How well do you sleep?

In the last few years, my sleep patterns have altered radically. My body began requiring me to sleep much earlier than before. I now go to bed by 8, and occasionally earlier. I wake between 3 and 4.

I often have to get up once to use the toilet, and some nights, I get up about halfway and read for a bit before I can go back to sleep.

Since I started working again, Sunday nights are awful. I often get only 5 hours of sleep these nights. It’s stress; I’m sure. Other nights are better.

Last night for some unknown reason, I woke up after only about 5.5 or 6 hours of sleep, and I was completely awake. Now, I’m at work, and I’m groggy. I’ll make it through the day, but it’s unpleasant.

I’ve spoken to my doctor, and he tells me all this is normal for people my age (52). Is it?

I do not want a prescription sleep aid. I take 3mg of melatonin most nights, and that puts me right out, and I usually sleep solidly for 5 or 6 hours every night.

How well do you sleep? How old are you? What is your sleep routine like? Do you sleep solidly or in segments? Do you take anything for sleep?