How Do I Get My Brain Out of This Fog?

I encourage you to examine your diet. A diet high in processed foods (think anything that comes out of a wrapper, box or bag) is really low in nutrients. Consider stopping by your health food store for a good quality vitamin and perhaps some probiotics. About 6 months I felt a lot like you describe, and after going on a strict diet that eliminated processed foods for the most parts in favor of fresh or frozen vegies and meat/fish. I followed it closely for a month and then a relaxed version since. I feel so much more mentally sharp. It's true, to an extent, we are what we eat. I also am up repeatedly at night with a 3 and 2 yr old and I do think that has a lot to do with this "fog" sensation that you describe.

You may want to consider a simple blood test to see if your thyroid is working properly. I also had horrible brain fog, sometimes it took so much effort to recall words to use in a sentence! My thyroid was underactive. It's solved by taking an inexpensive pill each day.
Here are 2 websites to see if you are experiencing other symptoms:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353/D...
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroi...
Good luck!

I would think you need some time to unwind from the kids for one thing. I know going places with two kids where you have to watch them and keep track of them is not enjoyable even though you love the kids. Leave them home next time so you can enjoy some time with adults and your husband and then let go of the kids some. I would guess you're too uptight about the kids needs and doing it 'right', etc. Take a day at a time and try to not just focus on the kids. I bet you are doing that.

I was having horrible brain fog too. Turns out mine was a gluten intolerance. Seriously the fog and fatigue were incredible. It was almost zombie like at times. Functioning but not there. Talk to your doctor, it sounds like more then sleep deprivation. Good luck!

I suggest you start with a complete physical to rule out any medical condition that could be causing this. Then perhaps start some counseling to figure out what is going on emotionally. It may just take getting yourself focused but you already know that and aren't succeeding. You could have ADD. One of the symptoms is being unable to focus. If that's the case medication can help you.

You might consider consulting with a life coach. I have a friend who coaches. She listens to her client and then helps her make goals and find ways to be more productive.

I go through phases where I am in a fog as well. It is not a constant thing, thank goodness. Here are some of the things that I have noticed lead to "fogginess" for me:

The weather (dark, rainy, overcast, winter in general)
Excessive caffeine
faux sugar (diet soda)
Unhealthy foods (baked goods, junk food, refined sugar and flour basically)
Too much sleep/too little sleep/bad quality sleep
Not working out
Not drinking very much water

When I start to get foggy, I usually go on a total health overhaul. Here is what I would suggest:
Get a complete physical
Get on a multivitamin.
Start keeping track of how much water you are drinking
Cut out the junk food, sugar and flour. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies. I find that having a lot of fruit/veggie smoothies and salads helps clean the junk out of my body and I start thinking more clearly
Open the curtains first thing in the morning. Let a lot of light in the house. It will lift your mood and you will feel more energized
Try to get outside a little bit each day
Exercise several times a week
Avoid LED lights at night (don't play with your phone as you are going to bed, dont watch tv right before bed...it messes with your sleep cycle.

Good luck!

Like a few moms have mentioned, it's worth having your thyroid checked. I was in a total fog - my short-term memory was shot, and I felt lethargic. I couldn't seem to interact with people in any kind of normal fashion (which is very unusual for me - normally I'm very gregarious). Anyway, it took forever for my doctors to diagnose, but my thyroid was dangerously low. Check out www.stopthethyroidmadness.com to see if you have any other low-thyroid symptoms. If so, take the list to your doctor and ask to be tested (both TSH and Free T3/Free T4 tests).

Even if your thyroid is normal, have a complete workup done. I would bet your problem is medical. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I've got a fog that is ever relentless. I have fibromyalgia, I have a brain injury that affects my frontal lobe, and insomnia. What I've found that helps is keeping lists of things I need to do, buy, call, look up, and so on. I also verbalize what I need to do and let my husband know when he's home so I can have another to remind me in case I forget.

I'm not certain how to relate to others very well or have typical conversations with adults so sorry I cannot help you there. Is it possible you have a vitamin deficiency on top of lack of sleep? Definitely couldn't hurt to have yourself checked out to make sure all is well. Hope you find a way out of your fog. :)

It sounds like typical "mommy brain" to me. Of course, how are you supposed to interact with anyone at the party when you are chasing after your kids?! I pretty much assume I will get my life back when my kids are a little older. Until then, no, we are not allowed to have a life! (Unless we can steal a few moments here and there.) But there are some good suggestions here and it can't hurt to rule out any medical problems.

I think lots of moms feel like you do. I know I sure did when my kids were small. Do you take vitamins? The ones I take are scientifically proven to be more absorbable than anything else on the market, and are guaranteed to make you feel better or your money back! Good luck to you.

I was in a fog for a long while after my daughter was born. I think its normal with not getting enough sleep and having hormones all out of whack. I would really do whatever it takes to get more sleep and by all means see your doctor just to make sure its nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps hubby could help you out a little more too. For instance, with making sure the diaper bag is packed :)

I agree with Linda J. talk to your doctor. I know this happened to my sister and it was her thyroid after baby #2. You could also talk about vitamins and supplements. that you should be taking. I am 43, and I am taking a womens multivitamin, vit. D, calcium, and fish oil. My gyno recommended it. Have you ever tried yoga?

"Just" lack of sleep? Sleep is a big deal! But somehow I bet you know that.

Why don't you make an appointment and get a checkup? Couldn't hurt. Meanwhile, start journaling how much sleep you get and what times; when you eat and what you eat; and how much water (soft drinks don't count) you drink. If the rest of you is fine, ask your doctor where and how to improve on those counts. You will probably think of some ways by yourself, too.

I hear what you're saying, though. It wasn't until my youngest one was sleeping really soundly through the night that I began to realize how constantly fatigued I had been for years! Not that the children weren't worth it, but I was genuinely surprised.