Help! I can’t sleep

Sleep. Once taken for granted but, as we age, it’s so elusive.

I was never one for sleeping in, but I got enough satisfactory sleep. That was before I had children; I soon discovered that my sleep pattern would never be the same but I adapted to that.

Now I am so much older. I have a number of ailments that could be a contributing factor to my poor sleep. I have sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) as well as asthma.

The problem is this. Whilst I can get to sleep, I can’t stay asleep! If I managed two and a half hours of uninterrupted sleep, I’m doing well. But, it’s just not enough. I find myself dozing off throughout the day, and as a result I miss my favourite TV programs.  It’s a pain in the freckle! 

I have no TV in my bedroom nor an alarm clock or anything that emits a sound or flashing light.  I no longer go to bed with a book but a few hours of uninterrupted sleep elude me.

I don’t really want to take medication but I’m at my wits end. I’ve tried natural remedies, such as lavender pillows, all to no avail.

Any ideas?