Prior to having a baby, I was a champion sleeper. Ever since I had my son 10mo ago, I have not been able to get a good night sleep. My doctor says that my brian is now on viligence mode because of the baby. Even the slightest noise disturbes me.I generally can fall asleep easily (finally!), but I am currently having trouble staying asleep and then falling back to sleep when awakened. It's so incredibly frustrating waking up in the middle of the night and then just laying there for hours. I can sometimes get back in to a sleep like mode, but the slightest noise, or movement immediately alerts me. I have tried everything, but nothing seems to help. I currently take the herb melatonin, which helps me to fall asleep when I initially go to bed, but it does not help keep me asleep or help me to fall back to sleep. I've also tried Tylenol PM, but my doc informed me that that particular sleep aid actually inhibits a good night sleep. I'm an avid reader, which sometimes helps, but usually I will just end up reading for hours and hours. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
My sleep has been fluctuating a lot lately. I still generally wake up from time to time, but some nights I am able to fall right back to sleep. Not always though! Anyway, I appreciate all the suggestions and advice. I have to admit though, that most of the suggestions have been tried or am currently using. For example, I have been sleeping with "white nosie," a fan, since the very begining. It helps considerably, but I still have very sensitive ears! Once again, thanks for the advice and comfort! I think just knowing I am not alone, helps out considerably.
I am the exact same way! My husband has said forever that we should put a fan in our room to give a bit of background noice, and I was always against it. But recently he just did it and he was right. It provides this little background droning noise that drowns out small noises- but not the baby crying. It isn't a cure-all, but it is definitely helping!
I had the same thing when my 4 yr old was a little guy up until he was about 3. I went to my doctor and he perscribed zoloft with a very very small dose. I was apprehensive about being too zonked out on any medication to take care of my son, but the truth be told, I was zonked out from lack of sleep. I was apparently very anxious and had kicked into "super mommy" mode during the night and going through the motions as a zombie during the day. Every little thing, noise, light, or even the dog or cat walking through the room and I would be wide awake. My body is now reporgramed and I am no longer on zolft. Some people are funny about being on anti depressants, there is a certain stigma that goes along with the word depressant to new mothers. "I'm not depressed, I'm a new mother of a wonderful child"....but it's not the depression part, just the anxiety, and constantly running through your head "how long has it been since he last ate, diaper change, cry?", in short, worrying about being the best mother you can to your child. I would talk to your doctor, he may even have suggestions that are not perscription related.
Hope all goes well!!
Jennifer
All I can say is that I feel your pain. I have never been a great sleeper and I imagiine it will only get worse when I have a baby.
Good luck! At least I know I am not the only one that lies awake at night wishing I could be asleep (and trying not to disturb my husband who is sound asleep)
You might try a "white noise" machine which will cover up many of the little noises you might be hearing at night. You will still be able to hear the baby cry and any other louder than regular night time noises. It works for me so well that I really notice when it is not on. They cost around $15 at Target.
K.
Gosh, same thing happened to me. It has gotten better although it took some time. I had to sleep with a fan going so the little noises wouldn't disturb me. The monitor was still on and I could still hear if my baby started crying.
I have one suggestion...the company that I work with has an all natural sleep supplement. It's natural so there are no side effects or addiction to worry about. email me and I'd be happy to share the info wtih you. ____@____.com my name is J..
How much exercise are you getting? Nothing makes me rest more deeply than when I've done a bit of swimming, walked a few miles or some other sort of exercise.
You may also look at your diet. Obviously caffeine has to go, but I'd also suggest cutting out the white sugar & white flour as much as possible. Eat more fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts & fish.
Our bodies are big chemistry sets. If something is off and it can throw seemingly unrelated things off.
