Insomnia

[Sophd195]

Hi all - I'm looking to see if anyone else suffers with the same problem I am facing currently.

My baby is 4 months and doesn't sleep well at all. But when he does sleep I can't seem to switch off myself.

Sometimes he has been asleep 6 hours or so and I just can't get to sleep! I think where he hasn't been sleeping I have gotten into a bad routine myself and I am up until 6/7am in the morning all the time!

I have been to the doctors but they don't really offer much help. They gave me a sleeping tablet that would help me get to sleep but would only prescribe a few days worth as they can be addictive.

I am run down, full of ulcers and my energy is so low during the days. I think it might actually be making me feel quite depressed too.

I'd be great full if anyone has some advice on how to change this 😓

I have an 11 week old and she slept 11pm-7:30am last night which was amazing. I on the other hand slept two hours. I don't know what is wrong with me, I am exhausted I just can't switch off. I lay there thinking and thinking, then stressing telling myself I need to sleep. I'm at a loss too, I can't even enjoy my baby sleeping well because I'm not. No advice sorry but hopefully other people will post x

You're not alone, I'm very similar. I have no problem going to sleep at night but when I wake in the night I rarely go back to sleep. I think my 3 year old has broken me as he still sleeps poorly. When I wake in the night I think 'oh, ds hasn't woken yet, he'll probably wake me soon.' Then I stay awake for hours. I've tried all sorts, counting backwards from 300, going through the alphabet thinking of names, picturing a relaxing memory but no luck I'm wide awake. I'm thinking of going to the doctors as I would if I couldn't eat or walk and sleeping is equally important but I'm too scared to take sleeping tablets. I'm sorry I don't have any advice. Hopefully we'll get some sleep soon.

I have exactly the same!! What helped last night is I went to bed and told myself I wasn’t expecting to sleep but instead I would use the time to rest, and practice meditation (mindful breathing) as I get no time to do it during the day. i just focussed on my in and out breath and I did actually manage to fall asleep. It seems that when I lowered the expectation that I should sleep, I managed to drop off. It doesn’t always work though, but wanted to let you know you’re not alone. I can sleep better if DH does a shift wirh baby and I’m off duty xx

I get this sometimes, I have struggled with insomnia on and off for years pre kids. Most of the time I have no problem getting back to sleep (I find breastfeeding makes me feel very sleepy), but sometimes I just can't and it's usually when the baby is having a run of bad nights so up and down a lot.

What sometimes helps is to lie there and say to myself that no one wants me, no one needs me, I can just lie here and enjoy the peace and quiet, stretch out in bed and appreciate not holding a baby or being harassed by my pre schooler. I think it helps relax my mind and reduces the stress and feelings of 'I must get back to sleep' or 'I have to get up in 3 hours'.

It's really tough and when they wake so much it can really mess with your body clock and rhythms but it really will get better.

I'd recommend Glenn Harold's sleep hypnosis app, the mindfulness meditation one, it really helps me unwind and get to sleep. Also I know it's tempting but try not to look at your phone in the last hour or 2 before bed, and although it might be last thing you feel like doing, try and get out for some exercise in the daylight, even if just a half an hour walk with the buggie. Don't be afraid to take the sleeping tablets if you need them, they do work well for me, but make sure you have a clear 7-8 hours of rest ahead. If you take them once or twice a week it will help, rather than every day until they run out. I recommend Sasha Stephens book, the effortless sleep method if you feel the need. Good luck. Hope you get some rest x