Yes, make sure you rest (though of course you'll be far too anxious to sleep, wondering if "this is it"?). Contractions don't last for 10 minutes. They'll usually come about 10 minutes apart at first, then gradually get closer together, but each one only last about a minute. Contractions come in "waves" - each one gradually builds up to its most painful point then it ease off again until it disappears. You then get a rest (with no pain) for 5-10 minutes until the next contraction starts to build up. If the pain is getting bad, tell yourself you only have to get through it for one minute. Take each one at a time and relax in between them.
You can get a lot of backache in labour, especially if your baby's back is facing your back.
As long as your waters haven't broken, you can have a bath to soothe any aches and pains and it might relax you enough to help you sleep. If it wasn't so late at night, I've advise you to keep moving to help things along. But it is late, so try and rest.
If your waters break then you have to contact a m/w and you must be examined. If it's just contractions, then you can stay at home as long as you can bear the pain. Once they have been coming regularly for an hour though, contact the hospital so that they know to expect you in at some point. Get your bag and pregnancy notes and keep them beside the door.
I hope you get to meet your baby soon!
