sleep deprivation affecting my work and makes me cry

[shazzg]

My 1 and 3 year olds are crap sleepers despite trying all the usual.
the problem is that a crp night sleep makes me sooooo mserable and weepy and depressed.
I am on the verge of quitting my job because I just can't think stright when I'm there..my memory is crap and I'm sooo emotional.
Anyone else had similar??
I left the office in tears at 9am today (feel like a prat) hoping to go in tommorow but just know it's going to keep happening.

Sympathies. However much you like your job, it's damn hard work rolling up when you haven't had enough sleep.

You shouldn't feel you have to quit your job though.

Is there a husband/partner around? If so, make a plan for how you deal with wake ups - split the night into two parts, and agree that you each take half.

If not - plan for how to get through this phase as painlessly as possible. That probably means going to bed very early yourself, possibly even consider sleeping in your childrens' room for a while if being nearer will mean they settle quicker. Maybe try making their bed time later? Stick to a routine for wake ups - minimum fuss, no chats, drink back to bed or whatever, so that they get the message that night time is for sleeping.

Do you work full time?
Can you cut back on your hours?

forget about work for a second and think about a strategy for getting them to sleep better (I speak as a mother of two extremely bad sleepers by the way). Have you tried consulting a sleep clinic?

I've been there, I used to want to cry all day at work because I was so tired that my clothes felt uncomfortable and I couldnt stand noise. The only thing that got me through that period was literally going to bed at 830. The No Cry Sleep Solution did get us back our evenings, but ds was a night time waker for years. He still is, but now he gets into bed with us and half the time we dont even notice, it will get better in time. Do take the odd days leave to rest too - DH and I used to spend the weekends taking it in turns to catch up on sleep at one point.

thanks all - i already am p/t
we haven't been to sleep clinic but have tried every technique/book/remedy going
i suppose i feel alarmed at how easily i am tipped over the edge.have been to gp am on meds etc etc
8.30 bed is the only way it seems - i just feel lie our family quality of life is utter shite when it should actually be quite magical and lovely.

I am there too! Had 4 hours sleep last night (dd1 woke up with a fever and woke up dd2 - once dd2 wakes she will only sleep for 2 hours at a time - ugh). Luckily for me I had to stay at home with dd1 so managed a snooze when she napped.

But normally I survive on coffee at work and I go to bed at the same time as the girls when it is really bad.

Yes, family quality of life is utter shite - I hardly see dh as he works late - in fact he or I often sleep in the spare room so at least one of gets some sleep. Weekends seem less about doing family things and more about dh and I catching up on sleep in shifts.

I feel your pain.

thanks meep

it will get better ............ i tell myself that every day

I went back after Mat leave in Jan this year and I am having 'can't hack it, will have to be SAHM for a year or two' wibbles about every fortnight atm.

Me and DH both do shift work and don't use formal childcare so we are like ships that pass in the night, we also take turns to nap when both at home, which is rare.

I too am hoping that things will improve soon - have had a lot of minor illness with the children when they keep me up all night when I have to work the next day - and I can't get get DH to help as he is at work

Mine are also 1 and 3, the 3 yr old sleeps ok except for shouting in her sleep now and then, the youngest still wakes at least x 2 each night every night and I am shattered.

TBH I am just taking it a week at a time, promising myself I will jack it in if I have to. Just get through this week...

hmm sounds lke me moaningm - have got my resignation letter in my bag ready to hand in t a moments notice but am taking it week by week.

I would second seeing a sleep consultant - might seem expensive but much cheaper in the long term than giving up work!! I'd read every book and tried everything but having someone else tell me really helped to keep going when it didn't seem to be working.

Also, would recommend seeing a homeopath for your exhaustion and emotional wellbeing. It won't miraculously make you feel like you've had 8 hours sleep but it might help you cope with the sleep deprivation better.

Good Luck!! It will get better!!