I wake to early

[livilou]

My daughter has just started school in the reception class, she is aged 4. And since she started school on Monday I have woken at 4am each morning and can not get back to sleep! I used to do this 4 years ago whilst I was working. I think it's all in the mind that I will overlay, although I do have an alarm clock. Anyone have an ideas what I could do? Tried all the usual, reading, milky drinks etc

[boogieboogie]

It sounds like subconsciously you are afraid of overlying and being late for school and letting your daughter down. Therefore you are waking up so as to ensure you wont be late. Just before you sleep tonight and the very last thing you think of tell yourself you're going to have a great sleep, you deserve rest and nothing, nothing is going to wake until the alarm clock goes off. "I'm not waking up until I hear the alarm" embed this into your subconscience. It's easy to mapipulate sleep paterns with techniques like this and a little practice.

[Eve]

I get like this sometimes when I've been getting up really early for work.

If I'm still tired I tend to get up and go to the loo or get a drink still keeping my eyes as closed as possible and if I go and get back into bed then I can sometimes drift back off esp if I start thinking of dreamy stuff or put some music on and doze rather than things which will kick your brain into gear.

Changing the time on your alarm clock can sometimes help, you do know it's not the right time but can trick you into thinking you need more sleep.

If all else fails I find it easier to curl up in a blanket on the sofa and can sometimes doze better there.

[Scarlett]

I'm sure this will settle down as you get used to your new routine, and it is just stress and adrenalin that is making you wake up early. You could go to bed an hour earlier to make sure you are getting enough sleep?

[livilou]

Thanks to you all for taking the time to answer. I will definitely try out some of your ideas!

[snt79]

Hi, i often worry that im going to sleep in as i snooze my alarm so i set two or 3 different alarms and sleep much better.