Trouble sleeping!

[Shestheman22]

I don’t know why but lately I’ve really struggled to switch off at night and go to sleep. I lie awake for ages twisting and turning, then when I do eventually drop off it’s not for long as the slightest noise wakes me up. Then I’m in the same situation again and can’t get back to sleep. My mind is just racing all the time, even over trivial things like our plans for Christmas. I’ve recently moved to a much less stressful role at work which I thought would help but I’m still struggling (although I’m not stressing about work any more) .

I used to fall asleep on the sofa all the time quite early, but I don’t even do that any more. I usually go to bed at about 10, last night I was still lying awake almost 1am. When I’m up for wok in the morning I end up with such a headache and my head feels so puffy.

Does anyone have any advice please?

 

[EvieBaby]

I don’t know why but lately I’ve really struggled to switch off at night and go to sleep. I lie awake for ages twisting and turning, then when I do eventually drop off it’s not for long as the slightest noise wakes me up. Then I’m in the same situation again and can’t get back to sleep. My mind is just racing all the time, even over trivial things like our plans for Christmas. I’ve recently moved to a much less stressful role at work which I thought would help but I’m still struggling (although I’m not stressing about work any more) .

I used to fall asleep on the sofa all the time quite early, but I don’t even do that any more. I usually go to bed at about 10, last night I was still lying awake almost 1am. When I’m up for wok in the morning I end up with such a headache and my head feels so puffy.

Does anyone have any advice please?

Do you go on your phone before/in bed as this can be a big factor. Also try the Headspace app it really helps you to unwind. Also pillow spray and making your room really cosy x

 

[Lauren1994]

I find that if I write down a list of stuff I have to do the next day my mind eases a bit, take a long bath before bed to relax and only drink water or hot herbal (non caffeine teas).

here’s a list you could try following some of these if possible:
Clear your mind in the evening (write down problems in diary, plan for tomorrow in a journal or do yoga)
Don’t eat late at night, no sugary drinks either as the sugar gives you energy and keeps you awake
Turn off phone & tv an hour before you want to be asleep. You could try reading/writing instead
Room diffusers - add the scents lavender and clean cotton as it will help relax you
Light candles, dim the lights
Get blackout blinds, make sure there isn’t any light keeping you awake
Get a room thermometer to make sure the temperature is comfortable
Don’t exercise late in the day
Count sheep, distract your mind!

I always have trouble sleeping and I think if I actually stuck to this list I’d be able to sleep much better. Hopefully you do better at it than I did!

 

[Bugdem]

When I struggle sleeping I really like using the headspace sleep casts to help me relax. Usually one is enough to get me sleeping but if I’m really stressed, it’s usually enough to get me at least more relaxed.
I also find earplugs really helpful for blocking out noise x

 

[Ooohb*tch!]

I sometimes struggle with this! I call it "noisey head"

I think meditation would be a good thing to try! There's tons of relaxing videos on YouTube which I find really work!

Failing that your doctor will be able to prescribe you something, and I'm sure you'd be able to get a prescription for something from an over the phone appointment.

I've taken amitriptyline in the past (for severe shoulder pain) and they always knock me right out! Admittedly I do still have some that I occasionally use when I'm struggling to sleep!

 

[under the ivy]

I’ve had trouble sleeping recently - feel tired so go to bed but can’t nod off. Then when I do get to sleep, it’s only for an hour or so. I spend the day then with a headache and feeling so tired!

I have Zoplicone from my GP, but I only take them on a weekend as they can make me groggy the next day. Boots homebrand sleeping tablets 50mg also work for me, but don’t like to take them all the time. I agree with others saying write things down what’s on your mind and try not to be on your phone as much in bed. Reading helps me too.

 

[Curly Top]

The best solutions are noted in the earlier posts i.e. comfortable room, no caffeine, no distractions and making lists. A bath with lavender is a pleasant solution.

If your problem persists and you are starting to feel bad physically there are a number of over the counter sleeping aids which can help in the short term. Most of them contain antihistamines.

Unisom Sleep Tablets are effective and widely available.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone. Supplements of this can treat jet lag or reduce the time it takes to go to sleep. They are safe and quite mild.
Valerian. Supplements made from this plant are sometimes taken as sleep aids.You can drink it in herbal tea.

Good luck. At least you have a less stressful job to help the situation.

 

[skvallertant]

I find that lavender can be helpful. I find that putting a few drops in my body lotion before bed helps along with burning lavender oil and putting a few drops on my pulse points.

 

[BettyCrocker]

A couple of anti histamines taken before bed will help you nod off - not a long term solution but certainly helps if you need to get your head down and get a full nights sleep

 

[OrangeSweatshirt]

MAG365 should fix all fast

 

[Shestheman22]

Thanks for the advice everyone I really appreciate it