insomnia?

[farmerjess]

Here I am at 1:45 in the morning. DH is in bed sleeping with the baby. I feel so stupid. I am so worn out I just need to sleep. I did sleep from 10-12, but I have to wake up all the way to nurse the baby then I changed his diaper. I laid in bed for an hour tossing and turning. Ugh, I worry so much about getting enough sleep. Every time I hear the baby I get anxiety that he's going to wake up already. I can't stop my brain from racing.

Anyone else? I need some support/suggestions.

[mamanurse]

NAK. Thyroid problems are common after birth. Maybe yours is hyperactive. That can certainly make you antzy and unable to sleep. I hope you get some good rest soon!

[mkmb129]

This was exactly how I was with ds. I couldn't fall asleep because I was so anxious he'd wake up and I'd be even more cranky/tired and never get any sleep. It was terrible, and lasted almost his first year! We were not happy people, lol. This time is much easier, I think I've just learned to relax and sleep when I can, and if she wakes, she wakes and I'll get up with her. Also, being completely exhausted helps. I've only had a couple of nights like that with Ainsley so far, thank goodness.

What helps me is not expecting anything from her. I go to sleeping knowing she will probably wake up as soon as I fall asleep (this was always the case with ds, ALWAYS, talk about frustrating!!!) and that way I'm not so anxious or cranky about getting woken up again so soon when I'm so tired.

I hope you are able to get some sleep!

[lifeguard]

I'm with you. It's currently 3:15am. The other night I tossed & turned for 7 hours (between feedings that is). But I've often had insomnia in the past so it's hardly surprising to me.

[mama.rye]

that sucks... im sorry.

i am that way about naps. im so tired, and everyone (okay, DH) keeps telling me to nap when he naps, but to me, its so much more torturous to get 40 minutes of sleep and wake up confused and more tired to a hungry baby. somehow this seems counterproductive to me. id rather rough it and drink another cup of jo.

have you tried Rescue Remedy for the anxiety in the night? I use a spritz of it on the tongue when he is screaming and I think I am going to lose it. It does help take things down a notch, along with some deep breathing. Sometimes I think it is more psychological than anything. Taking ten slow, deep breaths can really work wonders too. My DH and I swear by tricking your body to sleep. Breathing as if you are sleeping helps induce sleep. Read a boring book. Massage your jaw and make sure you are not clenching it. All those things I'm sure you are aware of, but its easy to forget about when you are so tired....

[farmerjess]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I was really freaking out that night.I realized a lot of things though. I hadn't had insomnia since I was a nanny a couple of years ago. Basically, I think taking care of a baby is too boring for me and I wind up not being mentally exhausted enough to go to bed. Then when I do lay down and have time to myself my mind races. Because of my previous experience with insomnia, any classic way to remedy (deep breathing, mental tricks, etc.) just makes me more anxious. I basically have to embrace my thoughtful mood and not think about wanting to sleep until it just happens naturally. The other things that I am doing are avoiding trying to sleep during the day because the more times I try to sleep the worse it is. And making an effort to go somewhere with the baby in the car everyday because that is really challenging and exhausting. I am also planning on exercising every day...starting any day now
I just really need to make an effort to exhaust myself in every way.