Sleep deprivation - can you treat the symptoms?

[Pitavina]

I’m pretty sure I am suffering with symptoms of sleep deprivation. I’m not myself at all at the moment, I’m overly emotional, irritable, easily stressed out by minor things and easily upset by things. My hair is also falling out and I have ulcers all over my mouth for the last 6 weeks or so and I’m generally feeling pretty awful.

I can’t get a better nights sleep or any rest because I have a baby and three other children. If I was to go to the GP would they be able to offer me anything to treat the symptoms of sleep deprivation or would they do nothing? I don’t want to go to the GP if I’m wasting their time - it’s obvious there is no medical reason behind my lack of sleep as I’m being woken up / kept awake by my kids and I think the symptoms are extreme but normal responses to the lack of sleep. So perhaps the Gp would conclude that there is nothing actually ‘wrong’ with me.

Can anyone offer any experience?

Gently because I have been there there isn't a lot that can be done. The body/ mind needs sleep. Sleep deprivation is a torture technique for a reason because it is truely awful. I had twins, 2 yo and a 4yo and tbh I've hardly any memory of the first 2 years of their lives because I was so utterly exhausted. It did get better though eventually. All I can advise is if anyone offers help accept and if you get the chance to sleep take it and catch up with housework later.

Although having said that it's probably worth going to the GP and asking for a full blood count. In addition to being tired I was also very anemic which obviously didn't help. I realised later when I had blood tests after I broke my wrist that I'd been anemic for years. Anemia/ B12 deficiency would also explain mouth ulcers.

If it comes back clear it's a weight off as you know it is "just" tiredness and you don't have to worry about your health in addition to everything else.

You are not alone. My health has seriously declined since having my second and the sleep deprivation has been unreal. I get huge clusters of cold sores, my skin is terrible but I’m also very run down in general. Lots of aches and pains, mood swings. I’ve had various tests done which have all been normal but I have got antivirals now for the cold sores. It’s def worth speaking to your GP and getting bloods done just in case. Make sure you take a decent multi vitamin too

Thanks. I feel like I’m on the verge of a breakdown if just one little thing goes wrong! I have no help other than from my husband who is brilliant. I might book an appointment with the GP as the my hair falling out might be a symptom of some kind of deficiency as well.

Make sure you are taking a multi and getting enough iron. Hair falling out could be not enough iron. But also could be from stress. Its not easy with young kids. Also pregnancies take a lot out of your body and the lack of sleep. I feel your pain, as I am still recovering after my third...havent had a good night of sleep in many years.

Do take that first step of speaking to the gp for bloods.

@Pitavina

Thanks. I feel like I’m on the verge of a breakdown if just one little thing goes wrong! I have no help other than from my husband who is brilliant. I might book an appointment with the GP as the my hair falling out might be a symptom of some kind of deficiency as well.

Okay, but how about a little more help from your husband if things are so bad?