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I can't fall asleep anymore! Help?

Sharon - posted on 11/10/2009 ( 7 moms have responded )

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Hi,

My daughter is 12 months old and pretty much sleeps through the night. When she DOES wake up in the middle of the night, though (due to teething, random wakefullness, etc), it of course wakes me up and, whether or not I go to her, I can NOT get myself back to sleep.

For instance, at 2am, she might wake up and whine for a few minutes, but will settle herself back down without me having to go to her. Or, if she's have teething pain and is crying for more than 10 mins or so, I'll go to her, soothe her however I can, and she'll go back to sleep. But either way, I can't! I'll lie there for sometimes up to 3 hours. My husband and baby will be fast asleep, and I'm awake feeling SOOO frustrated.

Now, it's getting worse. Last night, I went to bed at 11pm and woke up on my own at 1:30am. I couldn't get back to sleep til 4:30am! My baby slept through the night, and there I was, awake and at my wits' end. I got up, went downstairs, tried to sleep on the couch, etc., but nothing. :(

Does anyone have any sleep tips? Has this happened to any other moms?? Please help!

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Sharon - posted on 11/12/2009

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Thanks, everyone, for your kind advice. I have tried the white noise (fan) for sure. I know that helps. I've also done the warm milk, read a book, and even taken a 'makes-you-drowsy' type of painkiller. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. :(
Two nights ago, I had a decent night's sleep. Yay! Last night, though, was a different story. I went to bed early (before my husband) and left the bathroom fan on. When my husband came to bed, though, he turned OFF the fan before getting into bed. I immediately woke up, but decided I'd leave the fan off because I'd only been awake for 2 seconds, and thought I'd fall right back asleep.
WRONG. I was awake for 1/2 hour before I put the fan back on again. I was then awake for another 1/2 hour. I got up, drank warm milk, and read a book for about 20 minutes. I still could not sleep. Plus, hubby was tossing and turning in his sleep. Bah!
I went downstairs to our guest room, thinking, 'ok, I'll be able to relax now, because I won't be worried about hearing the baby cry. Hubby will deal with it.' Nope. I laid awake for at least 2 more hours. AHHH!! Sooooo frustrating. :(
I might try the massage option. Good idea. Yes, I agree that it must have something to do with me being afraid of being woken up by the baby crying. I'm such a light sleeper now... Sigh.
The thing is - my daughter slept for 13 STRAIGHT HOURS last night!! I wish I could have been able to enjoy it.... :(

Angela - posted on 11/11/2009

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Hi, I thought I was the only one!!! This happens to me too. My fear is that I won't hear my girls (I have twins 21 months). Which has happened on many occasions...my husband tells me he heard them, or he got up!!! Then I beat myself up about it not having heard them, and now I cannot get to sleep.

I too do not know what to do, the sleep deprivation is taking it's toll on me!!!

I was thinking of going to a herbalist!! I might try the panadol tonight!!

Good Luck Tonight Sharon!!!

Cheryl - posted on 11/10/2009

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Better life through pharmacology!  :)


Quoting Julie:

Hi, I have similar probs sleeping now that my body is trained to wake up to any noise that might be my baby. Besides using a fan for white noise I also sometimes take 2 panadols (which my grandma suggested) which surprisingly seems to help me. I don t have any drs advice or evidence to back up this suggestion but figured it couldn t hurt to share?? I ll probably get grilled for suggesting medication but I know how it feels to get desperate. Good luck with it.


 

Cheryl - posted on 11/10/2009

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I think this happens to ALL moms! I don't know anyone who hasn't experienced this when their kids were babies. There is the fear of the crying and the waiting for the crying that makes sleep impossible. I was awake SOOO many nights.

If possible, can you have your husband take over for a night or two so you can catch up on sleep? You go sleep where you can't hear her (a guest room, let him keep the monitor, ear plugs?) and just get a night or two under your belt? When babies or adults go to sleep being overtired, they don't sleep well and it sounds like that might be what is happening to you. Or check into a hotel. My son is almost three and I want to do that twice a week. :)

Julie - posted on 11/10/2009

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Hi, I have similar probs sleeping now that my body is trained to wake up to any noise that might be my baby. Besides using a fan for white noise I also sometimes take 2 panadols (which my grandma suggested) which surprisingly seems to help me. I don t have any drs advice or evidence to back up this suggestion but figured it couldn t hurt to share?? I ll probably get grilled for suggesting medication but I know how it feels to get desperate. Good luck with it.

Rebecca - posted on 11/10/2009

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Try getting a massage or using other ways to help your body relax during the day and before bedtime! That's all I've got...sorry, hope it gets better!

Sharon - posted on 11/10/2009

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OOHHHH that sucks.



I read an older book that I've read already. I've found that white noise - radio on low, dvd playing a movie over and over help me stay asleep.

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