Cannot get to sleep!!

I rarely sleep more than 6 hours and just accept that’s how it is. I often use sleep/relaxation exercises from YouTube. I look for ones lasting 20- 30 minutes and usually drop off quite quickly. They are very good for relaxation during the day.

BlueBelle, your sleep pattern sounds very similar to mine. Do you make do with four hours or nap during the day. Trying to fathom out what to do for the best. (The upside is most of the quiet jobs are done between 3.30 and five!)

Lyndiloo
Many years ago I went to a sleep therapist. He explained using either mantras or visualisation. My first thought was: this is too simple. But it works!
The problem is: people expect results immediately. They don't understand that your re-training your brain to go to sleep. It's the same problem that people have who take up meditation. They want results now! You have to work at it.
I'm in such a habit with 'my' visualisation that it's literally about 5 seconds and I'm off for 8 hrs.

I've tried to help so many people with this ( the information that I paid for) over the years. But most people say "it's not working" this after trying for a few nights.
My response is: if you can't be bothered to put the 'work' in, carry on with your sleepless nights.

Oh ladies, I feel for you! I’m more a wake up at three-ish and then not get back to sleep, but last night for some reason, I slept fairly well!
Not all good news though, as I woke up feeling stiff, and with a headache.

I often don't sleep well at all. No cast-iron solutions I'm afraid, but what I often do is (apart from just more readimg, on the Kindle so as not to disturb dh). go downstairs, make some cocoa (I find drinking choc. over sweet) then take myself into the spare room and read a book (probably better than a screen) or listen to the BBC World Service.
Which may be either a) very interesting , or b) finally send me off.

I occasionally use phenergan,bought from the chemist.I use it for 3 or 4 nights and then I'm able to sleep better, it seems to get me back in a good routine.

You re husband is completely right it’s your mind that is keeping you awake
I go to sleep easily then wake after four hours this has gone on for years but I just go with it I don’t let it concern me and that’s the difference
If you accept instead of fighting it you will be far more relaxed and likely to drop off than if you are constantly worrying
lydiloo is right try and find something mundane to go over in your mind

P.S. This won't happen overnight. You've obviously had this problem for some time. But persevere - you're be glad you did.

Your husband could be right! The trouble is, that once we get a problem of any kind, we keep focusing on it. And that makes it even worse. Once it's in your head, you can't forget it.

Get some mantras for yourself, and repeat, and repeat them throughout the day. You've got to re-educate your brain!

"I always sleep well, and wake up feeling refreshed."

"I love going to bed and sleep soundly."

Make yourself a specific time for going to bed. Think to yourself, "How lovely to get into bed, and relax."

Maybe half-an hour's reading, while you're drinking a hot, milky, drink ..? Or even a glass of wine ...? (Don't forget your mantras!) Then snuggle down and drift off.

Still awake. I will take your advice and put on some spa music. I keep getting out of bed, potter about a bit, eat rubbish food and then try and sleep again - I annoy myself. Good suggestion about music - will try this so fingers crossed - I have a lot to do later - particularly with little grandchildren and I need to be on the ball. Try not to fret about your heartbeats Ginny 42 - every worry is magnified in the early hours.

Me too! This is the second night. My computer has been playing up and won't play the music I normally listen to to help take my mind off things. Google spa music if you like to listen to gentle music. I've decided to get up and do something. I've managed to get myself wound up because the Dr has referred me for a Halter test on Friday and I'm very concious of my heartbeats now. Foolish woman that I am! Hope you manage to get some sleep soon. Perhaps you've nodded off already...

I don’t sleep either - I feel your pain. I just don’t feel tired enough to sleep, but too tired to get up and do anything useful or even entertaining. It’s tedious isn’t it?