Sleep deprivation is actually torture

31 replies

Sofiegiraffe · 09/03/2022 07:38

AIBU?? Or is this true? Before I had a baby I thought people were being dramatic when they made this statement but my GOD, I was a dick. It's so torturous.

My almost 1 year old will not sleep. I am beyond the point where "exhausted" even describes how I feel anymore. My head is permanently fuzzy and hazy and it's a challenge to string a sentence together. I basically feel drunk, like my mind is catching up slowly to the environment around me but always three steps behind. I have permanent burning pain behind my eyes. When will this torture end? I'm on a training course with work today - would it be acceptable to turn off the camera and snooze? 😩

OP posts:

Preg19 · 09/03/2022 09:12

I hear you op, ds2 is just over one and cannot sleep for longer than 20 mins without me by his side so I bedshare with him, His brother was the same so you could say I’m used to it, I don’t feel as sleep deprived because if he wakes up I’m barely awake and he just feeds back to sleep! His brother now sleeps through at 4 so I know it doesn’t last, I guess that helps too! Hope it gets better for you!

gingerhills · 09/03/2022 09:39

It is used as a torture for a reason. You are 100% NBU. People who haven;t experienced it don't get it. It is not 'being tired' It is not 'so tired because i have a new baby.' If you have a baby that allows you over the course of 24 hours to get at least 5 hours sleep in total then you don't have sleep deprivation, you're just knackered. If you are surviving on between 1-3 hours and hallucinate then you have it. Only people who have experienced this understand what you are going through OP. You have my heart felt sympathy.

Dragongirl10 · 09/03/2022 09:46

I second gentle sleep training, l am amazed people get so up worried about it negatively affecting their baby, yet will drive in a sleep deprived state putting themselves, their babies and other people at serious risk.

I followed the Gina Ford plan from when mine were little and it was fantastic, in under a year both were down at 7pm with only a sleepy feed at 10.30 then good till 6am.
It also means they can get up for school without issues as they get older, they function better, are calmer , and happier after a decent night as are you!

Op please consider seriously all the sleep training options, they really don't have to be harsh, if you can afford it get a sleep consultant to help.
You are putting yourself through hell and possibly driving in a dangerous state.

ComDummings · 09/03/2022 09:55

I remember hallucinating because I was so tired. It is so hard. I know people hate sleep training but it helped us immensely. Controlled crying for a couple of nights and we were all so much happier.

LadyPropane · 09/03/2022 10:00

I fell asleep whilst driving. Nearly killed 3 people, as well as DD and I.

Take it seriously and look after yourself as much as possible. It is not just part of "being a mum" and you deserve to get some sleep. It's a basic human need.

gingerhills · 09/03/2022 15:35

@Dragongirl10

I understand this sort of comment, but bear in mind, not all babies fit into sleep training patterns. DS1 behaved like he;d read Gina Fiord in advance. Slept when she said contented baby should sleep etc. DS2 had undiagnosed SEN, and a handful of severe physical issues which caused him non stop pain. He just would not sleep. Ever. nothing could persuade him. Until he 1 he only slept for about an hour at night. From 1- 8 years old he slept for about 3-5 hours a night woke frequently (about six times in those 3-5 hours) and came into our room every time. From 8-13 about 5-6 hours a night waking only 2 times. When he hit his teens he became like many teens and just slept for England. But we had years of very broken sleep caused by his SEN.

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