Believe it or not just talking about this has helped. Some of the advice has really helped like stay in bed. That has worked out better than expected,
and get up for the shortest time possible.

It's true what they say. A problem shared is a problem halved.

I know I've mentioned my sleep combo, and if you don't want to go that route, maybe just working with Calms Forte' homeopathic tabs could help you. Often when I wake up during the night and feel a little too awake, I'll chew a Calms' and drink some water...and I'm back to dreaming sleep.

I'll look into that. Calms Forte, I've heard of that, thanks. Would be nice to have that extra kick back to sleep.

It looks like you're having trouble accessing a sleep specialist (usually a pulmonologist, or breathing doctor). Even young women can have "floppy" soft palates that collapse and cause obstructive sleep apnea. An Australian indigenous pipe called a digeredoo (I ordered mine from California for about $35.) has been proved to improve tone of soft palate. It also trains you in diaphragmatic breathing. Additionally, orthodontists can make oral devices to wear at night to keep your airway open. You would need a sleep study for your insurance to cover this, but maybe your primary would order it.

For a completely different approach, mindfulness training can help you release from insomnia. What we fight, we give power to. When we stop fighting it, and just relax at night it loses its power over us. I listen to Meditation Mindfulness Full on Youtube, or UCLA has free mindfulness Youtube tapes. I went to a sleep doctor who had me read The Sleep Book by Dr. Guy Meadows. It's very different, but so for I'm really impressed.

You are not alone!

I don't have a breathing problem.