FionaLight Sleep : Fiona, 64, retired office worker, widowed.
Problem: Began 32 years ago when her children were small. 'I tuned my ears to hear them
when they woke up'.Has been a light sleeper ever since: 'if you dropped a handkerchief on
the carpet, I’d hear it'. Sleeping worse since her husband’s death.
Before: Sleeps 60-90 minutes at a time, or doesn’t sleep at all. Sometimes takes hours
to fall asleep. Sometimes dozes, waking every hour. 'I can’t take sleeping medication - it
makes me feel like a zombie'. Listens to all-night radio. Is very tired during the day.
After: Sleeping much better. Goes to bed later - midnight or 1 am. Falls asleep within
30-45 minutes on most nights. Is sleeping longer. Sometimes wakes after 3-4 hours, but
usually goes back to sleep within 30 minutes. Is less tired during the day. 'I’ve learned to
relax more. I’m worrying less about "How am I going to function tomorrow?". People
comment that I’m looking better'.
Going to bed 1-2 hours later and relaxation seem to have been important, also learning to
worry less about 'not sleeping'.
