Sleeping issues after having a baby...

Since having my boy 6 months ago, I seem to have alot of trouble falling asleep when I go to bed. Even if I stay up until 11.30pm, and feel really tired when I do go to bed, I can sometimes lie awake until 12.30-1am! It's driving me mad! Has anyone else experienced this? I'm pretty sure I have ruled out PND.

Hmm no help here, I'm pretty bad at this. Was even before bubs and now its 1-2 times a week. Although I'm on meds so it could be because of that, but I also have bad genes for over-analysing.

Are you thinking too much at night when you're in bed? If you are, I was told by a counsellor once to 'debrief' everyday before bed so bed is a sleeping (or whatever lol) place, not a thinking place IYKWIM. If it gets really bad, I think they also suggested to remove any 'busy' or 'awake' distractions ie. TV's, phones etc from the room. Sounds weird but it does work.

are you getting enough iron?

I got this as soon as Spencer started sleeping through, I think my body was use to no sleep so wouldn't go to sleep, it was most frustrating. My iron was really low and a few weeks after being on supplements the problem seemed to disappear and now I can't read two pages of my book without falling asleep
Some other things my gp recommended where camomile tea (check if safe for bfing though) and also not to watch tv before going to bed cos although you feel like you are vegging out the noise and colours actually stimulate the brain. She recommended having a bath before bed instead. Good luck, hope you get some sleep soon.

Oh thats a good idea stacey! I have this problem to (but do have PND),...will try that!

Yes I'm the same. Had it for 15mths so far. Although I'm not depressed I'd say having Elle (she was very very unsettled) led to a new level of anxiety and that has caused sleep issues.

Not sure what the solution is really other than reducing anxiety as much as possible and waiting it out.

Some docs say sleep probs are anxiety related and hence prescribe meds but it is probably possible to overcome it with lifestyle changes and time as well.

i had trouble sleeping initially but once i knew she was sleeping thru i started going to bed a little earlier knowing she wasnt going to wake up....give it time....

FionaS wrote: Bombshell wrote: i had trouble sleeping initially but once i knew she was sleeping thru i started going to bed a little earlier knowing she wasnt going to wake up....give it time.... LOL but then you never know what will heppen. Elle slept through silently for 8 months solid...not a single cry or wake-up and now look! 1 to 4 hours awake each night playing in her bed! It's not worth lying awake waiting for them to wake but you just never know what is around the corner sleep wise.

I agree. Bubs just aren't so consistent. Some days they sleep well others aren't and mums' sleep pattern just got played up.

Like this afternoon, I lied down after Yusra has gone to bed for a while and just the moment I was falling asleep, I heard her and I was thinking she is awake but not quite , she went quiet and I went to have a look and she fell asleep again but me wide awake!