Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Can anyone suggest anything that might help me sleep????? Desperate

14 replies

qumquat · 31/10/2013 14:42

I am falling apart here. Sleeping only a couple of hours a night. 31 weeks now and still 5 weeks of work left to go. Is there anything anyone has done/taken to help them sleep which has worked?

I am not in massive pain at night (slightly sore hips) and I need the toilet more than usual, but it's really not those that are the issue. The issue is that I lie awake for hours on end feeling ridiculously anxious, and then am too tired to function during the day. Which means I don't get work done, which means I panic more at night. E.g. at 2 this morning I had a complete hysterical meltdown about my work, and couldn't get back to sleep. Am now at work and completely unable to function, so will be awake all night tonight contemplating the work I've failed to do.

Does anyone have any advice?

OP posts:
Hawkmoth · 31/10/2013 14:45

Can you take any time off to recover some of your sleep debt in the daytime? I'm sure your GP would be sympathetic if you have no holidays to use.

It sounds like something has to give. At this stage, everyone would agree that should be work.

PollyIndia · 31/10/2013 14:48

Have you tried any hypnobirthing? I did it from about 31 weeks and it really helped relax me and stop my mind whirring. I have the audios in dropbox, could send to you if you haven't tried it.
It was also pretty useful for me during the birth as all the techniques kicked in.
I also did a really good pregnancy yoga DVD by Tara Lee which was really relaxing and good for stretching everything out.
Lavender oil is good too.

Original poster
qumquat · 31/10/2013 15:03

Thank you both so much for replying so quickly. I have actually just bought the hypnobirthing DVDs, I've tried the general relaxation one a couple of times, but there's something about 'calm' voices when I'm stressed which make me want to scream!!! I'll give it another go though.

I've had quite a bit of time off already so really don't want to have to take more, especially as 'because I'm not sleeping' sounds like such a pathetic excuse, but maybe I'll have to. The next two weeks are beyond hectic though, if I can just get past them I might have a chance at surviving . . .

OP posts:
Tinlegs · 31/10/2013 15:05

I took Piriton (eczema) but the side effect is wonderful deep sleep. Clorphenamine is the medical name - cheaper than buying the brand.

greentshirt · 31/10/2013 15:10

I'd get signed off too in your situ I think. I sleep better when the pressure to get sleep is off, which is unfortunately rare as there is always something I don't want to be tired for! I hadn't thought of trying the hypnotic thing for general relaxation, think I'll give it a try!

AngusAndElspethsThistleWhistle · 31/10/2013 15:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

yeghoulsandlittledevils · 31/10/2013 15:16

Go and see GP.
I used a sleep spray on my pillows, made by SPA. (From Boots, I think.)

HumptyDumptyBumpty · 31/10/2013 15:57

OP, I could have written your post.
It's so hard, isn't it - you feel like you're going mad. I don't even like my job, but I can't help stressing and stressing about it, to the point of crying most nights, and for the past week, during the day at work.

I don't know what to suggest, except to tell you you're not alone. HTH.

Jorior · 31/10/2013 16:03

I get terrible pregnancy insomnia when I'm pregnant. Like you, it's mainly because my mind is working overtime. I find the Night time Rescue Remedy spray very good, especially if combined with a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow. Good luck.

CAnn88 · 31/10/2013 16:34

Am 30 weeks and in a similar position. I can't sleep at night at all, mainly due to anxiety, and have found the best way to deal with it is to try and rest whenever possible and accept that you may not sleep very well at night. I'm sorry I can't be very helpful, I really do feel your pain though!

PollyIndia · 31/10/2013 16:36

I found it depended on the audio. I did the catherine graves course but didn't like her audios, then a friend lent me the margaret howell ones and I really got into those.
If you don't have either of the above and want to try, just dm me.
I definitely agree with getting signed off if none of the above work. Work should be the least of your worries right about now.

tgamble13 · 31/10/2013 20:54

am in the boat working full time and being sleep deprived is not cool! had enough yesterday and went to my gp whos signed me off for 2 weeks for some r&r Smile

fifi669 · 31/10/2013 21:28

I may be speaking out of turn here, but have you tried sex? Helped me....

Happychick35 · 31/10/2013 21:31

the only times I sleep properly when I go to the swimming pool , I switch off almost immediately afterwards and sleep the whole 6 hours through

New posts on this thread. Refresh page