Hi to all unable to Sleep

Sparklebright63

Hi there.
It is now 307am and I am unable to sleep ive been helping my daughter move house had dinner had a shower got ready for bed and still awake even had sleeping 😴 💤 tablets.
I will be tired in the morning as I have 5 grandchildren to look after.
Any support groups I could Join I just don't understand why I've been like this for 26yrs since I had my last son and its not any better doctors are useless don't actually find out why I cannot sleep ect.

Sparklebright63.

Danielle_2022

Hi there @Sparklebright63,
I hope that you're not feeling too exhausted when you see this! I'm sorry that you're having so much trouble sleeping and doctors aren't being very helpful. It sounds like a very frustrating combination, to say the least! When was the last time you had an appointment about it? I won't give any advice here about the sleeping itself because it sounds like you have tried everything, but I would definitely persist with your medical team! There are tests that they can do, but the waiting list will unfortunately be quite long, I would imagine. Still, you deserve answers.

I hope that you have a relaxing day with your grandchildren and there's not too much to do

Alex_Alumni

Morning @Sparklebright63 I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you've been having with sleeping, it must be even more frustrating that your doctors aren't supporting you as you'd need.

I would encourage you to persevere with speaking to your GP as @Danielle_2022 has said, especially if your lack of sleep is affecting your daily life in a way that makes it hard for you to cope.

 I know that sometimes you can self refer for CBT or IAPT support too, though services would likely be in high demand.

The mental health charity Mind has a list of useful contacts which can help with sleep problems as well as advice on tips to improve your sleep and possible treatments which I hope is helpful.

If you feel we can help with anything further, please do let us know, and take things step by step today.

Alex

grassbasher

Hi. 26 years with no outcome other than pills? You must be absolutely exhausted and having serious issues with day to day everything!! Do you nap during the day?? Has your GP investigated a sleep disorder? If you wake with a dry mouth/throat, morning headaches, anxiety, depression, daytime sleepiness, insomnia and nocturia then I would suggest pushing for a sleep study. Anyone can suffer regardless of age, sex or body type.
Things that may help you:
1. Box breathing. 4 sec inhale. Hold 4 sec, Exhale 4 sec. Hold 4 sec. Repeat until you slide into a calm state. This is used to reduce anxiety.
2. Try a mouth taping product. I use and recommend MyoTape which has given fantastic results in people with insomnia. 
3. Avoid caffeine after midday, this is because it has a half life of 12 hours......so come midnight cinderella you are going to the ball!! Oh and it also has a quarter life too. You do the maths. Alcohol is also bad so avoid where possible.
4. Put down your devices at least an hour before bedtime and read a book or listen to some gentle calming music.
5. Google Matthew Walker and listen to his  Youtube or podcasts. Invaluable advice.
Hope this helps

Sparklebright63

Hi Grassbasher.

Thankyou for the info I will try it.
I don't feel Great today lost a Friend of mine to Cancer yesterday
So I am Upset she had tests and was told all was OK.
Are there any good bereavement apps around.

Sparklebright63.

grassbasher

Im sorry to hear that, never easy losing a loved one
Sadly I dont know of any such apps. 
For me personally its just about carrying on, you are still here so enjoy it. Your friend gave you so much and that is what you use to cope with their passing. Celebrate that as I'm sure they would want you to be happy in your life 

Sparklebright63

Grassbasher,

Thankyou for your Kind Words.

Sparklebright63.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @Sparklebright63 I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, I can't imagine how that feels but please accept my condolences. 

I know that Cruse can offer lots of different types of bereavement support, so do reach out to them if you need to, and look after yourself this week.

We're all here to support you, and provide a listening ear during this difficult time.

Sparklebright63

Alex-Scope

Thankyou for your Replys I will try to look after myself at least all my decorating is now done so deserve some Me time.


Thankyou
Sparklebright63.

Alex_Alumni

Well done @Sparklebright63 take all the time you need

leeCal

Hi @Sparklebright63, have you tried meditation? 
https://www.lionsroar.com/how-to-meditate/

I hate to admit it but I very often fall asleep whilst meditating 🙂

Sparklebright63

Leecal 

No I have never tried mediation at all, will have a look at the above.


Sparklebright63

ProudMumForever

@Sparklebright63 hiya . Have you tried listening to audio books before you try and sleep ? You can often borrow them from the Library , chose someone with a nice calming voice , if you do this nightly for an hour whilst laid in bed with a dimmly lit light on , it can help relax you and hopefully you will drift off to sleep . Please note , no tv an hour before you get into bed,because this just sets youre mind racing and you want to have a chilled,calm routine.

Im very sorry to hear about the loss of youre friend . 

leeCal

Hypnotherapy may be another avenue to explore.