Comments on: WFMW: Help me beat pregnancy insomnia!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:52:56 +0000

I don’t. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am that you are feeling that way.

get outside as much as possible…the sunlight helps you sleep. Also, the usual, cut back on caffeine, dont eat before bed and exercise.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:32:31 +0000

Hi Aubrey, I do take Wellbutrin already, but I think something about my pregnancies seems to negate antidepressants and make my sleep mechanisms go haywire. I did get an Ambien prescription yesterday, so I’ll probably get it filled and take it once or twice a week (more frequently and my doctor says I can build up a tolerance to it). I’m hoping that with more sleep I’ll be able to exercise more, since on nights when I get 3-4 hours of sleep it’s just impossible to do.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:29:52 +0000

Thanks, Karen, we have been doing all these suggestions lately. Mostly my problem is that no matter how tired I am I just can’t get to sleep, even with my kids being babysat. I think this is the worst, when I can arrange the circumstances to be as conducive as possible and yet still can’t sleep! It’s crazymaking. Sleep deprivation is literally torture.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:25:58 +0000

I drink so much milk that I doubt I have a calcium deficiency but who knows? I’m switching a few things up in my diet and medication that I hope will work for me. 9 pregnancies — what a blessing!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:24:20 +0000

Thanks so much. I am lucky to have a wonderful bible study on Thursday mornings with women who know my struggles and pray for me. Some have been through what I’m going through – the constant nausea, lack of sleep, thyroid issues… My husband helps immensely, but his job is also demanding at the moment, so it’s hard to make him do night duty as well (even though he does, often). Napping used to come easy but for some reason is a struggle now no matter how tired I am. I’m hanging in there, though! Thanks for the prayers.

By: sarah mae

sarah mae — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:53:51 +0000

You are believing a lie that you are a burden – that is Satan out right wanting to destroy you. Remember, pregnancy and childrearing are God’s idea, and He will help you…but you are in a battle. Ask your husband to help you at night with your daughter, grab a nap whenever you can, and pray for strength and energy during your days. I just had a baby, so I KNOW how hard it is. This is NOT who you are and it will be over soon…you will feel better – just keep looking ahead and stay thankful for the little blessings you have been given. Praying for you friend!!!

By: Raising Olives

Raising Olives — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:25:31 +0000

I just learned to enjoy that time of being awake at night. I would get up, not turn on any light and just walk around or stretch and think and pray.

After 9 pregnancies, you would think that I would have better advice, but that is it.

I have heard that calcium deficiency can cause insomnia, but it didn’t help for me, who knows it’s worth a shot.

Blessings,
Kimberly

Oh, thanks for the amazing vacation link!

By: trayce cerwick

trayce cerwick — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:48:43 +0000

Just chirpping in as a thought entered my head while reading the posts left by everyone and that was EAT TURKEY. A natural sleep inducer. You would probably have to eat a lot though. Sorry. I know when I went thru by bout of pregnancy insomnia I just had to tell myself i was just getting prepared to be up all night with a baby. Ugh. Praying for you.

By: Karen L

Karen L — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:05:29 +0000

Please let your husband, other family members, doctor and her staff , your clergy, neighbors, know that your thoughts are leaning towards the suidical while in the ravages of sleep deprivation. This is a serious issue, don’t blow it off as just a bad night. You owe it to your children, those born and not yet, to take those thoughts seriously!
This is your cue that something is seriously wrong and needs attention.
I suffered from 3 bouts of post partum depression in addition to Seasonal Affective Disorder that hits me during the fall and winter months. Medication, bright light and the loving support of friends and family pulled me through my dark days, literally.
Let everyone know that you need help, ask someone to take your daughter for a couple of hours during the day so you can nap. Let your husband take every-other night waking duty. If you have relatives close by, ask if daughter can go for a sleep over at Gramma’s or Auntie’s house. Let it be known you need help!
I will be praying for you and yours!

By: Upstatemomof3

Upstatemomof3 — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:52:49 +0000

I would say the biggest tip on getting sleep is take it where you can get it. Let your husband take your kids for an entire day on Saturday and sleep.
Like someone else said there is NO shame in getting help. Do you have a church or community you can ask for help. Or maybe a minister you could talk to.That might help with the depression
If caffeine affects you than cut it out – it has no affect on me. I’m lucky like that. I would also eat bigger dinners because that will make you sleepy.
Also, just wanted to say thanks for all the help you gave over at my place. I appreciate it.