Insomnia

[unicornchaser]

How did/do you cope?

I have had insomnia for years. I get maybe 3 'good' nights sleep followed by a week of troubled sleep then a few nights of little to no sleep at all. Had this cycle for around 4 years now. Normally I get by with sleep aids when it's really bad but generally I can muster through.

I am 37 weeks pregnant now and have been suffering almost nightly with 3 hours broken sleep for around 8 weeks now and it's killing me. I am now getting concerned how will I cope with the baby if this consistent bad sleep pattern continues?!

Can anyone share what works for them that is pregnancy/baby friendly?

I have tried horlicks before bed, a bath, massage, reading, no tv, no phone/iPad, meditation and breathing, exercise, no exercise, all to no avail.......

I used sleep restriction therapy (not while I was pregnant admittedly). It was very tough but definitely helped my insomnia. I used a guide book and also was able to access a one day CBTI (CBT for insomnia) course through my local IAPT service. I would recommend if you've tried everything else without success.

Sympathy for you, it's utterly miserable.

Oh thanks, I have just looked up sleep restriction therapy and I will give it a try.
I have been doing that to an extent of if I'm not asleep within 30 mins then I get up but i will reduce that to 15.
I always wake between 7-8 but I will try settling alarms to wake at the same time daily and go from there. I can't day nap so I am part way there with it I guess, just about being a bit more strict with times.

Thanks, it is rotten isn't it, I'm used to feeling tired but it's the frustration I'm now feeling about not getting to sleep. It's almost making me too anxious to get into bed knowing I won't get to sleep 😔