Insomnia

[a mum]

This has been bothering me for over half a year. I used to have the same problem before but it usually lasted for a few months only. But this time it is really bothering me. My problem is staying asleep. Falling asleep is no problem. No matter how tired I am, I cannot sleep thru the nite as before. And it actually got worse, I can be wide awake for don't how many hours in the middle of the nite. Any advice to cure Insomnia would be really grateful.

[Rosie]

Can't offer a cure, I'm afraid, but sympathy and a few ideas to try.  I have also suffered from insomnia over the years - I think when you have kids, you don't sleep as aoundly, as you are sub-consiously listening out for them.  Also I think it's a hormonal thing as women get older.

A few years back I consulted a naturopath.  One piece of advice she gave me was to burn majoram and lavender oil in an incense burner.  I didn't really think it would help much, but actually it does seem to.  Also I drink a cup of camomile tea at bed-time and try to avoid caffeine in the evening.

Now, if I wake up, I'll try for an hour to get back to sleep and if that doesn't work, then I get up and read or meditate.  Try not to get too worked up about it - that only makes it worse.  If you are able to, take a nap during the day - even 20 mins after lunch can help you survive after a restless night.