Waking up through the night

I should add that my previous comment was just to say that I've never thought waking up needing the loo during the night was strange.

On occasion, such as when I've had a cold, am repairing a broken bone, or am worried about something, I might stay awake for quite some time. When that happens I go and make a cup of tea, take it back to bed and read until I feel sleepy again. If necessary after such a night I'll have a daytime nap.

Just waking for the loo and insomnia are different things, I think. It must be horrid to regularly suffer insomnia.

I wake up at least twice during the night feeling that I may spontaneously combust, my body feels hot as though I’m melting inside and I’m also sweating.

I wake up in the morning feeling exactly the same.

I probably sleep for five hours on a good night.

I was told that rather than tossing and turning and trying to sleep, it’s better to get up , do some chores and then go back to bed

I dont sleep well. I have/had restless legs and shooting nerve discomfort in one foot. Decided to try magnesium spray as dd suggested. Surprisingly it seems to help. Harrogate is the make im trying. I also listen to audio stories on the bbc radio plus there is a dedicated station bbc “3 unwind”. With sleep sounds etc.

My husband died 5 months ago, I was a carer for 2 years and then visited in hospital for 3 months and have got run down, now have had sciatica for two months so not sleeping. Recently I wake up gasping for breath and I
Feel horrible, does anybody else get this. I did ring doctor's as I can't get out at the moment because I can hardly walk but wanted me to go on anti depressants which I don't want to do. Has anybody else had this breathing problem and how did you deal with it.

Astellle29 the only time I experienced that was caused by extremely high blood pressure.

I often wake at between 3 and 4 in the morning and if I don't drop off quickly just read my Kindle as that will often help. I have been a bit stressed with family issues lately so that is playing on mind sometimes.
Something popped up on my phone earlier about disturbed sleep - it said to say four words - "This thought can wait" apparently the phrase acknowledges the thought without fighting it. In other words you reduce the urgency that fuels anxiety and insomnia - repeat as needed.

Astelle29 do you sleep propped up a bit on several pillows? If you don't maybe being more upright could help.
I am sorry you are having a difficult time so soon after your husband's death. The stress of it all will undoubtedly affect your health. I hope you can see your GP soon. If you pose your question about antidepressants on the Bereavement forum, I am sure you will get a lot of good advice and sympathy. Sending you a hug. X

JackyB

I'm usually awake between 2 and 5 am. I have decided I must start using the time for something productive (but quiet) rather than lying there trying to get to sleep, reading, doing puzzles or frittering away time on YouTube or similar.

I have started a new crochet project so that's one idea.

Like others, I listen to audiobooks or podcasts, but they don't always help me get back to sleep. (Except "In our time")!

In Our Time, much as I love Melvyn, is very dry isn’t it! I much prefer The Rest is History or BBC’s History Extra, but not when I’m trying to get back to sleep.

Radio 3 have an unwind programme during the night. A mixture of white noise and gentle classical music. I listen on my iPad and there is a facility to set a time when it will switch off by which time you are (hopefully) asleep

I have had a similar problem, mainly due to some of the meds I take.
I was advised to take Magnesium, I checked it out with my Pharmacist, so no Contra Indications. I just went to Holland and Barrett spoke to them and they recommended one.
Omg, it's a mini miracle, slept through the night and getting back to 7-8 hrs sleep.
Might be worth a go?

Joining this club too! 😴 The 3-4am wake-up is exhausting, especially when you fall back asleep right before the alarm (so frustrating!). I can't take sleep meds because of my morning commute, so I've been working on the environment angle - got a Drowsy Sleep Mask to block out all light and helped me a lot. Still working on not letting my mind race when I wake up (that's the hard part!). The magnesium and honey tips here are intriguing - worth a shot!

Is this the third thread on waking at night ?

It's 4 am here and I have a craft fair in the morning. I have CKD and sadly, insomnia is one of the symptoms. I can usually have a nap after breakfast but there's no chance of that tomorrow.

Yes JanesandJon I m not sure why
It seems Sophie232 has resurrected an old thread !

fancyflowers and Sophie232 Why don’t you join us on the 3 am crew thread there’s lots of ‘awake in the nighters’ chatting together there you d be welcome