Ok mom's please share with me some of your thoughts. I can't sleep!
I have my 3 little ones on a pretty good schedule. They wake up at 6am, down for a nap from 10:30 until noon. To bath and bed around 6:30/6:45 and asleep by 7pm. My daughter gets up crying around 1:30am almost every night, most nights I don't have to go in, but once in a while she yells for me and wakes everyone else up so I have to go calm nerves. My 10 month old still isn't sleeping through the night so he is up at 9:30. 2:30 and 5am (usually for the morning). I just got diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and got a C-Pap machine. I'm still exhausted and I can't fall asleep. It is about 10pm now when I am asking this question and I've tried laying down twice now, but was tossing so much I woke my hubby up and he has to be at PT at 4:30. So... Any pointers, advice, sleepy methods you could pass my way would be GREATLY appreciated.
This won't tell how late I posted, will it? Try drinking a double bagged cup of Tension Tamer Tea (Celestial Seasonings)...it alway worked while I was pregnant...come to think of it I should probably take my own advice...
R.,
I'm just sending you a hug! I hope she grows out of it soon (lucky for her she is supercute!) and that you get some rest.
In the mean time, my unhelpful advice takes the form of: remember, this too shall pass and someday they won't need us anymore and we'll probably look back fondly on the times when we could barely stand it! Hugs to you!
Umber
Wow, the loss of sleep is difficult. I understand where you are coming from....
You are over tired and have too much running through your mind and your heart rate is probably racing.. During the day and early evening, write down all things you need to remember. I keep post it notes in the kitchen ,laundry room, computer desk, bathroom and car.. This is so I can write down things I want to remember.. This way, I am not running through all of this all day over and over..
While getting ready for your shower, Have a cup of chamomile tea.
If you have time in the evening, try to take a really warm shower or bath...Get some lavender lotion and rub it on your neck and on your temples. Cool your bedroom down with a fan, not just a ceiling fan.. Have it blow on you in bed. Play some quite music like Enya or Josh Groban. Make sure your room is totally dark or wear an eye mask. Lie down and place a pillow between your knees. Take 10 large slow breaths in and then out.... think about a quiet vacation...The beach, the mountains, the lake, sailing, sitting... Just concentrate on the dream, listen to the music...Clear your mind.
Have you tried Melatonin capsules? Maybe cut a normal dose in half? My husband is an extremely light sleeper and has had sleep issues, especially due to traveling for days on end in different time zones and then coming home on the weekends. He was so tired but opposed to taking anything that would make him groggy. A friend of mine suggested melatonin (she takes it). Its an herbal supplement not a pharmaceutical.
So my hubby, who I have to pull teeth to take any kind of medication, is sticking with the melatonin. He likes it, says he can feel himself get tired gradually within 20 minutes of taking it... More like it helps turn off his brain so he's not tossing. And he says he doesn't feel groggy when he wakes up--which I think is important for you because you need to be able to wake up if a child needs you during the night.
Here's some info on Melatonin. (Hope you get some sleep!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/circadian-rhythm-disorders/...
How should I take melatonin?
The first thing to know about melatonin is that its half life is very short, and is only active in your system for about 20 minutes. This is why it is important to use different types of melatonin for different reasons:
Induce sleep or shift sleep to an earlier schedule (1hr+)
If you take more than an hour to fall asleep, or you need to shift your sleep more than an hour, consider taking time-released melatonin. It is also important to use a high-quality, standardized melatonin supplement. Try to find the lowest dose available and do not cut the pill . Since melatonin tablets are coated to provide slow release, cutting them will ruin their long-term potency.
When to take: Depending on the severity of the sleep problem, take time-released melatonin 1 to 3 hours prior to the time you usually fall asleep. Since time release melatonin only lasts for 3 - 4 hours, any need to shift sleep schedules more than 3 hours may require taking another pill in 3 or 4 hours.
Cautions: Melatonin should not be taken if eyes are exposed to bright sunlight, and melatonin should be avoided if operating any vehicle. If attempting sleep shifts of more than 1 hour, light therapy should also be used. Do not use melatonin for more than two weeks at a time.
Induce sleep (less than 1hr)
If it takes an hour or less to fall asleep, then standard melatonin in the lowest mg size is a good option.
When to take: One to two hours before desired sleep time.
Cautions: See above
