only need one tablet ie half a dose.

All the usual advice about no screens before bed, warm bath, exercise but not too close to bedtime, blah blah, applies but ultimately it's the sleeping tablets that work for me. I used to worry about getting addicted but in my experience they're fine as long as you use them sparingly for short periods of time.

Great, thanks everyone. I will pop to Boots at lunchtime.

I'm post menopause, going through issues with elderly DM that are quite intense, but which should pass soon. I just need to get through the next couple of weeks. I know it's a vicious circle and that going for a swim etc will help with the relaxation, but I feel I just need a couple of night's sleep to break this bout of insomnia.