Falling Awake after Sleepless Nights

Q. I began losing sleep about three years ago due to chronic pain. I've tried everything I can think of but get no more than an hour and a half of sleep at a time. I usually crash from exhaustion around 6 am. Some mornings I don’t get even that sleep.

I’ve started sleepwalking and often wake up suddenly somewhere in my house after hurting myself by falling (creating a literal meaning for falling asleep, only I usually fall awake at that point). This is frightening and frustrating. What suggestions do you have for me to get some sleep?

A. Sleep is crucial for good health, not only to function during the day, but to help keep immune function strong. Blood pressure, blood sugar, weight control and pain management are all better with a good night’s sleep.

A hot bath an hour or two before bed can help reset your body clock through temperature change. A magnesium supplement before bedtime may also help. Melatonin is a natural sleep chemical that can also assist in overcoming insomnia. Some sleeping pills may be beneficial in helping restore sleep without a morning hangover. We are sending you our new Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep, with details about the pros and cons of sleeping pills and many more non-drug approaches.