Hi
I have had poor sleep for literally decades - 30 + years. I have tried all the usual things. This list is NOT exhaustive:
Bedtime routine
cold dark room,
no screens for at least 2 hours before bed,
dietary changes,
foods high in tryptophan or melatonin,
no alcohol,
no chocolate or caffeine,
exercise,
meditation,
earlier/later bedtimes,
sleeping in a separate room from my DH, eye mask,
sleep headphones,
warm bath/shower,
magnesium spray/supplements - (bi glycinate),
5-HTP,
camomile,
valerian root,
B12,
Taurine,
l-theanine,
Amitriptyline,
antidepressants,
CBT,
ambient lighting,
blue light blocking glasses,
wearing dark (sun) glasses after 7.30pm
ashwagandha
sleepy antihistamines,
over the counter short term sleep aids,
white/brown/fan noise,
low volume audiobooks/music,
bed used only for sleep or sex,
getting up once awake,
trying to do things to lower cortisol and or adrenaline levels etc,
Some of the above have worked but only temporarily - up to 4-6 months.
Then gradully my sleep reverts back to 4 hours a night.
After so many years, my ability to function is fine during the day. I don't get tired during the day I don't have brain fog or any issues associated with sleep deprivation etc.
I am not depressed, I am not anxious. l am not a worrier generally. I have a lovely life and I am very happy - I would go as far as saying that this phase of my life has been the happiest and best stage of my life so far.
I would just like to get at least 6 hours in one stretch for at least three nights a week.
I am in my 60s and my sleep is now 2-3 hours a night.
I have been fobbed off by various GPs over the years, told to try one or several of the solutions I have listed above.
My DH is keen for me to get more sleep as he is concerned about the link between lack of sleep and dementia.
I am almost resigned to my situation: because I don't suffer daytime fatigue or have sleep apnoea my GP (either doesn't believe me or) is disinterested as they can't provide a simple solution.
In my ideal world I would like my GP refer me to a sleep specialist/ clinic (I don't know whether the NHS has specific consultation/clinic for chronic insomniacs). I would be willing to go to a private GP/consultant.
Has anyone else got the same or similar problem? Is there a solution that has worked long-term? Are there medical doctors/consultants who see patients for insomnia?
I am looking for help from long term insomniacs.
TLDR: long-term chronic insomnia, solutions have worked only temporarily, GP disinterested, looking for advice from others in similar situation, or the sharing of similar circumstances please.