Hi Lou, 

Sorry you had such a bad day, which inevitably led to a bad nights sleep. No doubt this morning when you need to get up for work, you could sleep for England ! 

You've probably tried all the usual suggestions like making a drink of warm milk, avoiding 'stimulating' things like watching TV etc, When I had bouts of sleeplessness, I used to find that I got angry with myself when I couldn't nod off and this in itself led to further insomnia! My mind seemed unable to switch off, especially with thoughts like, "Get to sleep. It's only 3 hours until the alarm goes off!" 

A few methods that I've since found that have helped are, having the radio on low (not sure if I'm allowed to recommend a radio station, but the one that rhymes with Booth, is easy listening!) 

And another technique that helped was to concentrate on my breathing; inhaling for 4 counts, exhaling for 5 counts (or whatever is comfortable for you) I think it's the counting that made me nod off! 

Something I also use to clear my head (learned in hypnotherapy sessions I had at a Cancer charity, therapy centre) is to hold the front of my head with one hand and the back of my head with the other and somehow after a few minutes of 'holding', the mental mayhem seems to quieten! It's better if someone else can gently hold your head, but still works for me, doing it myself. 

I also bought a hypnotherapy/mindfulness CD and have played this when I couldn't sleep - I soon drift off - not sure if it's the monotone voice or the concentration, but it works for me.

I have preferred to use these techniques rather than the sleeping tablets that my GP /Oncologist said they could prescribe, but thats not to say I wouldn't rule out a prescription if I needed one. 

Sorry for the long ramble (maybe reading this has bored you to sleep haha!) Seriously though, I hope you get sorted soon as I know how important, restful, quality sleep is. 

Let us know how things are going, Jo x

Thanks Jo, I will certainly try a couple of these things.  Not sure my husband would appreciate the radio idea though - he can't even sleep with a ticking clock in the room!  And then of course, when he's gone off, I'm lying there listening to him snoring - although another time I might try climbing into one of the other beds while the kids are away. 

I'm definitely thinking that some kind of meditation/mindfulness would be a good idea - it would calm me down during the day too.  If I'm not at work and happily distracted, I'm just getting myself wound up.  

I think I must have got maybe 3 or 4 hours all told last night (and then functioned on ProPlus caffeine tablets at work - but that's probably not a good long term strategy).  I seem to have a sore throat today so I'm going to take a couple of painkilers before bed and hope that helps me sleep too.

And it wasn't a ramble - it was all good stuff.  x

Hi loulou

One of the things that works for me is to compose a story (in your head) very easygoing lightweigt - like starting your own dream.  I would drop off and when I woke up would start the story again from where I left off.  The next night I would start again recaping and adding.

I'm really into Medieval history so my story usually starts in a castle somewhere. 

Maybe its the distraction of thinking about something else but it works for me.  Or maybe that I am just wierd.

That's an interesting idea - I might try that.  (although I can see myself starting it but then the worrying part of my brain pulling me away from it back on to worrying again).

Do you just think the story or are you literally 'writing' the words in your head?  

Perhaps I could get up and actually write a novel on my laptop in the middle of the night!

I don't think any idea is wierd if it works.  x

Hi Loulou,When I realise I am not going to go back to sleep I often come on here and am surprised how many people are also awake.  I am fortunate that I dont work but then I have nothing during the day to take my mind off what is happening to me. 

I was once told, and this does work, if you can keep your mind totally blank for 30 seconds,and that means not thinking or seeing anything, you will go to sleep.  I have managed it a few times but its very difficult. 

I hope that you are managing to get some sleep sometimes.  The middle of the night is no time to be up and worrying.