Why So Tired?

Updated on June 07, 2007
N.J. asks from Jefferson City, TN
16 answers

Hello all...here is my problem,I am tired ALL the time,I am only 23 I should be fine with not sleeping 8 hours a night,usually get to sleep in 4 hour segments(babys still not a good sleeper),but I am always exausted,my husband helps out when hes not working to watch the kids so I can sleep but even then I have a hard time keeping my eyes open after I get up,I feel like all I do is sleep I try and nap but with 2 babies on diff nap times(not by choice) its hard. Often if I do get them both to sleep at the same time I catch myself falling asleep(on the couch) leaving my almost 5 year old up watching a movie,I feel SO guilty about this(she is a very good girl and will stay on the couch with me){no excuse,I know}I had my iron levals checked because that has been a problem in the past and it's ok, so any suggestions? I feel like all I do is sleep my life away and am missing out on alot.I remember being young and my mom sleeping all the time as well if that helps,I feel stupid talking about this with my doc. what do you think??

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So What Happened?

Hey,I would first like to thank everybody for showing concern and giving their advice on my situation,I went to GNC and got some Multi-Vitamins(Women's Ultra Mega ACTIVE) and have been doing much better, I have actually been getting through a day without a nap! Does not sound like much,but thats good for me! I still plan on making an appointment with my doc. Thank again for all your advice!
~N.

More Answers

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W.B.

answers from Biloxi on

I agree with many of the moms on several diff issues but I want to tie them all together for you. First you need to be on good vitamins not a brand from the drug store.. they dont dissolve well & so then arent actually getting what u think you are getting. After my third child i too, developed thyroidism, but i control mine thru natural supplement from the health food store & recently have disovered I also have low adrenal function. these two hormones work hand in hand & adrenal function can become a problem when lack of sleep is present. Both of these issues can b identified in blood work. I prefer going to a health & nutrition store that can order blood work & they will go over, but it would b good idea to makes sure that these medical issues arent present

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E.W.

answers from Chattanooga on

Hi N.,

Just answered you on another one!! Go to Vitamin World or GNC, ask for Goji Juice or Mangosteen juice. Both will help you with keeping up your levels in your body plus they both will help you have more energy. I have been on both. I have chrones disease and my husband has had 3 strokes, lost memory and strength. Both products have done phenominal things for us. I just went to Vitamin world today and they are selling their Goji juice for buy one get one at 50% off. Beleive me you will love both products!!! Try one and let me know what you think after a week.

E.

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D.R.

answers from Florence on

I had the same problem and a friend suggested for me to check my thyroid. I do have hypothyroidism and with medication I feel much better.

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J.B.

answers from Knoxville on

I would see your Dr. and SOON!

1st have him/her to run a complete panel on you. (blood work) have them to check for thyroid, B-12 etc.

2nd it may be a mental health issue, and an anti-depressent may work wonders.

3rd, don't feel guilty, if you are not physically able to take care of your kids (i.e. because youre sleeping) you desperately need to take care of yourself for their sake disscuss this with your supportive husband and disscuss the issue with your Dr.

Good Luck.
JP

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M.D.

answers from Birmingham on

Don't feel stupid talking to your doctor about it. I was doing the same thing after having my son. Then it progressively got worse to where I was falling asleep driving. I went in for a sleep disorder test and they diagnosed me with idiopathic hypersomnia. Serious disorder but can be treated with medicine. You can do some research online about different sleep disorders or talk with your doctor. Don't feel stupid at all. It is more common than you think. Hope this might help you out some.

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M.M.

answers from Knoxville on

You may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromylagia. The 2 are related. I have fibromyalgia and was diagnosed at age 21. Talk to your doctor about this. It is trial and error, but there are meds that can help control symptoms.

Thanks,
M. M

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F.W.

answers from Nashville on

It could be a hereditary thing. I think you should probably talk to your doctor. But also, don't forget to take multi vitamins. Maybe something is just missing in your diet.

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S.S.

answers from Gadsden on

Do you ever hurt anywhere as far as joints? The reason I ask is I am 32 and found out when I was 27 that I had rhuematoid arthritis. One of the biggest side affects is fatigue. All I ever did was sleep. That is all I wanted to do and they can check you through blood work. Hope this may have helped.

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K.C.

answers from Jackson on

From: K. I agree with some of your advice. You should go to the dr. get a complete check-up and then look into the possibilities of depression I know thats a ugly word but that is exactly the way I was before medication. I also had a good Dr. who looked at everything before dignosing depression. It is nothing to be ashamed of your family will be happy if your well. Good luck

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D.C.

answers from Iowa City on

I wouldn't be too concerned about talking to your doctor; that is what he/she is for. Plus with four children under the age of 6, I am not surprised you are so tired. Maybe you could increase your water intake and exercise. That helps me and I'm 24 with two kids, 4 and 9 months.

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J.D.

answers from Huntsville on

Hi- I agree with previous posters that you have your hands full. By the same token, if you feel abnormally tired (you know what babies do to sleep by now), go back to your doctor. There are MANY things that can cause exhaustion to the point of falling into (or never leaving) bed. If you feel that something is going on, honor that feeling. There may be something linked with your mom, too, that is hereditary.

Just my 2 cents worth.
J.

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K.G.

answers from Nashville on

N.
aside from the busy life you are living with the kids and just being a wife and mommy you should go to your doctor and have your iron level checked. After my son was born I just couldn't get my engery back so he checked my iron and it was so low he said he couldn't believe I could even lift my arms! Within a week of starting my irom pills and eating some red meat I was back to normal. You are young and although stressful, you should be able to keep up with the kids and lack of sleep that's just normal mommy stuff :)

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L.E.

answers from Dothan on

like you I was sleeping all the time after my fourth child. I visited a indocrinologist he ran a bunch of test and found that my thyroid was low, I was put on medication and I'm doing pretty good now

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S.S.

answers from Birmingham on

Have you had your thyroid checked? I have hypothyroidism and I felt the same way before I was diagnosed. I would ask the doctor to check out your thyroid levels.

J.B.

answers from Memphis on

N.,

I was one of those women that was highly energetic most of my life until I had my first child! I was in bondage to afternoon naps - even on vacation. I tried taking more iron, taking a walk when I was sluggish; I was taking quality vitamins...but nothing seemed to work. So I feel for you...it's miserable...especially when your friends are visiting, shopping, etc...and you are too tired.

I am going to send you my story in a private email because it is long - I did find a solution. Maybe it will help you.

J.

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C.G.

answers from Chattanooga on

You must not be getting any sleep, because just reading your letter makes me tired! Four children?! All under 5?! None of them sleeping at the same time?! And you don't know why you're tired? I DO! Because your job is enormous, and wonderful, and exhausting, and you're still post-pardom, and you don't sleep, and... well, that's enough for now. Please, please be easy on yourself. I am a divorced mother of just one and a full-time student and I am SO not afraid to take a nap. My daughter is almost 7, which is very helpful. I still feel guilty sometimes thinking that I'm not doing enough or fun enough or that she ought to be homeschooled, in 4 sports, taking private French lessons, and eating all-organic, home-grown food out of my garden.... then I wake up! When prodded for info by my relatives (for my own selfish interests), my daughter says I'm a great mom and that I'm tons of fun. Really! That, plus the fact that she's well adjusted in school and praised for her manners and attitude by friends and strangers alike is enough for me. And I will ABSOLUTELY let her watch a show while I sleep- or study- if it means our time later is of better quality and I can actually enjoy it. Besides, I still pick what she watches. You are a very busy woman! Pick your battles carefully, and be gentle with yourself.
And take a NAP!
C.

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