MarianWaking Frequently During the Night : Marian, 57, teacher, married for the second time.
Problem: Began 30 years ago when her first marriage ended in divorce. Has tried yoga,
herbal remedies, getting out of bed, acupuncture. Fears that if she continues to sleep poorly,
she will have a nervous breakdown. Is depressed about not sleeping.
Before: Wakes 4-6 times during the night, and stays awake for up to 2-3 hours. Gets
about 2-4 hours of good sleep plus 'bits and pieces'. 'I got into the habit of waking at 2 am
- more recently it can be between 1 am and 5 am that I wake up'.
After: Only wakes up once a night, and generally goes back to sleep within 30 minutes.
Now gets 6-7 hours of good sleep a night. Is no longer depressed. 'I’m absolutely amazed.
I started out thinking ‘This is not going to work’. But I was determined to give it a go.
I’m rapt. I don’t worry about sleep at all now'.
Going to bed 1-2 hours later seems to have been important, also doing relaxation during the
day and in bed when awake during the night.
