Is this normal?

[oneandonlygreg]

I have a young DD, 2. She usually sleeps through the night (although it's been a bit wobbly lately), but stirs around 5:30/6 and then is ready to get up by 6:30/7.

I just can't seem to stay awake past 10, and if I'm not in bed by 9, I feel it the next day. I can't get back to sleep if my DD wakes after 4am, so some days I'm up from then. I work full time too as a teacher which is usually an 10/11 hour day. I'm just exhausted all the time. By 2pm I'm ready to nap, but can't obviously. Some days I feel sick because I'm so tired. I'm getting some sleep, it just never feels like enough.

I've had tests done at gp, but they showed nothing abnormal. Is this just part of having a young DC? I just feel like I have no life other than work and bed. My husband is the same - he takes any opportunity to sleep.

Oh I remember these days. Have an exhausted handhold from a fellow teacher who is now through it!
Prioritise sleep - your life (and evenings) will come back, so early nights are not forever but are essential for your physical and mental health now.
The hands-down best thing I got, though, was a B12 supplement. Changed my energy levels in a fortnight from that depressing, bone crushing tired to just normal tiredness 😂
Buy some today! The spray is good and they sell it on Amazon.
Then I also made myself notice the joy in life. All the usual advice really works - get outside once a day and notice something beautiful, do some exercise (even a short walk), try to eat well and talk positively to each other. Basically, accept that you will be tired but don’t dwell on it and know it will pass.
The other side is great and I am still blown away by how much easier it is: my 10 and 7 year old are still asleep after a late night!! I will never forget that tiredness, though, and really appreciate my sleep, years later!

Agree re the B12. I too am a teacher and at one time had 2 under 2.

I remember going to the doctor explaining that I was just so tired - the girls both with me in the buggy - and she said well of course you are!!

Gradually you get your time back. Although I still need to go to bed before 10 on a school night!

My DDs are 20 and 18 now