Does ANYONE have a solution for waking up after 4 hours of sleep?

Seeking Help
1

No matter when I go to sleep, I wake up after four hours. This started in early October, and I have no idea why. I fall asleep fine, but I can’t stay asleep, and I don’t want to spend 10 hours in bed just to get 8 hours of sleep.

This all began after a week of bad habits—having a cold and eating too late before bed. Could my body’s circadian rhythm have permanently adjusted? Has anyone been able to fix this issue? Would something like sleep restriction therapy help? I really don’t want this to last forever.

2

I have the same issue, and for me, it’s linked to anxiety I’m not fully aware of. After having kids, I became hyper-alert to every noise in the house. My doctor said it’s an evolutionary behavior where some people are just more aware of their surroundings. Anti-anxiety meds have helped me relax and stay asleep. Maybe anxiety could be a factor for you too?

3

@Kim
What anti-anxiety medication do you take? I’ve been struggling with sleep anxiety.

4

Joss said:
@Kim
What anti-anxiety medication do you take? I’ve been struggling with sleep anxiety.

I’m on 5 mg of Lexapro. It calms me during the day, but it didn’t directly help me sleep. For that, I take 0.5 mg of Xanax at night. Lexapro can be rough to start—took me two weeks to adjust, but after that, it was life-changing.

5

@Kim
Did it really make a difference for you? I’m exhausted from being anxious all the time, and therapy hasn’t been enough. The lack of sleep just adds to my anxiety.

6

Joss said:
@Kim
Did it really make a difference for you? I’m exhausted from being anxious all the time, and therapy hasn’t been enough. The lack of sleep just adds to my anxiety.

Yes, it rewired my brain in a way. I feel at peace now, but the adjustment period was tough. If you’re considering it, be prepared for the first two weeks—it’s worth it in the end.

7

Try this combo:

  • 1/2 of a 7.5 mg Remeron pill.
  • Apigenin.
  • L-Theanine.

You’ll sleep 8 hours, wake up refreshed, and thank me later!

8

Haven said:
Try this combo:

  • 1/2 of a 7.5 mg Remeron pill.
  • Apigenin.
  • L-Theanine.

You’ll sleep 8 hours, wake up refreshed, and thank me later!

Did you gain weight on Remeron? It works for sleep, but I’ve heard it makes people hungrier.

9

@Orion
Yes, Remeron worked great for my sleep, but it made me ravenous, and my weight shot up.

10

Chancey said:
@Orion
Yes, Remeron worked great for my sleep, but it made me ravenous, and my weight shot up.

Same here. It also made me dizzy, which was disappointing because it’s the only thing that helped me sleep through the night.

11

I’ve dealt with this for 40 years. The best thing is to get up and do something boring, like reading or listening to an audiobook at 60% speed with a timer on. I usually fall back asleep within an hour. No medications have worked for me.

12

I had this issue for two months. I tried Ambien, Buspirone, and Trazodone but hated the side effects. What finally worked was acupuncture sessions focused on insomnia and anxiety, plus massage therapy for restoring my vagus nerve. After 7-10 sessions, I now get 6-7 hours of sleep a night, which is so much better than any medication.

13

I used to have this problem too, but it stopped completely during the holidays when my stress levels went down. Now it rarely happens anymore.

14

Have you tried pot? It helps me stay asleep.

15

I’m in the same boat. Never had this before, but it started for me in early October too.

16

Koa said:
I’m in the same boat. Never had this before, but it started for me in early October too.

I was diagnosed with very mild obstructive sleep apnea, but it’s so mild I doubt it’s the reason I keep waking up.

17

Ask your doctor about Doxepin HCL liquid. It’s generic and affordable, and it’s been working well for me for the same issue—waking up after four hours.