Momma Blues~ Anything Natural???

I second the suggestions for aerobic exercise -- preferably something you enjoy... kick-boxing? Zumba? It's good for mood as well as sleep. Best wishes to you. :)

Sleep deprivation leads to depression like standing in the rain leads to getting wet. Yes, do whatever you need to to get yourself more sleep.

Look up "sleep hygiene" for suggestions on ways to shift your life to promote better sleep. If your child's sleep patterns are a problem, look at Elizabeth Pantley's "no-cry sleep solution" books. She also has some brief sections on adult sleep.

As far as supplements go, here are some things to try (in no particular order): melatonin, valerian, milk, turkey, chamomile. Experiment and see what works for you.

If you cannot figure out a solution on your own, do not be shy about seeking professional help. This is a common issue and there are lots of sleep specialists out there. Interview them on the phone to find one that has a more natural/less drug-based perspective. Find one you like and make an appointment.

Good luck!

Arbonne's balancing cream!! Not only will it help the blue's there is a list of over 80 symptoms it helps. I hate meds too this has been such a lifesaver for me. It has helped me loose weight and get rid of migraines and ward of anxiety and depression too! It's all natural. If you can get a hormone saliva test this is the most accurate since our hormones change all day long and stress is a big factor in hormone levels, a blood test for hormones isn't accurate always so the best way to find out is the saliva test. I would suggest ordering it from Dr. John Lee, MD's web site.

Sex. Seriously.

And B12...do a little research on it.

Sounds to me like you are beating yourself up with guilt and it's eating away at you. Whatever happened with your mother in law is unfortunate, but come on now, with all that stress in one house, how can you all possibly think it would of all gone smoothly...If she is not talking to you, then that's on her, and she needs to understand that you were force ably put into a bad situation that you tried your best to keep under control, and it didn't work out. Imagine that, lol...You are only human!!! I can't even imagine, I would of snapped after the first week....As far as your own mom, if she told you that she is not mad at you, then you really need to believe her and move on..I'm sure she loves you and understands...I'm just speculating, but sounds like you need to let it go, especially now that they've moved out...Get your life back!! I"m sure your husband and son are worried about you and would love to have you back to your old self...They, and you both deserve that..Take care..:)

I am a reader, so I like to read books by people who have similar issues that I'm going through. For your particular ones, I would really recommend "Wide Awake: A Memoir of Insomnia" by Patricia Morrisroe and "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. Especially "The Happiness Project," since you're more concerned about your blues. They are both memoirs, so they aren't as dry or didactic as traditional self-help books. But I found a lot of good ideas from both.

When I'm not nursing or pregnant, I often take benadryl to help me stay asleep longer (it's the same stuff as in most sleeping pills, btw). I've also tried melatonin (not very effective for me) and valerian (slightly better). Otherwise, the only that really helps with my insomnia is to turn on a (low) light and read until I fall back asleep. I find that's the only thing that is relaxing enough to do in the middle of the night, and it's better for me than just lying awake thinking of how I'm lying awake.

I know you said your energy level feels too low to exercise, but I'd say try to start off slow and just get moving even a little bit. Walk around the block, first for five, then ten, then 15 minutes a day. It will make a world of difference.

Good luck to you!

I get the blues, especially lately because I'm not working... long story.

I think the most critcal for me is time with 1. friends and 2. helping others. There is a ton of research, which I'm too lazy to look up at this present time, that shows that women need their friends, especially mama friends. I don't know your situation, but I try to connect with friends every other day, whether it be sending out positive emails or dropping off tomatoes in my garden. The more love I give away, the more I get back.

Also, giving my time, my ear, my encouragement, that fills me up.

Side note: There are some terrific sleep clinics you can go to because it sounds like you have a classic sleep disorder.

You need to start exercising again. It reduces stress in your body. Once you start up again and are using energy, you should be more sleepy. When i dont exercise it is hard for me to sleep. Exercise is powerful. Make sure you work out hard too.

I don't like taking meds either, but a few years ago I was having trouble sleeping because of a bronchitis. Visited the doctor and asked him for something to sleep. He prescribed Ambien and he only gave me 3. I only needed to re-establish my sleep pattern. Never had problems after that.

Orange blossom water (Agua de azahar) is great. You can add it to your tea.

There are two GREAT cranial sacral specialists in Palm Beach! They will naturally get you sleeping! They also use reflex integration because all the stress brought your primitive reflexes back. Only the human body can heal itself.

I cosign for the omega 3s. Also 5-HTP (a form of vitamin B6).

Maybe change up your night time routine? Cut out caffeine early in the day, don't watch TV while in bed, etc... Turn the lights down low, take a shower/bath, have a cup of decaf tea and maybe read for a little bit? Also make sure your diet is clean, protein, healthy carbs (veggies, fruits), healthy fats and don't forget Omega 3's (in high amounts can help one with depression). Take a supplement if you aren't getting enough already in your foods.

I just saw someone's post on Arbonnes balancing cream. Although I didn't use it for sleep, I used it for menstrual/moodiness issues I have to say - best stuff ever!

If all I've said is redundant or you're already doing it - stop by a natural food store and talk to the vitamin person - they are usually very knowledgeable of natural remedies for common ailments.

Best wishes!!
M.

What phase of sleep are you having troubles with?

Do you fall asleep, but not stay asleep?
Do you not fall asleep, so never go into a deep sleep?

What kind of MD prescribed your sleep meds? As that's a lot of meds to have tried without any success. What are their thoughts? And the ones you have tried are good choices for most people. I would start to suspect something more organic, like a brain tumor that's messing with your ability to sleep.

You could go into a sleep study center, where they hook you up and monitor your phases of sleep, along with breathing, H/R. Have they ruled out sleep apnea?

And you're sure you covered any past trauma with a therapist that would disturb your feeling safe while sleeping?

Vitamin D and 5-HTP combined with exercise always helps me this time of year when it starts to turn colder and dismal. Of course, you're in FL, so it's probably not the weather that's making you depressed like it is me, up here in PA, where I SWEAR I haven't seen the sun in 2 weeks. I know what it feels like to be just slightly sad for no specific reason, even though my life is great. I really do. Whatever you do, don't start feeling guilty for feeling sad, that'll just put you into a downward spiral. Try the supplements and get some exercise and THEN see you you feel.

You've got a lot of great answers. I fell victim to exactly what you are talking about and it wasn't until I had to switch my sons's diet that I looked at my own diet and cleaned it completely up. I do a lot of green smoothies, take fish oil along with a good multi-vit that contains a ton of vitaminD. I eat a lot of salmon and stay away from refined sugar, preservatives and artificial dyes. After living a much cleaner lifestyle, a lot changed for me, my "fog" was lifted. Don't forget to exercise reguarly, it makes a huge difference as well on your mood and sleep habits (I recommend working out first thing in the am before anyone else is awake). Good luck to you!

Hi K1. So sorry for what you are going through. Some thoughts:
1. Are you exercising or taking walks during the day. That is usually good to help the body relax later.

2. Are you drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated?

3. Are you eating balanced meals/snacks?

4. Are you taking "me" time for yourself?

5. Are you receiving emotional support? Do you have a close friend or religious counselor or professional person to talk to when and if needed?

6. Do you journal to help put your thoughts on paper?

Hope this helps a little/
Jilly

Sleep is crtical to all of us without the proper rest & nutrition we fall into a funk that mimmic depression but no true depression listen to your body are you eating healthy drinking plenty of water daily is it just the sleep that has set you off.I have major sleep issues ever since having kids I can lay there all hrs of the night tossing & turning till morning I get every little sleep for a while there after my 3rd baby after I weaned her off I was taking Benadryl not only to help with my skin allergies but it made me sleep a few more solid hrs than without it,then I switched to a sleeping pill.I haven't tried anything natural pill wise but sleepy time tea I use to drink that after a warm shower especially on cold nights,not sur eif I can still drink it during pregnancy.Take time for yourself at night even if it a brisk walk for 10 min. then shower & do your nightly routine.