Finding it difficult to fall asleep

[alovelynight]

Since having my daughter 12 months ago I have really struggled with falling asleep. Before I had her, I would get into bed and feel tired after about 10 mins and be able to fall asleep with no problems. Now, I lie in bed and I just cannot fall asleep for ages! Tonight is particularly bad - I've been lay in bed since 10:30 and I just don't feel tired at all. I know I'm going to wake up at 7 when my daughter wakes up and feel absolutely knackered and really struggle to get out of bed.
Once I fall asleep I tend to be ok and I sleep through until morning but I'm so frustrated with the falling asleep part!
Is this normal for women after having a baby? Does anyone have any suggestions on what could help me fall asleep easily again or am I doomed forever?

I am so sorry you are going through this. There could be so many reasons why this is happening from stress to anxiety to poor nutrition, but I think it might be due to a change in your sleeping pattern/ timings due to caring for your daughter over the last one year? You must have been waking up at night to tend to her, right? Having a talk with your doctor about all of tjis can really benefit you. Try to have a bedtime routine, hot shower before bed, a cup of warm milk, and wrap up all activities at least one hour before bed. Also, try listening to bedtime stories in soothing voice with nature sounds or soft piano music. They help you relax your kind, and also keep ypur mind off of active thinking like white noise. Here is a channel you might like: https://youtube.com/@bedtimestoriesandsleepmusic?si=aZRTpjZmr7CCJ4ZS. The channel is growing and releases videos every two days. Please subscribe and share with others. Let me know if you have any suggestions you would like to see on there. Wishing you good sleep!

I'm a bad falling asleeper, always have been. I tend to get to bed 30min-1hr before I want to be getting sleepy because I cannot just go to bed and go to sleep quick. I lay there playing boring mobile games until my eyes feel heavy. Sunset lamp is also hugely helpful! And CBD. Hope it gets better for you! X

CBD drops changed my life.

I struggled before having a baby. Possibly perimenopause!

Dehydration doesn't help. Nor does overtiredness, nor caffeine earlier in the day, nor adrenalin which you're likely to be releasing when running round after a child.

Avoid caffeine >8 hours before bed, hyrdrate throughout the day, don't go to bed hungry,
Hot shower or bath before bed, milky drink/camomile tea, eye mask, cool room warm bed, lavender or sleep blend moisturiser/aromatherapy oils, relaxing music/white noise, avoid screens or blue light for >1 hour before bed.

I also find trying to listen and concentrate to a reasonably staid audio book or something like In Our Time I can't stay awake for long.

(You don't have to do all the above!!)