Struggling with sleep, stress and anxiety.

[Amyaa]

Does anybody know of any sleep remedies that actually work without having to go to the doctors? I'm very tired. It takes me 5-6hours to fall asleep and even then I wake up every half hour. Help!

A very frustrated and tired mummy.

[rebeccaroskellthomas]

Are you a new mummy? How long has it been like this?

[Florathefern]

I am going through this for a few months too. I don't have advice. Mine is due to anxiety I think. I am constantly exhausted but can't sleep when I go to bed. I can nod off very easily on the sofa for a while, just not in bed!

[Amyaa]

She's 11 months old but I've had symptoms of depression since she was born. I just shrugged it off and got on with it but now it's gotten worse, to the point I can't sleep. I'm scared to go to the doctors because last time I went (about severe back pain) they told me I was wasting their time. (Actual words)

[Amyaa]

She's my first so yeah I'm a new mummy I guess.

[DavidPuddy]

Oh my, you need to see the doctor again. They are wrong and they will help you, even if you need to try another one.

Some things that help me fall asleep when I am struggling:

Cool down - I stick my head out the window and tip it over til the back of my neck cools

Hug a pillow

Hold something like a tissue in your hand (no idea why this works)

Make a story in your head that you are traversing great hardship, e.g. you have to migrate across victorian Britain in winter with no money.

I have no idea if these things will work for anyone else, but they have worked for me to greater and lesser extents. But please do try fhe doctor again, you need proper support.

Best of luck, I hope it gets better.

[redtammy]

As long as you are not breastfeeding or on any medication you could try valerian tea. It's quite a potent natural sleep aid, and has always helped my DH who struggled with insomnia. But I agree with the previous poster, you should speak to someone about the underlying cause. If you really can't face the doctor try the healthy minds website; in my area you can self refer and it also has a lot of resources for self help.
You have my sympathy, lack of sleep and/or depression is horrible and life stealing, I hope you are feeling better soon.

[rebeccaroskellthomas]

This was exactly like me when my LG was about 4 months old. I didn't sleep for about 4 days, it was horrific. I was diagnosed with post natal depression/anxiety and I was given sertraline (anti d). I'm not saying this is the route to go down but it has honestly saved me. I sleep well now (when LG allows!) and even when I'm not fully rested I can cope.

Go back and see your doctor and see someone else if you don't feel happy with the previous one.

[user1479966161]

Even I had problems with sleep when I was 6 weeks along. The doctor whom I consulted said that it happens due to hormonal variations during pregnancy and it will get better as the pregnancy will progress. But the condition was such that it was more difficult for me to cope up with it. It led to other problems such as anxiety, irritability and depression. With one of my friends suggestion, I took the CBT-I treatment ( www.cbtassociates.com/about-you/problems-addressed/insomnia/ ) after a proper diagnosis from a psychologist. It helped me to identify and modify the thoughts that get in the way of good night's sleep.

[GreenAndWinter]

I was also going to suggest valerian tea. It wouldn't be a good idea if you are breastfeeding or co-sleeping because it really does knock you out.

However, getting to the root of the problem would probably be a better idea. I agree that you need the support of a sympathetic gp.

[Amyaa]

Where can I get valerian tea from? Thanks guys xx

[redtammy]

A proper health food shop would be your best bet. Or maybe even holland and barret.

[OhHolyJesus]

I'm struggling to fall asleep and sleep deeply even though my 11 month old sleeps for 11-12 hours at night.

I'm still breastfeeding so any alternatives to the tea? Plan to give up soon so could wait and try it when I've fully stopped. Did it work for you OP?

[ttert]

Try using CBT as mentioned above, it helped me. I went to ocdontario.com

[ttert]

sorry, here is the link //ocdontario.com