Hi polarbear. I'm sorry about you waking up frequently at night. That has been happening to me for a few years, too. It's awful frustrating. I think it can lead to real sleep deprivation that leaves you feeling haggard.

I have been having anxiety when first getting into bed. It makes me feel like I have to get back up. I take amitriptyline, without which I would be up all night till after dawn. I used to take benzos and I wish I could get them again. Though, even when I took them, I was waking up a lot.

5 hours seems to be a common denominator from people I've talked to who don't sleep good. I used to sleep for 9 hours easily, once I fell asleep. Now if absolutely never sleep more than 5 consecutive hours.