Terrible sleep issues

Author
Discussion

Babber101

Original Poster:

99 posts

125 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Always been a pretty terrible sleeper

Had a few years on prescription drugs from dr which solved the problem but I just didn’t feel good to be on them long term. It’s got to take a toll on the body long term.

Came off the pills and sleep was ok/pretty good but last 2/3 weeks my sleep patterns have become terrible again.

Typical pattern is fall asleep 9.30 in front of tv, wake, go to bed at 10.30, eventually fall back asleep at 12, wake at 4am.

Question is - has anyone had any joy with herbs/nytol/kalms etc?

I’m 16st and 6ft4 so it needs to be pretty strong / effective to touch the sides

BlackTails

835 posts

62 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Sounds similar to how I sleep when I am west to east jet lagged.

Melatonin helps but I’m not sure you can get it here (I get it in Canada).

To try to break the cycle you’re in: when you start nodding off at 9.30, get up, put your shoes on and go for a walk outside for an hour. Don’t go to bed until 11-11.30. If you wake up at 4-5am, just try to keep your eyes shut and keep yourself comfortable until 7. Under no circumstances reach for your phone or a book (keep them out of the bedroom if possible).

Good luck. Bad sleep is miserable.

joropug

2,700 posts

196 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
After coming off some medication (Mounjaro) my sleep has been bad waking up sharply in early hours and unable to get back to sleep.

Apparently this is indicative of a sugar crash so been having some tea with honey and a bit of cake before bed seems to be helping until my body normalises. Worth a shot

Dog Biscuit

346 posts

4 months

Friday 8th November
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Get some vitamin d

Badda

2,896 posts

89 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Promethazine.

BoRED S2upid

20,339 posts

247 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
It’s the 9:30 Power Nap that needs to stop even if it’s just 5 mins. Sort that out first I’d say.

White-Noise

4,530 posts

255 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
You can order melatonin here over the counter, just order it online it can be claimed for jetlag. It's subtle and only helps with the first part of sleep, it won't keep you asleep if you're being dragged awake at 4. We need to work out why.

I think you could look at your sleep hygiene habits, nodding off in front of the TV at 930 isn't in your best interests. There are tons of websites that can help you on this front, exercise, blue light, weight, caffeine, diet etc etc Sorry to be boring.

I've used a lot of different meds, spoken to sleep professor and such due to a health condition. But doing it the natural way is the best way if possible. Do not overlook stress or trauma either.

Edited by White-Noise on Friday 8th November 20:18


Edited by White-Noise on Friday 8th November 20:19

hajaba123

1,310 posts

182 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Badda said:
Promethazine.
this, also make sure you're not fat and don't drink alcohol

mcmigo

145 posts

160 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Nytol works incredibly well for me when needed ( also 6 foot 4). It is an anti histamine and absolutely knocks me out. I also take vitamin d.

Gareth79

8,037 posts

253 months

Friday 8th November
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Having looked into this very recently, definitely cut out the sleeping on the sofa, the waking up again to prepare for bed will be disrupting things. You are awake at 4, but what time do you need to get up? Just staying awake until midnight might help, and then perhaps bring that forward if you sleep through to your alarm but feel you need more sleep.

One piece of advice which is common but VERY hard to actually do is if you can't sleep within (say) 20 mins, get up and do something else in another room until you feel tired, and preferably something passive such as reading, not watching TV or using a computer. The problem is that if you think you are "just about" to nod off you need to decide to write-off your efforts so far...

Sheets Tabuer

19,645 posts

222 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Do you wake up at the same time everyday? if not set an alarm for 6 and get up 7 days a week, I had terrible insomnia for 20 years but a rigid wakeup time sorted that out.

EmailAddress

13,566 posts

225 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
Babber101 said:
Typical pattern is fall asleep 9.30 in front of tv, wake, go to bed at 10.30, eventually fall back asleep at 12, wake at 4am.
Guess we'll never know.

Wacky Racer

38,977 posts

254 months

Friday 8th November
quotequote all
No tea or coffee after 6pm.

Wear an eye mask.

Take one Nytol (Or Boots Sleepeze...same thing) 2 hours before going to bed,

Avoid dozing off at all costs before you go to bed,

Read a good book until you doze off.


zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Babber101

Original Poster:

99 posts

125 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
Thanks for all replies. Some good suggestions. I think I need to work on sleep routine and cut out iPad too near bed to start with

Badda

2,896 posts

89 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellb...

Lots of info out there on sleep hygiene.

2HFL

1,462 posts

48 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
I take Biovea Melatonin gummies (5mg) nightly. Different strengths are available, based on your bodyweight and other factors. Has made a huge difference over the last few months.


popeyewhite

21,354 posts

127 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
2HFL said:
I take Biovea Melatonin gummies (5mg) nightly. Different strengths are available, based on your bodyweight and other factors. Has made a huge difference over the last few months.
You've got a tan now?

popeyewhite

21,354 posts

127 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
Avoid medication of any kind if possible OP. I'd have a look at a progressive exercise regime. Lifestyle change, not drugs.

Actually melatonin does work initially, but you need to up the dose as time passes or it's placebo IMO.

2HFL

1,462 posts

48 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
popeyewhite said:
2HFL said:
I take Biovea Melatonin gummies (5mg) nightly. Different strengths are available, based on your bodyweight and other factors. Has made a huge difference over the last few months.
You've got a tan now?
Glowing biggrin

fourstardan

4,994 posts

151 months

Saturday 9th November
quotequote all
My sleeps gone down hill since the clocks went back.

That with the fact we've not seen the big orange thing for about two weeks is adding to these problems as it depressing as fook. Oh and a 4 year old waking us up with the same problems with lack of sun too I expect.

I've just changed my hue bulbs to more of a bright day light to see if it helps.

Falling alseep in front of the tv is never a problem, I've always got something whirring around my hear keeping me up there, its when I nod off, its 2am and I feel like ive been asleep for hours.