Sleep Problems...for me!

jessilynnwilliams

Ladies, I could use a little help!

I am having a HORRIBLE time falling asleep lately. Even once I get the baby down, it takes me two or so hours to "shut my mind off" for the night. And then an hour later, she's up.

I'm super sensitive to sleep aids, tylenol PM knocks me out for a solid 8 hours straight! And since I'm the only one home at night, I need to be able to wake up with her every time. Any other suggestions? 

LorMor

Chamomile tea! I also often have sleep problems, and the chamomile seems to relax me. I don't like the taste so much, but it really seems to help.

Good luck - I know how frustrating that is. 

Mrs_Lady

can a late shower and peppermint tea work for you to relax you enough to fall asleep...perhaps a foot bath massage thingy or massage chair cover you throw over the chair from like Brookstone.

hugs!

opaque1997

A wind down schedule / routine (just like for LO!) - bath, shower, book, tea, writing in a journal (which sometimes helps even just making a list of everything thats running through your head, some calming yoga or stretching, putting on pjs (sometimes for me that just "sets the mood", for some watching TV (but some that stimulates)

I find having a routine - whatever it is - helps me "focus" on bedtime.  When I struggled in my earlier years a counselor said to count back from 100 and with each number tighten and relax a muscle and focus on the number.  (Something like 100 curl and release toes, 99 flex and release feet, 98 tighten calves and release, etc) 

jessilynnwilliams

Thank you so much for all of the ideas everyone! I'll be trying these until I find what works best! You guys are awesome!

Mrs.G123

I'm a night owl and use the downtime to read, blog etc.

cardiganmom

Have you tried a half dose of a sleep aid?

what about writing down lists (that's usually what keeps me awake) or keeping a journal?

What about taking deep breaths? Sounds silly, but has worked for me in the past.

good luck and hope you get some sleep soon! 

Ziegeficker

I am the same way.  Meditation practice has helped me learn how to turn my thoughts down (though I still can't turn them completely off).  Visualization techniques are also helpful. 

It also helps me if I spend a little bit of time before bed making a list of things to do the next day.  I get it all out on paper, and that clears my mind for a while since what I seem to be ruminating about is all of the things I need to get done.