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Original poster

Still struggling to get a decent nights sleep, can you share what’s worked for you?

80 replies

Strumpetpumpet · 08/12/2022 19:48

I haven’t slept properly in years, but this week has been horrendous. I don’t usually have a problem getting to sleep, but staying asleep for more than 4-5 hours is almost impossible. This week I’ve been in bed by 10.30 every night and have woken up and been unable to get back to sleep somewhere between 2 and 3 am every night since Sunday. I’m on HRT (gel and utrogestan) and I’ve tried cbt, cbd oil, relaxation apps, magnesium, amitriptyline and nothing has worked. Does anyone have any suggestions please ? Thank you x

OP posts:
Bisk · 08/12/2022 19:51

Nytol liquid. Not the (useless) herbal tablets.

LindorDoubleChoc · 08/12/2022 19:54

Zopiclone or Temazepam. You'll have to make a GP appointment - but sometimes needs must.

RandomMess · 08/12/2022 20:01

I am the same, the GP won't let me have Zopiclone regularly how have other managed that?

TheClitterati · 08/12/2022 20:03

Sea swimming - the colder the better. It's getting very cold & I have to make myself go, but I have no symptoms when I'm swimming in cold water regularly. Makes winter my happy time.

TheClitterati · 08/12/2022 20:05

I recently couldn't swim much for a while and my sleep/hot sweats got crazy.

Back in the water = hot flashes stop & I sleep.

Mummysgogetter · 08/12/2022 20:05

Amitriptyline. I had the same problem as you. Felt terrible, constantly tired and rundown. GP prescribed it - I was skeptical - it’s been a miracle drug. Sleep 7-9 hours a night now and feel well rested.

alwaystea · 08/12/2022 20:08

Try magnesium leg spray. Also Bachs do a sleep remedy tincture essence that I use if wake up in the night. Hope they help, sleepless nights are lousy 💐

Iheartmysmart · 08/12/2022 20:10

I’ve suffered from bouts of insomnia for years. What’s helped lately is melatonin, Neom sleep essential oil and an audiobook.

RandomMess · 08/12/2022 20:11

Can't wait to go to the states and buy a suitcase of melatonin

ElbowsandArses · 08/12/2022 20:13

Cutting out alcohol if you haven’t already. Insomnia sucks.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 08/12/2022 20:14

Zopiclone initially and now melatonin

Chesneyhawkes1 · 08/12/2022 20:15

@RandomMess I order mine from a chemist in France. Takes about 3/4 days to arrive. I order loads at a time

ladygindiva · 08/12/2022 20:15

Amitryptaline here. Works like magic on me. Went from waking at about 2 or 3 am for the day after 3/4 hours sleep to shutting eyes at 11 and waking at 7 with a full 8 hours unbroken sleep. Life changer.

Aramox · 08/12/2022 20:15

Lavender pillow spray, melatonin bought online, nytol, no caffeine after 4pm.

MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 08/12/2022 20:16

Nytol and a glass or two of wine. You will feel a bit muggy for an hour when you wake up but it’s worth it.

ladygindiva · 08/12/2022 20:17

Re the amitryptaline, were you on a high enough dose? I was put on 5mg to start which did buggerall. I then doubled to 10mg and bingo it worked. I believe you can take up to 30mg as it works differently on everyone.

Mummysgogetter · 08/12/2022 20:36

ladygindiva · 08/12/2022 20:17

Re the amitryptaline, were you on a high enough dose? I was put on 5mg to start which did buggerall. I then doubled to 10mg and bingo it worked. I believe you can take up to 30mg as it works differently on everyone.

I started on 10 mg worked for a week but then needed 20 mg. Been on that dose for nearly 18 months now.

Happyhappyeveryday · 08/12/2022 20:38

Nothing herbal or chemical has ever worked for me. The only thing that works is audiobooks and a sleep timer.

Pictograph · 08/12/2022 20:41

I read a book (a nice calm one, nothing too exciting and definitely NOT go on your phone) until I drop back to sleep.

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 08/12/2022 20:49

The only thing that works for me when I wake up is getting up and going to the loo, even if I don't feel I actually need to go.
Also, separate bedrooms occasionally. If you're desperate for an unbroken night there's nothing like the luxury of shutting the door, having the whole bed to yourself, and knowing you're not going to be disturbed by someone farting, snoring, hitting you with his elbow or pulling the duvet off you.

HermioneWeasley · 08/12/2022 20:52

I had the early morning waking and unable to get back to sleep. Evening primrose oil did the trick

HairyKitty · 08/12/2022 20:53

@Strumpetpumpet before trying out prescription meds I would really recommend melatonin. As well as HRT I take 8mg nightly and instead of waking literally every half hour and being up from 4.30am, I mostly sleep though til at least 6am. I order from Biovea in America, Biovea brand timed release.

RandomMess · 08/12/2022 20:53

I already sleep alone in the quietest coldest room Sad

Some nights I wake every 45 minutes. Normal is 5-6 broken hours.

Backhometothenorth · 08/12/2022 20:56

I've pretty much cut out artificial food additives from my diet and feel so much better, including sleeping better. MSG and other added flavourings are particularly problematic. Still drink the wine for now too Grin

Janieread · 08/12/2022 20:59

Melatonin (10m, dd brought back from the US) doesn't work for me any more.

I take the utrogestan at night and it seems to work well. Two pumps of gel in the morning.