https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jul/04/stop-counting-sheep-and-13-more-no-nonsense-tips-for-getting-back-to-sleep

On 7/3/2025 at 7:38 AM, Kenny202 said:

Last year or so had quite a bit of trouble getting a full night sleep, 62yo. Usually go to bed around 10-11pm, religiously wake up around 4.30am around 5-6 hours sleep. I have no trouble initially getting to sleep, just when I wake up early morning no chance of getting back to sleep again. Sometimes I might only get 2-3 hours. I eat fairly healthy, don't do a great deal of exercise but not sitting on my a$$ all day either, busy 

 

Mostly I am fairly fresh during the day, if not might catch a 1 hour nap. It seems like I only really need this amount of sleep and maybe just overthinking it. I have tried a few different pills and can sleep but wake up and feel groggy and listless for the rest of the day, so it kind of negates the purpose / cure is worse than the symptoms. 

 

Can anyone suggest anything or is this normal for an older guy? 

That could be me writing the post.Exactly the same symptoms ,so eager to read the replies.

By the way,i am 76 and have been like this for 5 or 6 years.

Thought magnesium was going to do the trick but same same for me.

I allow myself 1 sleeping pill a week but like you feel liks sxxt the day after.Good luck.,

24 minutes ago, Keeenok Powell said:

That could be me writing the post.Exactly the same symptoms ,so eager to read the replies.

By the way,i am 76 and have been like this for 5 or 6 years.

Thought magnesium was going to do the trick but same same for me.

I allow myself 1 sleeping pill a week but like you feel liks sxxt the day after.Good luck.,

Try Codiphen mate. I only took my first haf pill last night and had best sleep Ive had in ages. Knowing, me may work for me one or two nights and then back to normal but so far so good. 45 baht a pack and avail over the counter any pharmacy. Worth a go.  Did you see earlier posts someone recommending them? 

chamomile tea?

38 minutes ago, Kenny202 said:

Try Codiphen mate. I only took my first haf pill last night and had best sleep Ive had in ages. Knowing, me may work for me one or two nights and then back to normal but so far so good. 45 baht a pack and avail over the counter any pharmacy. Worth a go.  Did you see earlier posts someone recommending them? 

Cheers mate,i'll give Codiphen a try.

I have found this to be a helpful aid.

Melatonin can cause severe stomach issues. They are short term though. As soon as you stop taking it, the symptoms are gone in a few days. A lot of drugs have weird side-effects as well, such as nightmares or sleepiness in the day. 

I am 69, and have the same issues for years. Last year I read of a method that so far works great for me. 

I pick a letter in the alphabet, than think of all the words I know that start with that letter. I usually make it a few minutes before falling back asleep. Once in a while I run out of words depending on the letter, ad go to another letter. S and T have many many words to use. Try it. It is non-habit forming!

My Thai Ex Wife, age 64 (my best friend) sleeps 2 to 5 hours a night. Regardless of weather, she walks 4 to 5 hours every day. (no joke). Took her to University Hospital.

 Verdict: As long as all measurable "body functions" remain positive" = no cause for worries. AND: Every human body is a individualistic biological entity, that obeyes it's individualistic personal needs. Amen.

 

PS: Some historical sources claim, that Napoleon slept only 4 hours a night. That's encouraging me thinks.

 

Another very sound night sleep with the Codefin. Very mild but effective. I think I did wake up at 5am but went back to sleep for another couple of hours easily. No side effects in the morning. Be delighted if this keeps up. Will do it for a week and see if I can sleep naturally after that. Thanks all for the advice 🙂

15 hours ago, Prakhon Chai PD said:

chamomile tea?

I think these type of things more to get you off to sleep initially, not long lasting effects to prevent waking up too early. I fall asleep easily but only sleeping around 4-5 hours a night, less sometimes

22 hours ago, Hummin said:

You sleep good, and maybe better, but not necessarily longer. 

 

 

 

 

 

Possibly, but it is getting the deep-sleep in that matters.......I use my Apple watch to monitor.

I remember back in the day doing nightbshift work. Out like a light as soon as my head hit the pillow. Sleep so soundly and deep, 3 or 4 hours was enough

On 7/5/2025 at 9:59 PM, swissie said:

My Thai Ex Wife, age 64 (my best friend) sleeps 2 to 5 hours a night.

 

Mrs. Thatcher famously slept that little every night.  Made her deranged.  Her judgement was so impaired that her party got rid of he.  More sleep is definitely recommended to avoid a similar fate.

insomnia, might want to consider an overnight take home apnea test , based on some classes I took we older folks need 5.5 hours , the rest is ok if you can get it.  and work backwards from a wake up time, using an alarm , cold shower in the morning for cortisol and bright light , less screens before bed,  Trazadone is what our dr's give, its not addicting , you break break it up in 1/4 or 1/2 , may also be placebo effects with melatonin (there is a slow release version fwiw)

On 7/3/2025 at 7:38 AM, Kenny202 said:

Last year or so had quite a bit of trouble getting a full night sleep, 62yo. Usually go to bed around 10-11pm, religiously wake up around 4.30am around 5-6 hours sleep. I have no trouble initially getting to sleep, just when I wake up early morning no chance of getting back to sleep again. Sometimes I might only get 2-3 hours. I eat fairly healthy, don't do a great deal of exercise but not sitting on my a$$ all day either, busy 

 

Mostly I am fairly fresh during the day, if not might catch a 1 hour nap. It seems like I only really need this amount of sleep and maybe just overthinking it. I have tried a few different pills and can sleep but wake up and feel groggy and listless for the rest of the day, so it kind of negates the purpose / cure is worse than the symptoms. 

 

Can anyone suggest anything or is this normal for an older guy? 

I have a real problem sleeping, which got a lot worse after giving up the beer. You could try smoking a very small amount of weed, it helped me somewhat, but a local chemist gave me a pack of pills called "Nite Cap" it is an OTC med, and one or two of these (10mg) from a company called Millimed - these have worked great for me, however, I DO NOT get a full nights sleep, but the sleep I do get, maybe 3 or 4 hours over a night, is good sleep!

Sufferd insomnia once: medical advice was avoid tea, coffee, chocolate

Just now, MarkBR said:

Sufferd insomnia once: medical advice was avoid tea, coffee, chocolate

basically anything that makes your mind active so no alcohol either.  Avoid blue light at lreast 30 minutes before going to sleep.  Be regular in when you go to sleep.

Try valerian root, lavender, and other herbal remedies; they can have beneficial effects.

And reduce any stress where possible.

I alternate between Codiphen and Amitryptiline for a good night's sleep.

 

IMO it's important not to stress too much about not sleeping well every night, and to avoid overdoing the medication aids.

 

I would average meds 2-3 times a week.

On 7/3/2025 at 7:54 AM, Cameroni said:

 

This is the first issue. If you embark on a very physical exercise program, and I do mean an intense one, where you ensure your body is physically tired, you will amost certainly sleep a lot better.

 

In addition you can use CBD oil, which helps with sleep for many people.

 

 

2 Cookies with hot malted milk drink. Eat them 1.5 hours before going to bed works for me. Gives you a hour to have fun with missus before sleeping.😃

On 7/5/2025 at 7:59 AM, swissie said:

PS: Some historical sources claim, that Napoleon slept only 4 hours a night. That's encouraging me thinks.

 

Apparently, Trump sleeps only 4 hours per night.  (He has never had alcohol or tobacco.)  His ability to keep going, using incredible amounts of energy in just talking, talking, talking, makes him a medical marvel (especially if you compare him with the corpse that was occupying the White House the last 4 years.....)

On 7/7/2025 at 7:38 AM, Zaphod Priest said:

 

Mrs. Thatcher famously slept that little every night.  Made her deranged.  Her judgement was so impaired that her party got rid of he.  More sleep is definitely recommended to avoid a similar fate.

Thought it was the gin that got her coupled to dementia

On 7/3/2025 at 7:38 AM, Kenny202 said:

Last year or so had quite a bit of trouble getting a full night sleep, 62yo. Usually go to bed around 10-11pm, religiously wake up around 4.30am around 5-6 hours sleep. I have no trouble initially getting to sleep, just when I wake up early morning no chance of getting back to sleep again. Sometimes I might only get 2-3 hours. I eat fairly healthy, don't do a great deal of exercise but not sitting on my a$$ all day either, busy 

 

Mostly I am fairly fresh during the day, if not might catch a 1 hour nap. It seems like I only really need this amount of sleep and maybe just overthinking it. I have tried a few different pills and can sleep but wake up and feel groggy and listless for the rest of the day, so it kind of negates the purpose / cure is worse than the symptoms. 

 

Can anyone suggest anything or is this normal for an older guy? 

6 hrs is ok. In addition don't drink alc after 6/7pm, stop eating at 6. Read a book instead laptop or mobile/blue light. Do some decent exercises before sleeping/yoga.

Sleep well🙏

If you always wake up at 4am.

 

And want 8 hours sleep.

 

Go to bed at 8pm. 🙂

On 7/3/2025 at 7:38 AM, Kenny202 said:

Last year or so had quite a bit of trouble getting a full night sleep, 62yo. Usually go to bed around 10-11pm, religiously wake up around 4.30am around 5-6 hours sleep. I have no trouble initially getting to sleep, just when I wake up early morning no chance of getting back to sleep again. Sometimes I might only get 2-3 hours. I eat fairly healthy, don't do a great deal of exercise but not sitting on my a$$ all day either, busy 

 

Mostly I am fairly fresh during the day, if not might catch a 1 hour nap. It seems like I only really need this amount of sleep and maybe just overthinking it. I have tried a few different pills and can sleep but wake up and feel groggy and listless for the rest of the day, so it kind of negates the purpose / cure is worse than the symptoms. 

 

Can anyone suggest anything or is this normal for an older guy? 

I had the same problem, I am 78. What I am doing is buying some cannabis cookies and breaking them, and taking a third of a cookie 2 hours before going to sleep. Works great for me, wake up for a piss and go back to sleep no problem. 

On 7/5/2025 at 11:40 AM, Will B Good said:

You'll sleep like a baby.

wake up hungry and crying every 4 hours?

4 hours ago, Formaleins said:

I have a real problem sleeping, which got a lot worse after giving up the beer. You could try smoking a very small amount of weed, it helped me somewhat, but a local chemist gave me a pack of pills called "Nite Cap" it is an OTC med, and one or two of these (10mg) from a company called Millimed - these have worked great for me, however, I DO NOT get a full nights sleep, but the sleep I do get, maybe 3 or 4 hours over a night, is good sleep!

I hallucinate all night with the weed here, even a small amount. Cookies even moreso lol

3 hours ago, Bruce Aussie said:

2 Cookies with hot malted milk drink. Eat them 1.5 hours before going to bed works for me. Gives you a hour to have fun with missus before sleeping.😃

Unfortunately on a fasting diet so eating or drinking anything apart from water after 7 a no no

 

On 7/4/2025 at 7:44 AM, Zaphod Priest said:

Diphenhydramine works really well.  Half  50 mg tablet of Codiphen shortly before bed has me sleeping through the night.  Phenz is also good, with each capsule containing 50 mg of the active ingredient.  It's faster acting and also seems (for me at least) to wear off sooner, despite the higher dose.

I been taking the codefin for a week now, half a night....full pill works even better. I wake up about an hour later but much more inclined to stay in bed, roll over and go back to sleep so excellent result so far. Best thing I have tried. I have read that they lose their effect pretty quickly if you take them more than a couple of weeks. Are you taking them every night / have been for a while or do you give them a break?

 

Appreciate your reply 🙂

33 minutes ago, Kenny202 said:

Unfortunately on a fasting diet so eating or drinking anything apart from water after 7 a no no

 

 

Better that way. Busying the digestive system is not good for sleep.

1 hour ago, Kenny202 said:

Unfortunately on a fasting diet so eating or drinking anything apart from water after 7 a no no

 

Then stop using the pointless and useless crap.

And before you start do the same with alcohol and fags!!