My insomnia was debilitating but progesterone has brought it under control (first of all natural progesterone cream, then I was prescribed Utrogestan 100mg). I tried Valerian but it just knocked me out the next day, I was prescribed sleeping pills by my GP but binned the prescription.
Although a complete cynic when it was first suggested by a friend, I've actually found "sleep hygiene" has worked very well for me too:
- Gadgets off at least an hour before bed time and not allowed in the bedroom. Going to sleep with a book (or a sexy man
) works so much better
- Not eating after 7-8pm We went for a meal out last night and it was late and boy did I suffer for it. I try not to drink too much after 8pm either as it gets me up during the night
- A dark room. This was the hardest for me as I like to sleep with my curtains open (I overlook fields). It's worked though.
- Lavender oil on my pillow
- A notepad by my bed so if I do wake with something important, I'm not tempted to get my phone or pc, but simply jot it down to deal with the next day.
Have you looked at melatonin at all? It helps regulate the sleep and is a kinder solution than sleeping pills.
GG x