My husband passed away, now I can’t sleep at night

DEAR DEIDRE: Since my husband died, I haven’t been able to sleep more than a few hours.

I’m fit and active and don’t take any medication, so I’m not sure what’s wrong.

My husband died three years ago, aged 78. I’m now 76. Before his death I always slept seven hours a night.

When he died suddenly from a heart attack, I couldn’t sleep.
I thought things would right themselves naturally, but they haven’t.

Now I find myself waking several times in the small hours, unable to get back to sleep. I lie there worrying and feeling sad.

I’m lucky if I get four or five hours. I feel sleepy during the day and often fall asleep in a chair.

Although I miss him dreadfully and feel lonely, I do have friends and a social life, and I volunteer for a local charity.

My children and grandchildren visit regularly.

Please help me to find my sleep again.

DEIDRE SAYS: The death of a loved one, particularly when it’s a sudden death, can have a huge impact on you emotionally and physically.

Even though you feel you are coping well, a huge loss can disrupt normal routines. My support pack Coping With Bereavement should help you.

Talking to a professional counsellor may help you work through your grief, allowing you more peace. Contact Cruse Bereavement (cruse.org.uk, 0808 808 1677) so you can talk through your feelings.

If that doesn’t help, make an appointment with your GP.