insomnia

[sovague]

Anyone else suffering from insomnia ? I am usually asleep by ten o'clock but waking up two or three hours later and can't get back to sleep. My mind starts going like a washing machine. I don't feel tired during the day but wonder if anyone knows of a way to stop the brain going on the rampage in the middle of the night.

[Norma]

Insomnia seems to be a normal bereavement curse im afraid, people have given lots of ideas, which tend to work for them, i hope you can find a natural process to help you. Xx

 

[Emz2014]

That's hard when your mind starts like a washing machine.  I've had that during the day before and it seemed relentless. My mum gave me some Bach flower remedy, white chestnut. I didn't think it would do anything, but was amazed when my mind did settle down and I could think straight.  So if it's the relentless thoughts that won't stop, could try that

Or try doing something to occupy your mind rather than worrying, reading or colouring in (adult colouring in is a form of mindfulness, and you can get all sorts of books - I even saw a star wars one the other day!)

And there's other tips in a sleep tips post xx

[longedge]

Hi Sovague - I find that listening to an audio book when I get into bed concentrates my mind first of all to stop it churning everything over and then I fall asleep. I have my iPhone on charge on my bedside table and the app that I use "OneClickDigital" allows me to connect to my local library and download ebooks free of charge. It has a sleep timer and I always set it for about 30 minutes but I very rarely hear it switch off. If I do I just put it on for another 30 mins. Not everybodies 'cup of tea' but it works for me.

[sovague]

Thankyou for the advice and kind words everyone.

[Emz2014]

I think audio books sounds a great idea.  If I have trouble sleeping again I'll try that one

I always find it hard to sleep when i stay away on my own with work, I found listening to calming/relaxing music helped, and strangely Olbas oil on a tissue under the pillow helped me sleep better too xx

[Fazzer 70]

I suffer from insomnia but got it a lot worse when my dad died. U go to bed tired and then wake up after a short while wide awake. It's a horrible feeling. You try your best not to think of your loved one but with no luck. They are always on your mind especially at night when it's quiet. I personally had to get a bit of help off the doctor because I was coping on around 3 hours sleep a night. Don't feel guilty if you do have to ask for help. No doctor will give you them lightly plus they usually will only give you a few just so you can catch up on some sleep. 

[woods]

don't do anything, if this is part of the process that you have to go through - then go through it.
sometimes I don't sleep more than 20 - 30 minutes a night for days - then out of the blue I find its 3 pm and I've slept for 12 solid hours and not even had a bathroom break.
let your mind do what it does best and do the thinking for you, that's its job and it won't hurt you it'll get there in the end so long as you dont tamper with it's methods and leave it alone to get on with it