Cheese, do you have trouble falling asleep and also staying asleep? It's a good idea to get tested for sleep apnea but that would only explain part of the problem. Do you feel tired or sleepy during the day?
I used to have trouble falling asleep and I did some research on the topic. Here are some tips:
- Do not drink alcohol (unless you are partying at night :-)
-No coffee, or any type of caffeinated beverages (soda, tea, hot chocolate etc) after 6pm
-No heavy exercise (weightlifting etc) 4 hours prior bed time.
-Use your bedroom only for sleeping (and sex). Avoid watching TV or use your computer in your bedroom
-Make sure your room is completely dark and quiet. Get a good quality mattress.
-No naps during the day. Go to bed consistently at the same time every night if possible.
-Have a light supper, avoid foods that require hours to digest
-If you go to bed and you can't sleep, get up, get a glass of warm milk and do a light activity (ie reading) until you feel sleepy again.
-Try using Melatonin, its a natural hormone. You can start a 3mg and go as high as you want. No side effects.
-Try using Nytol or any OTC med that contains dyphenhydramine hydrochloride, (antihistamine).
- If none of these work go to a sleep specialist, not a GP doctor. Avoid using benzodiazepines long term, try zopliclone for example. This is all short term.
Good luck