Why So Tired?

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.

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.

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.

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.