Sleep and anxiety issues

Gretch1011 · April 2014

I know these two things are related and cyclical, but because I lost two babies before this pregnancy, I've been experiencing a ton of anxiety about being pregnant which has been keeping me from sleeping well. I feel like sleep is the one thing that suffers when I'm not doing well emotionally. And then when I don't sleep well I feel anxious about not sleeping. I know it sounds ?? Does anyone else experienced this? I just can't wait to hold a healthy baby in my arms. I guess I'm just seeking validation and prayer.

I do see a counselor and I pray, journal, read my Bible, etc.

missmiss307 · April 2014

I'm glad to hear that you are seeing a counselor, but it might also be worth mentioning to your OB. The symptom of being so anxious you can't sleep sounds very similar to my PPD/PPA and could potentially be a sign of antenatal anxiety. And once you get in the cycle of anxiety/no sleep it's a pretty vicious cycle, and each feeds off the other.

notacleverusername · April 2014

@Gret1011 I can empathize and @missmiss307 is right. I also see a counselor but definitely mention it again to OB, the not sleeping causes more problems. Vicious cycle for sure. Also I don't know if this is true for you but I have cycles where the anxiety is really awful and then it dies down to a manageable level but those days when you're in the thick of it really are so painful. I myself have been looking into essential oils, I haven't tried them yet but look if you have time. The lavender one is supposed to help with sleep and Doterra apparently has one aimed at anxiety. Worth a shot. I just haven't tried it yet because they're expensive!

Hope you get some rest tonight! Feel better soon!

shugirl76 · April 2014

You are not alone. I have suffered, too. I find that meditating, prenatal yoga, and medication help me. You could tell your ob.

kiley820 · April 2014

I'm so sorry to hear that.

I'm also having trouble sleeping/anxiety lately, for different reasons, but can relate to the lack of sleep in that sense! It's awful. I literally can't wait to get into bed because I'm so tired and then lay there wide awake. To make things worse, I get to listen to my SO and our dog snoring away and sleeping peacefully! (It's now 1am here and I have yet to get a wink of sleep!)

I've continued with yoga throughout my pregnancy but as PP have mentioned, maybe it's time to take up meditation. I'm willing to try anything at this point!

workmm01 · April 2014

I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. While I can't say I have this problem now, I have in the past. It's tough to feel motivated when you're tired, but excercise is a good way to get rid of nervous energy and to help you sleep. Yoga like a pp said, swimming or walking might help. I'm glad you're getting help and hope you feel better soon.

shortnsweet65218 · April 2014

I agree with these ladies, and I think you should mention it to your OB. I went through this problem a couple years back. It was awful and at the time, even scary. I figured because it is a vicious cycle, its a cycle needs to be broken, so I drastically switched up my routine for a night.... I picked a night that I would switch it up, so I didn't eat sugar or drink caffeine for two days prior, and then the day of, I made sure I exercised the morning of, and when i got home from work i had a bath with lavender bath salts and a favorite book, ate a somewhat bland dinner that didn't over stuff me, had some celestial seasonings sleepy time "extra" tea (you cant have that now, so choose the regular sleepy time tea), slathered on some Badger Balm Sleep Balm, and went to bed in the guest room at 9:30 (not too early, not too late)... I woke up 9 hours later in a pool of my own drool, in the same position I had fallen asleep in.
And I agree, yoga, breathing, journaling, and mediation help too. Exercising seems to be the magic elixir for me... And remember... "This too shall pass" - you won't be in this cycle forever!! Chin up and I hope you find some relief soon!

megmarissa · April 2014

I'm sorry... I'm struggling with a lot of anxiety as well... I agree to talk to your OB and decide between the both of you what is right for you.

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