SleepMD1

It can actually be pretty normal to have an awakening after six hours. The key is trying to go back to sleep instead of thinking to yourself "I feel pretty good, I am going to start my day." The problem with doing that is that you may feel fine in the morning, but there is a good chance that you may "crash" later in the day. While some people are physiologically short sleeper, usually people require at least 7 1/4 hours. Here is a link to some information on amount of sleep. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434546/#:~:text=Adults%20should%20sleep%207%20or,and%20increased%20risk%20of%20death.

Uggh. I am sorry to hear that. I am curious what doctors that you have been to. Some people are more interested in insomnia than others. I would look for a board certifed sleep specialist. Here is a list of accredited sleep centers. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center/

Keep in mind also that the goal of sleep is not to be knocked out, but to wake up refreshed. Maybe that is why insomnia meds aren't being prescribed.

Are you very active? People who are more active tend to need more sleep. I believe that Roger Federer (tennis player) and Tom Brady were known for needing more sleep because they were so active during the day. Just as some people are short sleepers, some people are long sleepers. However most people are NOT. So, if you are needing that much sleep, it is possible that you may need to be evaluated at a sleep center. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center/

I can't tell you how many people think that they are alone just because they have sleep that may be completely normal! In your case, you are having episodes for about a week every couple of months. That's probably fine, especially if it is not really impacting how you function during the day. It should be reassuring to you to know that a lot of people have a problem sometimes with sleep that isn't what it normally should be. Try not to react to it like it is a problem. If you are really concerned that it might be though, then follow up with PCP or accredited sleep center. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center/

...and I do recommend that you write in a journal before bed if you are finding that your brain wont turn off.

Absolutely! You need to find someone who listens to you and works with you. Here is a list of sleep centers https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center/.