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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel as if I literally cannot do another day in my life?

105 replies

Ledkr · 15/03/2015 06:32

Dd is just four. Never been a good sleeper but we have had a few brief periods of respite.
The main problem is the earky waking which appears relentless.
Five am today. DH works most weekends so my weeks just run into one another with no break because I'm up early for work in the week.
This mornjng I feel utterly broken.
I have a constant headache, my work suffers, I have no energy for exerciss or socialising, dh is the same as in his days off he gets up to give me a break but I'm stil up at 7 for work. I'm falling asleep by 8.
Occasionally she has a day or two of sleeping in and I return to the happy energetic womN I ised to be which just makes me more sad and frustrated.
I guess if anyone does reply they are in the same boat as its so early Shock just needed a moan as in struggling to be civil to her right now.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ledkr · 15/03/2015 22:16

Yes I think she's definitely ensured she's the last one (that and the fact I'm a hundred and four) Grin
Thanks.
I'm in bed now, hope ant approves.

OP posts:
NorksAreMessy · 15/03/2015 22:25

Night night ledkr

This will not last forever, at some point she will be a teenager, will tuck you into bed at 9pm with a cup of tea, and will sleep till noon if allowed.
I hope.

Sleep well x

GreenPetal94 · 15/03/2015 22:35

My son is still an early riser, but I think about 4 was when I trained him to get up and turn on the TV or play in the child-proofed living room. He really was ok and had breakfast once we were up.

lertgush · 15/03/2015 22:53

lert Id consider making my 13 yr old get up at 5 with my child, pretty abusive to be honest.

But not abusive for the 13yo to expect you to stay up to keep her company, knowing you have to be up at 5am?

OK...

Zucker · 15/03/2015 23:01

WTF are you saying lertgush? The 13 year old is abusing her mother by wanting some time with her? Hells bells.

I hope the situation improves soon Ledkr.

BellMcEnd · 15/03/2015 23:05

Not much in the way of advice, Ledkr but you do have my sympathies: I think DH and I have forgotten what it's like not to be tired. We have 3 small, lively DSs who are all always up by 6.30. I work most weekends and DH works all week. It's tough. Little things that help me are - drinking loads of water, taking multi vits with ginseng and guarana (even just for the placebo effect Wink), and, when I can (rarely) getting a super early night, around 8.30 and taking some night nurse / Piriton to help me sleep. Might not be the best advice, but "planning" my very early night, even if it's not for a week, does help me psychologically. I also think that acknowledging just how exhausting small children are, can help you feel a bit better.

Be kind to yourself. It's hard work but it will pass Flowers

BellMcEnd · 15/03/2015 23:06

And YY to Zucker Hmm

SlapSash · 16/03/2015 06:16

This thread is really helping me, thanks Ledkr for starting it.

Half of the problem when you're just so sleep deprived is that you feel so alone. Last night I cried when for about the 7th night straight my 9mo just would not settle until about 11ish. It's hellish, and with an full days work ahead of me and 2 other dc to sort out now, I busy don't know how it all gets done. Somehow it does....

Selfishly, knowing others are feeling it to makes me feel better (and we've had the whole helpful comment thing from family, ' all she needs is a routine'- yes, thanks Gina ford, I hadn't thought of that Smile )

Florrieboo · 16/03/2015 06:21

I can only offer you solidarity, and a 3 year old who does not wake that early (every day) but, has never slept through the night, ever. I get the odd 5 hour stint, but, that's rare and usually followed by the worst night with only an hour here and there of sleep.

Some day we will both get to sleep for as long as we want to, and I bet we will be up at 9am ready for the day!

confusedandemployed · 16/03/2015 06:41

I have no magic wand to make your DD sleep longer, I'm relieved beyond words that my own DD has always slept well so far, but I wonder if my sleep aid would be useful to you?
Every night, I listen to comedy shows on my iPod. Stuff I've heard a hundred times before so I've no incentive to stay awake to listen to them. I put one earplug in (keep one ear free so I can hear DD) and switch on. Guaranteed, even if I don't feel at all tired I'm asleep before the end of the first show.
I suggessuggestedter this to a few mates who have regular wakers and they report it has worked well for them.

Original poster
Ledkr · 16/03/2015 06:46

Well. Ivd just woken up and still no sign of her Shock maybe she read the thread! Or maybe she was up on the night with dh who insisted on sleeping in the spare room so he could see to her and let me sleep!
I'm still laughing at my poor dd1 being abusive in wanting to see me!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ledkr · 16/03/2015 06:47

I'll try the comedy, thanks confused

OP posts:
PacificDogwood · 16/03/2015 06:52

Oh wow, Ledkr, long may it continue!! Smile

I know how hard it is to juggle the needs to DCs, particularly when they are in different age groups and therefore have different needs and interests.
I think you are doing just fine.
Brew

CoupdeFoudre · 16/03/2015 06:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

quietlysuggests · 16/03/2015 07:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GoodbyeToAllOfThat · 16/03/2015 07:22

OP I was in your boat a few years ago. I felt so alone and murderously angry. I don't have any advice for you, but it won't last forever!

RandomMess · 16/03/2015 19:44

quietly the techniques is called "wake to sleep" I believe.

Ledkr - long may it continue!!!

Purplepoodle · 16/03/2015 20:12

If all else fails iv found having a cuddle.on sofa while watching favourite cartoons is lovely (and usually gets me a good 30 mins extra doze)

Original poster
Ledkr · 16/03/2015 21:33

Hi all. Thanks again for all your messages.
I felt a lot better tiday and belted through my to do list at work, dd1 and I did zumba and are relaxing watching TV.
Dd2 had a little present and we have started a sticker chart.
Don't fancy wake to sleep but may give it a try if current efforts fail.
Fingers crossed for tonight.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ledkr · 17/03/2015 08:40
Shock 7am!!! What did u all do? Is it Mumsnet witchcraft?
OP posts:
AlpacaMyBags · 17/03/2015 08:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Georgethesecond · 17/03/2015 08:53

Glad to hear it!
I was going to say - she is four, she is old enough to understand that she has to stay quiet in her room.
I was also going to add that in times of desperation she might need really interesting things to keep here there, maybe even an iPad if that would get you some more sleep

Original poster
Ledkr · 17/03/2015 18:38

She will sit and watch I pad/tv/read but I'm akready awake then so not much help.
she is only just 4 and has hearing difficulties so wears hearing aids so she likes to get those on to start her day so needs us.
Anyway in hoping tonight is another good night. My boss couldbt believe how much I got done today.

OP posts:
PacificDogwood · 17/03/2015 20:25
Grin
RandomMess · 17/03/2015 22:04

Hmmm perhaps an alarmed/time box when the hearing aids are allowed to get up????

Bit like the cat food timer thing for when you go away for the weekend grin

Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble, fire burn & cauldron bubble...