Haven’t slept properly for weeks now

I used to listen to BBC World Service on a clock radio that switched itself off. I now listen to audio books on ipad which switch themselves off. If I wake in the night, I switch it back on.

I do find I sleep better if I have had some exercise during the day, usually a walk and also I think it is important not to drop off other than at night. Many years ago I was told to concentrate on the word "relax", just quietly keep repeating it in your head and try and let yourself relax. Apparently the brain gets fed up with the repetition and gives up! My mum preferred "blue moon", breathing in to blue and out to moon. Its horrible lying awake at night and I hope you find a solution.

It’s horrible not sleeping, m on the odd night I do get 5/6 hours I feel a different person and wake up with a spring in my step,,Every now and then when desperate I take a sleeping tablet, it works that night but not the second for some reason.

After well over a week of not sleeping I must admit I took a zopiclone (just the one!!)last night, well the early hours of the morning actually about 2:30 am and I did sleep through till eight but won’t take one again now for probably three weeks. I was listening to podcasts which don’t always help because I find I’m concentrating on what they’re saying!!…?‍♀️

I am the opposite- I can sleep for 8 hours with thrips to the loo, without even trying.

I do have a sort of routine. I rarely watch TV beyond 10 pm. I check my computer, wash the odd coffee cup, in this weather fill a hwb then have a quick shower. I enjoy reading in bed at night so I always have a book on the go. I always try to turn off the light at midnight, turn over on my left side, and usually I am asleep within 5 minutes. I am trying desperately not to have a snooze or three during the day.

I know it is easier said than done but try not to thing of home or work problems and try to relax. The more you think about sleep the less likely it is to happen. I take after my father whereas my mother was like you, slept little.

The thing is up to about a year ago l used to sleep fine, maybe it’s an age thing ?… just getting worse ?

Have you tried ASMR? Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Lots of information and resources available. Often it’s just listening to a softly spoken or whispering voice or quiet, repetitive sounds resulting from someone engaging in a mundane task such as turning the pages of a book.

I have a couple of favourite ASMR “artists” I like and work for me but you need to find ones that suit you. I have to take meds, a side effect of which is insomnia. Sometimes my body is achingly tierd but my head still feels wired and won't quieten down. A few minutes of ASMR on my mobile phone by the bed and I’m soon asleep.

Early

Have you tried ASMR? Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Lots of information and resources available. Often it’s just listening to a softly spoken or whispering voice or quiet, repetitive sounds resulting from someone engaging in a mundane task such as turning the pages of a book.

I have a couple of favourite ASMR “artists” I like and work for me but you need to find ones that suit you. I have to take meds, a side effect of which is insomnia. Sometimes my body is achingly tierd but my head still feels wired and won't quieten down. A few minutes of ASMR on my mobile phone by the bed and I’m soon asleep.

Thank you Early,will look into that..??

Could I suggest lying on a yantra mat for 20 or 30 mins before you try to sleep? It sounds mad but it is so relaxing works well for me. A bit off putting I know but it does seem to relax you

muse

I’m another who has notebook by my bed. It was recommended to me when I started teaching at the age of 36. There was so much on my mind that when I got to bed, I was getting probably on average 4 hrs sleep and finding it difficult to drop off like you. I still do it now 11 years after retiring.

Once it’s on paper, as SueDonim says, you sleep.

As an ex teacher, I needed a book by my bed as well to pop random thoughts in as they occurred to me.

I was once told to always add a couple of “easy” tasks to a list so that they can be ticked off quickly - gives you a boost to see the ticks so you can then do more complex tasks.

I’m currently President of a large WI group and my bedroom notebook gets well used!

I’m another insomniac and it gets boring not being able to sleep when everyone else is snoring away. I find it goes in cycles - a few bad nights then a better one. I haven’t slept through the night for many years but I just accept that now. I have found anti histamines are good which I sometimes have to take anyway for hay fever. Also melatonin tablets help you actually fall asleep but they are expensive here. You don’t need a prescription for them and my doctor tells me they are better than sleeping tablets from a health point of view.

Have been awake since 4 am, not that I was sleeping properly up till then, it really is getting me down now so Will go in Holland and Barrett today and try and get the melatonin tablets thanks for the tip…??

Just went on the Holland and Barrett website and could not find melatonin could only find this, has anybody used this with any success?

Unless things have changed melatonin is only available on prescription in U.K. unless you are prepared to risk buying online. I may be wrong.

Ahhh Nanna8 Says you do not need a prescription for them but it is odd not for Holland and Barrett to stock them if this is the case, I will google it just to check

Looks like you’re right greenfinch, I would definitely not order anything medicinal online… but might give my doctor a ring

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nanna8

I’m another insomniac and it gets boring not being able to sleep when everyone else is snoring away. I find it goes in cycles - a few bad nights then a better one. I haven’t slept through the night for many years but I just accept that now. I have found anti histamines are good which I sometimes have to take anyway for hay fever. Also melatonin tablets help you actually fall asleep but they are expensive here. You don’t need a prescription for them and my doctor tells me they are better than sleeping tablets from a health point of view.

Are you in UK nanna8?

I believe she is in Australia .

Greenfinch

I believe she is in Australia .

Ahhhh that explains it then, thank you greenfinch ?

My DH has used ASMR You Tube clips for several years and finds them very effective. He has a few favourite contributors to whom he returns regularly. They involve mundane tasks such as a receptionist's conversation or a lady sorting out a considerable collection of nail varnish bottles. The same person posts regularly and within a week a new video from her may well gather half a million views, according to You Tube statistics!

Ashcombe

My DH has used ASMR You Tube clips for several years and finds them very effective. He has a few favourite contributors to whom he returns regularly. They involve mundane tasks such as a receptionist's conversation or a lady sorting out a considerable collection of nail varnish bottles. The same person posts regularly and within a week a new video from her may well gather half a million views, according to You Tube statistics!

Think I would try this,thank you so much… I really need to do something I’m getting quite desperate now

Okay, this is the one I’m going to try tonight, fingers crossed ?

How did it go Shinamae

I didn’t actually use it last night because I had to take codeine for my aching legs and that always makes me dozy but I can’t take that every night so I will probably try that tonight. Thanks for asking??