I went to the doctor today because lately I haven't been getting any sleep at night whatsoever. If I had to estimate the number of hours I have gotten sleep this week, it would be about 3.5 to 4 hours a night roughly. I know it can't just be me that has experienced this, but it is very frustrating when I am trying to be a full-time college student, hold a job, and stay healthy at the same time.
When I asked my doctor what I could do to help this out, he joked with me and said, "Didn't you know? When you are pregnant and have a baby, sleeping is only optional..."
 |
| This will be me |
I literally froze when he said that. I think he noticed my panic because he instantly followed up with tricks I could try to get sleep. He knows I refuse to take any kind of medication other than prenatal vitamins, so he knew not to mention that!
Here are some ways I am going to try to sleep through ONE night:
1. Drink more water during the day
2. Reduce stress and anxiety
3. Watch when and how much I eat
4. Lay on the left side of my body to keep blood circulation going
5. Buy a pregnancy pillow
I think I am going to buy a pregnancy pillow first, because I already try to do half the things on this list. I have read plenty reviews so it better be worth it.
 |
| This is the pregnancy pillow I want |
I guess I never really believed in all of the "problems" that could occur during pregnancy. For the first trimester, although I got sick from time to time, I felt fine for the most part. But now I know better. I am trying to go with the flow, but I give pros to all women who are going or have gone through pregnancy--it's pretty tough sometimes!
At this point, if you have read this and you have any other suggestions that I could try, let me know. I am ready to try almost anything to get a decent amount of sleep at night.
In light of my situation, my aunt sent me a quote she thought would soothe me:
Now, I really can't wait...
"Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world. But they are also terrorists. You'll realize this as soon as they are born, and they start using sleep deprivation to break you."
A few things that come to mind that might help you sleep:
ReplyDelete1. Take a warm (not too hot) bath before going to bed.
2. Drink some herb tea before bed. Celestial Seasonings has a tea called "Sleepytime."
3. Read something spiritual or meditate on the good things in your life.
4. Even if you're not asleep, just resting in bed will be beneficial.
I know your life is challenging right now, but you are young and strong and you'll find your way through.
Love,
Aunt Joyce
Ashley, this post just made me smile. Wait, that sounds mean. I am not smiling because you aren't getting any sleep.
ReplyDeleteJust by reading this, I can tell you are going to be the best mom. Kolton (sp?) is going to be one lucky boy.
However, I think there is some truth to what your doctor said. I have a niece and nephew, who I sometimes watch for a whole weekend, and the little rascals definitely make sleep hard to get. But just seeing them smile is so worth forfeiting my sleep.
You are going to be fine!! I know you are such a worry-wart sometimes. I think the tips that your doctor gave you will help a great deal. Just keep you chin up! You are almost to the end already! Plus, if you can't sleep, you can always crawl into my comfy bed down the hall!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that you are still able to be so bubbly and happy in class. If I was getting as much sleep as you are, I would be a zombie. Just think though, this is good practice. If you are able to get by with little sleep now, you will be a pro when the baby comes. I hope that some of your Doctor's tips work for you. I know you are excited and I can't wait to see your little man :)
ReplyDeleteaww poor ash. haha the doctor joke really made me laugh though, how insightful. :) Pretty soon baby Kolton will be here, and you will finally get some sleep...hahahah yeah right. I love you!
ReplyDelete