Insomnia - at my wits end!

[homedeeth]

i'm having trouble sleeping. It's been going on for months and i'm run down and depressed about it. I know ALL the points of what not to do before sleep i.e caffaine, alcohol etc but it's just not happening for me.
I got to bed same time every night (10.30pm). i read till my eyes are heavy and turn out light (11pm) I then awake at approx 12.30, then 1, then 2.30, then 3, then 4. By this time i'm really stressed out and i stay awake until i leave for work.
I've been to the docs but he didn't perscribe me anything.
I am open to suggestions (herbal preferably) from readers. Know any medicines, remedies from health shops? That kind of thing.
Ta

[coccinelle]

When I wake up in the night, this is due to menopause, and I can't get back to sleep I use 'Bach rescue night' drops. These work for me and you don't feel groggy next day as they're herbal. You can put drops directly on the tongue or into a little water I prefer with water as the drops are so sweet.
A nice warm bath before getting into bed helps and don't have the bedroom too warm or too cold as these are factors which make you wake up. Some people put some lavendar essential oil drops on a hankerchief and put into pillowcase for a soothing night's sleep but I hate the smell of lavendar!

[Androcles]

I have had this problem for years and have not really found a complete solution. I have tried everything, but I just wake up with monotonous regularity - my mother was the same.

I have experimented and found I do better if the room is cool and dark and if I get up, not under any circumstances to switch the light on. Reading or doing computer work immediately for trying to sleep is also a no-no for me, once your mind is stimulated it is harder to get off to sleep.

My Doctor has given me Zimovaine, but I only use it very occasionally, when I really do need to get some sleep, perhaps once or twice a month.

The other thing which may help to understand it is Dr James Le Fanu's book see http://www.amazon.co....-Doesnt/dp/184119672X

[Androcles]

Correction that should be Dr Paul Caldwell's book!

[Sachs]

Hi home x
try 'Quiet life' herbal tablets from Holland & Barrett x

[hollie1586]

have you tried Kalms? http://www.kalmssleep.com/
i use them for anxiety and they do help you to sleep!

[tamborine]

Try 'mind over matter' and tell yourself "I'll just have a sandwich, then sleep". Insomnia is habitual, the more you worry the more it happens.

[tamborine]

Nooooooooo.....join us here - were the late shift!

[ELVIS68]

When your head hits the pillow, instead of laying there thinking about things, just lay there and concentrate on your breathing, deep breaths in and out and before you know it you`ll be out like a light