Help Unwinding at Night

I have this problem sometimes, too, but fortunately Jacob isn't waking up in the middle of the night anymore. I've read that moms should have their own bedtime routine just like we do for the kids...dim lights, relaxing/soothing activities, same time each night, etc. etc. It's difficult to do, though. You could add some candles (just be careful about falling asleep with them lit) or some kind of lavender/bedtime scents.
Good luck. I hope it gets better. It's no fun to be tired all the time. ;)

Try listening to a radio station that plays instrumental music or soft music while you are reading. I find that helps me relax even when I am reading.

Hi A.,
I have a 2year old and there are nights when sleeping is difficult. I don't like taking meds either Yoga helps me, the breathing techniques for relaxation are very helpful. Hatha
yoga has a lot of gentle techniques. You can purchase videos
or dvds. Hope this helps.

V.

I would try some earl grey tea with a little honey and lemon and a nice hot bath. worked for me.

what i have done to help unwind is have a glass of wine, or try tea if you're not a wine lover. maybe take a warm bubble bath in low light/candle light. listen to calming music. since books don't seem to work for you maybe a movie or show that you enjoy. i don't know. just some things that i've done and have worked.

I read this in an old beauty book that my mother had from the 1970s. The book said this was an old Chinese method of inducing sleep (although I have no idea of the validity of that statement). Lie on your back with your eyes closed and put a small, very firm pillow at the base of your neck. It can be rather odd, but something about the pressure on that part of the body helps promote relaxation and sleep. Make sure when you get sleepy to move the pillow, otherwise you might wake up with a stiff neck! I do this, in addition to yoga breathing techniques. Always works for me.

Try just taking one Tylenol PM an hour before they go to bed. It usually takes two hours for it to really work for me. Of course, everyone is different. I take two at night because I have problems going to sleep, always have...anyway, I no longer have very small children like you and understand you don't want to be knocked out, but I do have a son that cannot use his arms or legs (muscular dystrophy) and I have to help him go to the bathroom sometimes in the middle of the night or fix his breathing machine, etc.. No matter what, if he calls, his voice awakens me right away. But the rest of the time I have very good sleep. Finding something to help me sleep has been the best thing I've ever done! Ambien is the best and you wake more refreshed but I do not have health insurance :( but would if I did.

Hi A.,

I agree with all the above suggestions and I just wanted to add a note to the first advice from Carol. I have tried this technique myself. I learned it in college when I was stressed all the time and have used it ever since to relieve stress before bed. My husband saw a counselor a few years ago for some issues he was having with anxiety and she gave him a cd that had ocean noises in the background and talked you through the steps from your feet to your head. Every time I listen to it, I'm asleep before I get to the end. You might want to try a cd like that. There are tons of places online that sell these type of relaxation cd's. Good luck to you and sweet dreams!
K.

A.,

I learned this from a nurse when I had the same issues. I have no idea why is works but it normally does for me. Lay in bed and take a few cleansing breaths. Then concentrate on your feet and, feel the sheets with your toes, how your feet are positioned, et cetera and tell your feet to relax. Take another cleansing breath and concentrate on your calfs, feel the sheets, et cetera and tell your calfs to relax, then your knees, thighs, bottom, stomach, you get the idea. By the time I get to my neck I am normally out.

She tried explaining that you are focusing on your body and ignoring all the normal distractions that keep us awake at night. Don't do anything physical an hour before bedtime, no caffeine after 4:00 PM, no thinking about what you wanted to accomplish and didn't, just feel your body and tell it to relax.

Wishing you many relaxing nights sleep.

C.

I would suggest maybe trying some Melatonin. Its a natural enzyme that your body produces to induce sleep. Sometimes, we just need a little bit more. Its NOT a sleeping pill -- all it does is help you to drift into sleep. Make sure you are in bed and comfy before you take it and then just relax the best you can. Its a short window of opportunity to fall asleep but it will not keep you asleep. You can find it in the vitamin aisle. I find it helpful on those restless nights! Good luck, with 2 little ones you need all the sleep you can get!

Hi A. -

Sorry to hear about your sleep problems. I had quite a struggle with that years ago myself. It sounds to me like you are having a problem with fear. Also, fear is very closely linked with anger, so that might be part of it too. I recommend that you try journaling in the evenings - try to write out anything that you feel - particularly fears. Don't worry about grammar or spelling or anything like that, just write and write and write. You will probably be surprised at what comes out (and don't be too surprised if some anger comes out that you weren't aware of). Also, fear (and anger) produce quite a bit of energy (which is probably also contributing to the sleeplessness), so it's a good idea to exercise a lot. (In fact, it would probably work best to exercise first, and then to journal after you've gotten some of that energy out). Also, doing creative activities can help - drawing, painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument, etc.
I hope this helps you! If this doesn't help enough, try counseling. If you are willing to go to a church, many provide at least some free counseling and certainly they would pray for you. (And I will say a prayer for you). God bless you!

Maybe some chamomile tea?

First of all, have you cut all caffiene...also found in diet soda, tea, chocolate, cocoa etc.. out of your diet and are you one a diet med that could have you hopped up on caffiene? T.