Ridiculously exhausted

[Whatsrightnow]

I have a 4 and almost 2 year old. 2 year old never slept through the night bar a couple of times and half the night is spent trying to get her to go back to sleep. I am at the point where I can't work anymore. I feel medically tired to the point of dizziness and migraines constantly. I just want to sleep all day. Obviously have to keep going but it's so hard.

No advice for you, but i want to let you know youre not alone and i feel your pain. I have a 2 year old almost 3 who now finally sleeps we but added a baby in whos now 5 months. I haven't had a single night of sleep where i havent been woken up at least 4 times in almost 3 years now. Its horrid, i wake up with palpitations, my chest is tight, the room is spinning, my eyes burn and i cant cope with anything half the time im overstimulated 24/7 from the lack of sleep and constant noise, touching, all of it. Anybody you vent your tiredness too who hasn't had it as rough as we have won't understand and will totally brush it off, its frustrating. It feels like it's something people can't truly get until theyve experienced this hell themselves.

Hopefully, we can both keep surviving. Everyday try to remember that you're one day closer to the day you will finally get some sleep like a normal human being again. Times like this its okay to be selfish and take all the help you can get i think honestly lol

Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.

I have a 2 year old who has never slept through. She still breastfeeds during the night every 2-3 hours! Looking into night weaning but it's proving to be difficult for my boob obsessed toddler.

I'm lucky that I'm a sahm but then I get total mum guilt on the days I need the TV on most the day because I physically can't find the energy to do anything!!

It's horrid. I have zero help. Partner works a lot or away. Parents aren't consistent enough to help out either.

I'd love to get a solid 4 hours sleep! I'd be happy with that. I've not slept that long in two years now; it's taking its toll on me and my family.

I'd do some sleep training. It's hard to get in the mindset for it when you're this tired, but will be worth it in the long-term.

Don’t sleep train, it’s horrible. Hang in there. Take the path of least resistance and have low standards on everything such a house cleanliness and whether your meals are homecoooked. Going without sleep is really tough. It does get better - mum of 3 here, youngest is 6 and we’re out the other side finally.

I would consider some sleep training too, it doesn`t have to be cry it out and instant night weaning, there are gentler methods. Staying in the room to comfort, gradual withdrawal etc. How does she get to sleep in the first place? If you can afford it a sleep consultant could be helpful for putting together a plan you are happy with.

To be honest though even controlled crying might be a good idea. Yes, sleep training is horrible, but so is ongoing severe sleep deprivation to the extent it is making you ill. Unlike sleep deprivation though sleep training is usually only horrible for a few days. Sleep is important for development and so is having a mum who is healthy and happy.

Either way, you are an amazing mum who is trying to do the best for her children, hang in there.

Do you know what else is horrible?

Feeling medically tired to the point of dizziness and migraines.

Waking up with chest palpitations and burning eyes.

Putting your child in front of the TV all day because you're on your knees with sleep deprivation.

They're all more horrible than a bit of sleep training. Don't shame other parents into putting up with this.