Mom Cannot Sleep

I agree with other posts about talking to the doctor. After my third, I just couldn't sleep and told the doctor that I just needed a sleeping aid and I'd be fine. I too got Ambien and it worked for a while, but found that if I didn't take it, I couldn't sleep. As another post said, underlying issues that you don't think about might be a cause. Also, I like to drink a tea on stressful nights. Go to a health store and they will recommend a good one. Plus, I found reading in bed was quiet and relaxing and then, poof....I couldn't wait to shut the lights off. Try these things and if they don't work, see your doctor. As you can see, you're not alone. You need your rest, it affects all aspects of your life. Good luck and take care of you too!

Hi, B.,

You might have already looked into the obvious reasons for trouble sleeping, but I will ask you anyway. Are you really stressing over something? Do you try to watch TV or do too much activity in your own bedroom at night? Taking any meds that might be interfering?
I actually have the opposite problem in a way; I could fall asleep by about 9:00pm, but then I wake around 3:00 and can't get back to sleep.

Sympathizing with you!

I had the same problem falling asleep that you did ~ or I would wake up at around 2:00-3:00 and not be able to go back to sleep. This went on for 6+ months. My doctor prescribed Ambien, which helped but once I was done with it, I was back to lying there awake night after night. I went back to my doctor and he refused to give me any more sleeping pills since he told me that since it had been going on for so long that it more than likely is depression. He asked me a ton of questions and I answered yes to most of them. He said that it sounds like I more than likely have mild depression and he put me on Lexapro and also told me to see a therapist to talk to about what is causing me depression/anxiety. I WAS having some problems at the time ~ taking care of my daughter (who had become your typical toddler) and dealing with my husband's recent diagnosis of kidney disease I just wasn't really paying attention to how I was actually feeling. I did not go talk to a therapist, but I have been on the Lexapro now for about a year and a half. Once the Lexapro kicked in, I was sleeping WONDERFULLY! I would definitely recommend seeing your doctor. Good luck and I wish you sweet dreams SOON!! :-)

This could just be a habit of 'thinking too much' at night. Look into using a relaxation recording on a personal cd player or mp3. You can find them online or at book stores. If you are able to sample it before buying, even better. Use it as you go off to sleep to help you unwind & when you wake in the night to help you return to sleep. It takes 21-30 days to develop a habit so it's important to use it every day. If after using this for a week you don't see improvement try hypnosis. A certified hypnotist will help you overcome insomnia naturally.

Hi - a usually have a couple nights a week where my mind just keeps going & going and I just toss & turn in bed. I've found that taking 1/2 of a Tylenol or Bayer PM tablet right before I go to bed (ideally 10:30 PM) usually gives me a good nights sleep.

good luck
J.

Hi B.,

I have struggled with the same situation. At the time my sleep difficulties started I was also under a lot of emotional stress. with the help of my therapist I began to find coping mechanisms to deal with the stress, but also started taking Ambien CR. My therapist told me that once your circadian rythems get off whack, they often need to be 're programmed' so that you can get back on a normal sleep cycle. I took the ambien and gradually cut down the dose until I did not need it. I still take it occasionally, and then have to wean myself off of it...but usually my sleep patterns regulate once I do this. Also, remember sleep disorders are not an indication of how you sleep, but of how you live. If you are constantly stressed throughout the day and don't make breaks to relax, then you cannot shut off at night. I've had to find ways to relax and slow down during the day in order to be able to calm down at night and sleep. I hope that helps and makes sense!

In addition to what the other moms have said, I'm going to ask an obvious question... what is your caffeine intake. I became highly sensitive to caffeine after my kids were born... probably because I went without it (mostly) during my pregnancy and while nursing.. so that ends up being quite long. If you've recently started coffee/coke/pepsi, that could be an issue. Stop drinking anything with caffeine after 4pm. If I'm still having some after 4pm... I'm still revved up at 11pm.

Hope you sleep well soon. :)
Aarti.

Hi B.,
When my 12-year-old daughter had trouble falling asleep her doctor recommended Melatonin. It is a naturally-occurring hormone and can be purchased at any drug store (in the nutritional supplement section) over the counter. I take it as well when I have trouble falling asleep. There is no grogginess in the morning and it is completely safe, natural, and (of course) non-narcotic.

Nighty night,
H.

All I can say is that you are VERY, VERY lucky!!
My children don't sleep at all most nights. Do you have any advice on how to make my children sleep better?
It sounds like you and I should trade children. LOL!!!

I started taking Tylenol PM occasionally when I got pregnant the second time and had insomnia (still pregnant, still have insomnia). It's great and it's non-habit forming. You just need to be able to dedicate 8 hours of sleep. If that doesn't help, I'd see a doctor and ask about a med like ambien. I think it is not at all unusual for a mom to have trouble sleeping, especially with the stress and anxiety of two babies at home. I wish you luck - sleep makes all the difference!

My husband & brother both swear by Advil PM & Tylenol PM. Neither are habit forming or addictive. Try one of these before you consider a stronger med. And good luck!

Dear B.,
Lack of sleep is nothing to take lightly when you're the parent of young children. I would check with a doctor before adding any new supplements. Many hospitals now have wonderful physician-run sleep clinics, typically covered by insurance. Rush Memorial Hospital in Rushville has a great one. A sleep clinic can often teach you to manage your sleep patterns without additional supplements or medications.
Wishing you good rest!

Hi B. A,
That was me some time ago. I couldn't sleep and all I did was think about things I had no control of.
I now depend on God to take care of everything for me, and ask God for rest in my mind so that I can get good rest.
That works for me.

I've had the same problem for as long as I can remember. My dr recently told me to start taking Melatonin. It's in the vitamin section. They sell 1mg and 3mg tablets, though the 1mg are harder to find. He said to take the 1mg, so I just break the 3mg in half and it's great. It doesn't knock you out, but relaxes your body.

Taking Tylenol PM worked, but you're still taking Tylenol, which isn't good for your liver to take rgularly.

I swear by Melatonin. You can get it GNC for about five dollars or so. It is more natural than most over the counter sleep aids and it is not habit forming.

Before you got pregnant were you sleeping like this? Because my body is just getting back to sleeping like before I got pregnant. I don't fall asleep till midnight and then I would love sleeping in till 11 but with an 6 month old that doesn't happen. So maybe your body is just getting back to "normal" (if there is a normal anymore!)

Routine Exercise ( 1 hr. a day if you can swing it) is the most natural remedy.

ask your Dr. about ambien, it now has a generic too!!

One thing not mentioned - have you had your thyroid levels checked recently? A good TSH, according to the endocrinology association (whatever it's called) is actually .3 - 3.3, not the .5-5 levels most labs still reflect. Thyroids can get all messed up after pregnancy in a lot of women. It for sure can affect sleep.

I have sleep issues too. Tried all the meds, therapies etc. I know if i take my thyroid meds too late in the day, it messes me up for sure that night....like now. Of course i write this at 4:51 am and have been up for an hour :) but dh is out of town tonight, so I have that added issue.

a long hot bath and a hot cup of tea without caffine does the trick for myself. i work at night and sleep during the day and this works for me. good luck

Hi B.,

You may want to try MonaVie. We started drinking it in November 2006, and the first thing we noticed was improved sleep and a bit more energy. Other benefits came later.

Also, by consuming 2 ounces of MonaVie in the morning and 2 ounces in the evening you are getting the antioxidant equivalent of eating 13 common fruits and veggies. No one gets the nutrition that they should, and this is an easy and convenient way to do it.

I know there are other options (prescriptions, over the counter, etc.) out there, but I prefer to take the natural route with anything whenever I can! :) The juice tastes good, too!

You can check out my website for more information. I also have listings under Home Employment and Other Health & Medical.

Let me know of any questions you may have!

Have a blessed day,

C. :)
www.BerryGoodAcai.com
____@____.com
###-###-####

Congrats on your twins' bday!

Homeopathic remedies are super at helping insomnia. I haven't suffered from insomnia, but I see Dr. Jospehine Polich for homeopathic treatment for myself and my son who has eczema. She has treated people for problems like yours. Homeopathic medicine is great b/c it doesn't have any side effects like prescription or OTC meds. Nor does it have an addiction possiblities.
See this article Dr. Polich wrote about a patient. It discusses sleep disorders.
http://dupagehomeopathic.com/newsletters/chronic_fatigue_...

Hope you find this helpful. Email me offline if you want to talk more about it! Best of luck to you.