Hey Friends!
I’m BACK! If you stopped by yesterday, I apologize for being MIA. My kiddos were out of school and I decided to take the day off as well.
Today is Tuesday Talk with Fancy Ashley, the Tuesday of the month when we get together to chit chat about anything and everything.
You guys, I don’t know what’s happening to me lately but this is me…
I used to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. Now, if I’m ever woken up, I’m a goner for hours-I have the hardest time falling back asleep! Over the last few months, it’s gone down hill….
It’s so hard for me to stay asleep and once I wake up…then it’s even harder for me to get back to sleep.
Basically, lots of people are dreaming about me if this “legend” is true. hahaha!
This weekend I overhead two girlfriends discussing this issue as well and I learned I’M NOT ALONE! One mentioned CBD oil to relax her and help her sleep. Another mentioned taking “calm”, I think it’s a vitamin from Amazon? I’m not doing anything, but maybe I should be? #wellexceptextracoffeethenextday
Let’s chat about this…
*Is it getting older and that’s what happens?
*Someone mentioned my hormones can do this to me?
*Stress-related?
*I’ve heard keeping a note pad beside your bed so when you think of something you need to do instead of worrying about it, add it to your list, and get back to sleep.
How do YOU sleep? Do you take anything or use anything to help you sleep?
Please HELP friends! Basically, what I’d like to tell my younger self right now is to enjoy sleeping all night because it’s gonna get harder for you as you get older. Enjoy those restful nights! 🙂
XO
You are NOT alone. The ladies in my small group talk about this all the time. We can all fall asleep, but waking up to go to the bathroom or whatever and then can't fall back to sleet. It's misery and especially when you wake so close to the time you have to get up anyway. I feel like a zombie most days. Praying sometimes lulls me back. Maybe others will have some better suggestions.
OH I do not sleep well at all. Maybe a few times a month I'm tired enough and relaxed enough to actually stay asleep and fall back to sleep when I do wake up but mostly I am up wide awake at all odd hours of the night. I don't drink coffee either so I feel very tired by mid to late afternoon and always think I'll go to sleep early and sleep well but bedtime rolls around and suddenly I'm wide awake again.
I’m so curious what everyone else says on this topic! I am 36 with three little ones, and since having my 3rd baby about 6 months ago, I have had similar issues. What has worked for me is to have one beer before bed haha! While watching TV, I have a snack and beer. I know it sounds weird, but it’s the only thing that consistently works. I have tried not having one, and I have tried wine, and both have left me awake for hours! Any other advice is greatly appreciated!
Some days I can go right back to sleep, no problem at all. But if I wake up to go to the bathroom within like an hour of when I'm supposed to be up anyway, going back to sleep is super difficult. I hope you get it under control, not sleeping is the worst!
Oh yes the struggle! Also, doesn’t help when I look to my right and my husband is sound asleep allll night ;). I find taking magnesium/calcium/zinc (1 vitamin all together) supplement helps! Not only with sleep but overall mood. Good topic to chat about.
This is me…and has been for too long. Waking at the 2:30 or 3:00 hour..is most likely hormonal..could be stress hormones, or estrogen. I've tried the Calm magnesium supplement, melatonin, cleaning up my bedtime routine (limited screen hours before bed), limit wine consumption, because that always causes me to wake. When I do wake, I go read for a bit in another room, and then try to go to sleep again. If I wake at this time, I try and also use it for prayer. I at least feel that is calming and purposeful.
I am a very light sleeper and wake up a few times a night. I’ve been taking Olly Sleep Gummies (found at Target) for a few weeks now, I stay asleep longer, I’m able to fall back to sleep if I wake up and I don’t feel groggy in the morning from taking them!
I have had sleep issues since age 12 and the latest research is to avoid any medicines ( natural or not) and to use them as a last resort. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and changes to your environment have a high rate of success. I love the CBT-I app which was actually created by Harvard for veterans with sleep issues. Basically my doctor has always said, keep what’s working until it isn’t. So if having a tv, phone, etc in your room isn’t bothering someone’s sleep then go for it. If you start having issues then those are things to go. Try to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time, no screens 30 min before bed ( especially important for teens). Also keep in mind that caffeine takes almost 12 hours to get out of your system.
CBD oil!!! It will change your sleep life. I am 36…a mom…busy with all the things, and it has changed the way I sleep. And if you do wake up, it's easy to fall back because your mind isn't racing. 🙂
What worked best fir me is switching to decaf coffee only. CBD oil and Calm did not help me. And I also tried to cut down on extra curriculars, hosting and being soooo busy. That helped ne.
Start a bedtime routine. Turn the phone on bedtime so it changes the blue light level or something with the blue light. I take 1 melatonin if a warm bath and candle don't fix the issue. Good luck!
I have definitely had problems with this off and on my whole life, but definitely more lately. I have been taking 5 to 10 mg of melatonin at night and it is helping greatly. I started with 5 and after a a week went up to 10. I don't take it every night but some days you just know you are going to have a tough night.
I use Nyquil's ZZZquil a few times a week and it definitely helps me fall asleep faster but I still wake up during the night. A game changer that has helped me a lot is a weighted blanket. I have a 15 lb Sealy weighted blanket I just started using and I really think it is helping me feel extra cozy and secure. I have anxiety issues and my mind wont shut off at night and I really am thinking this blanket is starting to help
I hope you get some great tips from today's comment section!!
I have been using tart cherry concentrate before bed the last few weeks and I think it really works. Anyone can message me at goodbetterbestfood@gmail.com
I also included it as a Friday Favorite last week on my blog.
The great sleep debate. The WORST! I for sure go through phases where I sleep like the dead and then can't sleep well at all. I sleep best when I am really in a routine; getting some downtime at night and then hitting the sack at the same time each night. A white noise app on my phone set to crashing waves helps, too. (The sad news is…yes, I do think it is an age thing! The older I get the worse it gets.)
I would get your hormones checked. My testosterone was almost non-existent. I know this sounds weird from a woman but you need it. It effects so many things. I started getting the supplement pellets and it's done wonders for me in all aspects of my life. Sleeping being one of my issues. I do think not being as "busy" helps too. Good luck!
the sad news for sure is Age, First talk with your GP, mine was a great . My sister swears by her weighted blanket, but once you get use to it, it is hard to travel without it. The one good thing about getting older is you require less sleep. but you ladies are far from that. My advice is your bedroom should be used only for sleep and other fun things. No tv watching, book reading but not in bed. Lavender is a natural relaxer. I have not tried the CBd oil but many friends say it has made a huge difference in their sleep and other ailments.
This is something I've noticed over the past year or so too, but I think I've finally figured it out. When I would wake up before, I would start going through the lists of things I had to do, and plan out my morning, etc. But I realized that got my brain working and kept me up longer. So instead when I wake up, including if I have to get up to go to the bathroom or check on a kid, when I lay back down, I will just focus on the last dream I remember having, and let my dream mind take over. I won't let myself think about lists and plans. It is a practice I have to work on throughout the day too and try focusing on what I'm doing at the moment instead of thinking ahead to plan everything out.
I have also noticed if I eat a lot of sugar or drink more than two alcoholic drinks after supper then I will wake up after a couple of hours and struggle to fall back asleep, so I've limited that as best as I could.
I'm hesitant to use medication and other supplements (even natural ones) as I don't want to get dependent on any one thing.
I'm your age, so I guess this is what it's like for us now 😉
I recently heard a podcast on rest and sleep from Rebekah Lyons (christian author)…you are not alone and I am the same age as you and I find when I have way too much on my plate (my own fault) my mind will not turn off! This podcast really talks about zero screen time before bed etc…give it a listen! I also diffuse lavender on my nightstand but I can't tell that it helps? I just love the smell, lol
Honestly, I haven't had a good night sleep since my son was born…almost 8 years ago! 🙁 I have tried cutting off drinking water super early, essential oils, cutting back on coffee, etc. Nothing seems to work! Looking forward to reading everyone's tips for you! I need all the help I can get!
"Tranquil" essential oil. I cannot lay down without it! 🙂
I would get your hormones checked if you haven't done that yet. Even women your at a young age sometimes have hormonal issues that can greatly affect sleep. I know the hormones I take have really made a difference in all areas of my life–including sleep. Diffusing essential oils can help with sleep. I like to do this when I'm having issues with my sinuses/breathing, or just not feeling my best. I remember reading that Shay diffuses nightly, and she said that it helped her. Also, when you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, avoid turning on lights as much as possible. Very dim nightlights in bathroom outlets have really made a difference in our family.
Natural Vitality Calm – https://smile.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Anti-Stress-Supplement-Raspberry/dp/B00BPUY3W0/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=calm&qid=1571153218&sr=8-4
The sleep thing hit in my 40's. It's due to age and the fact that I now have 3 teens. More to worry about.
Hi! I don’t usually post comments, but thought I would recommend this for sleep:
https://www.rowecasaorganics.com/online-store/Tart-Cherry-Sleep-Syrup-p132363218
My husband used to take NyQuil to go to sleep often, but has been off of that and on this since March!���� It’s made by a Texas based company. The ladies who own the business are sweethearts. They have a whole line of all natural things for sleep you should check out.
I’m in no way connected to them or sponsored, just love and use their products.
I use the lotion from Bath and Body Works called SLEEP. It has been a game changer. I put it on my hands and arms and rub it in before wiping my hand across my lower face and take a deep breath of it. After a summer of no sleep, it's finally gotten better…. not perfect, but at least I'm not up from 1 – 6 and then having the alarm go off at 6:30!
Diffusing lavender or rubbing it directly on my pillow or my wrists and neck helps me. I've also heard miracles about CBD oil and I'm planning on getting some of that soon. That said, I typically sleep like a rock even without those things, but the lavender does seem to help on my rare restless nights.
I'm so sorry you don't get good sleep at night! 🙁 I love my sleep and thankfully right now the only thing that tends to interrupt it is if my daughter wakes up calling for me. I hope you find some answers! Maybe see a sleep specialist. I love my sleep so much I cried on the way to the hospital, not because of pain but because I was worried about not getting good sleep once Caroline arrived. lol!
Sorry if this was mentioned already, I didn't read all the comments, but I have been using the "headspace" app. It has sleep stories and some specifically for getting back to sleep.
Former night shift person here! Two things have helped me get better sleep:
Melatonin- you get this over the counter. It is our body’s natural “sleep” hormone. I normally take a quarter of a pill so I’m not groggy the next day… you have to take it an hour or two before you want to go to sleep!
Estrogen patch- get your hormone levels checked! I started sleeping poorly last year, and now I’m sleeping 8 hours like a baby with the estrogen patch!
You are not alone! The Calm app works wonders for getting back to sleep in the middle of the night. The sleep stories are like magic 🙂 Good luck.
I had the same problem! Then, two weeks ago, I started a food change where you lower your sugar in take and eat more natural foods. They said you would sleep like a baby. They are right. I feel healthier and sleep through the entire night!
It's an age/hormone thing and it affects so many. I have a doctor who has all my hormones at their optimum level but I've never been a good sleeper. Different things work for different people. Controlled-release Melatonin helps me. Some people say to never use a device at night but I can fall back asleep if I read a book on my Kindle as long as it's a pleasant, kind of mundane book (Elin Hildebrandt, anyone?) I know this sounds radical, but not drinking caffeine after 12:00 noon will make a big difference. It's hard to do but once you do it, you see the difference. I eat some cheese and drink a bit of orange juice when I start slumping in the afternoon.
Magnesium!!!!
I don’t have any great suggestions not already mentioned here-but have struggled in this area for years. It’s awful. Makes your entire day a struggle sometimes!
I have the abide app and they have biblical nighttime stories that help a ton-but sleeping solidly for hours-I now consider that a gift. A gift I do not have����
Maybe someday!
My sleep has greatly improved since I bought a weighted blanket. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C193MKM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This also started happening to me in my late 30’s. My Dr said it is hormones changing and when this happens it can deplete your magnesium levels. I now take 1 magnesium supplement before bed and sleep great! I couldn’t believe the difference it made! I also feel calmer during our crazy busy hectic days. ‘Google’ magnesium deficiency in women. Apparently it’s a very common thing. This is the one I order from amazon. You want to make sure it is a reputable brand b/c some are really cheap and do nothing.
Designs for Health Magnesium Buffered Chelate – 300 mg TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered (120 Capsules)
I'll be 50 in a few weeks. Eeeks! I haven't slept well in 21 years, since I had my first born, haha. I've tried all the above suggestions at various times, some working well at first, but then not. My husband falls asleep in seconds and sleeps so well. It kinda gives my anxiety because I want that for me so badly. The Sleep gummies from Olly have helped me lately and Ashwagandha, in liquid form from Standard Process, has helped me too. I'm sure I should have my hormone levels checked. Aging isn't a party!