Working-Mom of Twin toddlers-Having a hard time relaxing and falling asleep!!

amym10982 · April 2014

Lately, I have had a hard time falling asleep and I get very frusterated about it. Is it bad to have a glass of wine to help my body relax? Any other moms struggle with this? I'm afraid to take a sleeping pill as I might feel groggy the next day. My alarm goes off at 4:20 every morning b/c I work! Suggestions/Thoughts?

Brummy14 · April 2014

I'm totally with you.

What helps me is two-fold -- I usually pump right before bed (that is generally the only time during the day I am sitting for more than 20 minutes without being in the grind at work -- and obviously I'm on my feet from the minute I walk in the door at the end of the day). The forced time to sit and either go through FB on my phone or watch a little TV seems to help me slow down a bit.

Second, if I don't fall asleep right away, I often take 1/2 of a benadryl. The dose is up to two pills -- and usually that 1/4 dose is enough -- placebo effect, maybe, but it usually does the trick. Every now and then I have to go back for the second half of the pill. Even that usually doesn't leave me feeling groggy the next day (the half pill never does).

If a glass o' wine does the trick for you - I wouldn't change that, personally.

CaliCarly77 · April 2014

I drink a glass of wine the minute I get home to help calm my nerves taking care of two babies causes. Start relaxing an hour before bed time, with a tv show or something. You can drive yourself crazy cleaning everything, so don't - take an hour to yourself and chill!

Rynleigh · April 2014

The nectar of the gods is your friend. No one in their right mind would fault you a glass of wine.

pillowass · April 2014

I have a glass of wine every night after my twins go to bed, and I feel zero angst over it. Neither should you!

shaunah816 · April 2014

I've been known to indulge in some wine before bed, as well

What really helps me is either working out or doing something just for me a couple hours before bedtime. Working out always knocks me out, or I'll work on a craft or read a book. I'm always ready to hit the hay after that.

kgs0505 · April 2014

Usually when I have trouble sleeping it's due to a few things: anxiety, depression, or just too much running through my head. Mostly it's that I just can't turn off my brain. For that type of stuff, I have a visualization thing I learned in counseling for my anxiety/depression. It works really well for me, but it does take practice to get good at it. Pick a place that makes you happy. It doesn't have to be real, but a place where you'd be relaxed. I chose a tropical beach which no one around. You can add people if you want them to be there. In my case, I have me and DH lying on chaise lounges, with our kids playing quietly and independently by our feet. We are all in an open cabana type structure, with drinks being delivered to us magically The weather is pleasant, warm, the sky is cloudless, the waves are breaking gently... you get the idea. Focus on building this happy, relaxing image, think of the sounds you hear, the sensations you feel (breeze, the feel of clothing, etc), and just be in it. Thinking of this place and what your senses are experiencing pushes all other thoughts out of your head. The to do list goes away, the money worries, the kids school, the schedule for tomorrow.... etc. You can't think of both. I used to have to spend a lot of time with this image to fall asleep, but now it's pretty quick.

But hey, if a glass of wine gets you there? Have at it! There is nothing wrong with a nice glass of wine at the end of the day, or with dinner.

SWA80 · April 2014

I am a big proponent of reading some sort of fiction before bed. It really helps to clear my mind of the day and get me ready to sleep.

somewhereincali · April 2014

i also find avoiding blue light, from the TV or the computer/phone before bed makes a difference in being able to turn off and fall asleep

yinyang124 · April 2014

Right there with you. It's really difficult to relax sometimes because I am so used to always being on the move. I'm sure it is a similar feeling for you. I have a beer or glass of wine almost every night to unwind from the day now. I'm up until midnight if I don't. I'll take whatever potential beer belly I will get over prolonged sleep deprivation. *hugs*

Want a personalized experience?

Working-Mom of Twin toddlers-Having a hard time relaxing and falling asleep!!

Re: Working-Mom of Twin toddlers-Having a hard time relaxing and falling asleep!!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards