In this week’s Sleep Diaries, a 58-year-old carer wonders if there’s an easier way to get a restorative night’s sleep.

A little about me:

Age: 58

Occupation: homemaker and full-time carer for my 26-year-old son, who suffers from both physical and mental disabilities

Number of hours sleep you get each night: eight hours, but I wake up frequently

Number of hours sleep you wish you got each night: eight hours solid

Any officially diagnosed sleep-related problems: no

Do you measure your sleep in some way (e.g. using your phone or wearable): no

How much water you drink on average per day: 400ml of water, plus four decaf coffees

How much exercise I do on average per week: 20-30 minutes walking per day

Day 1

Last night saw me head to bed at midnight and read for half an hour, but I stayed up for another 45 minutes or so before finally drifting off. I was hot and uncomfortable, and I had to get up to go to the toilet at 3.40am, 5.15am and 6.40am (although I went back to sleep fairly quickly after each visit).

This morning sees my husband’s radio alarm go off at 7.55am. He listens to one song and the news before getting up at about 8.05am, which wakes me up, too. The noise from outside then keeps me awake, but I try to lie still and rest until my own alarm goes off at 9am.

It’s a normal sort of day for me, which involves looking after our disabled son, who cannot be left alone. He is demanding and determines what happens during the day. Breakfast can only be had once our son is sorted, actually, which tends to be at around 11am. I then take him out twice, as he likes going for walks.

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