Hi

I'm new to this group. About 12 years ago I had problems with staying asleep and even getting to sleep at times. I went on Zopiclone and this helped wonderfully. 8 years ago my Anti-depressants got changed to Trazadone and I came off the Zopiclone because I didn't need it as the Trazadone was doing the trick. For the last 8 years more or less I have been on 300mg of Trazadone and been fine.

The problem I have now, is that in December we are hoping to start trying for a baby, so since January I have been gradually downdosing my Trazadone as it's not ideal to use in pregnancy in particular during the last trimester, so I want to be off it by then. I'm now down to 100 mg and coping (fingers crossed). The only problem is now I'm finding my sleep getting erratic again. I can get to sleep without a problem, but staying a sleep is where the problem lies. I normally sleep for 5 hours and then I'm awake, feeling physically tired but can't sleep again.

I work nights and it's a waking night shift supervising children with severe autism, tonight I got caught asleep - hopefully not in too much trouble for it. So I really need to get this sleep issue sorted as it's impacting on work.

I have had a look and Zopiclone isn't safe in the later stages of pregnancy and during breastfeeding and can impact on the foetus in the early stages as well, so I can't really go back on that.

I know that I'm not going to try for a baby until December, but there is no point starting something in September only to have to come off it in November.

I've had a look on line at some of the natural ones like Nytol, but again they are either a) not proven in clinical trials for use in pregnancy, or b) not recommended

So my question, is there anyone on here, who can suggest either a drug or natural remedy that is safe in pregnancy?

I'm going to make an appointment to see my GP (PDOC equivalent) beginning of next week, but would like to go armed with some information and suggestions.

Thanks

Cath