Can't Sleep, Please Help

[mamap]

I can't sleep because of this withdrawl.  If I could, I'd be sleeping by now because I am exhausted and I would really like to sleep this off.  I am very pregnant and can't take sleeping pills.  Any body have any suggestions?  I have a just 2 year old and a 10 1/2 month old at home with me all day, sleep = ppatience = peaceful day = less urge to smoke.  HHHHEEEELLLLPPPP

[Sootie]

HANG IN THERE---you are doing great and from your blogs it seems like you are out in the middle of nowhere and alone a lot of the time--so CONGRATS---you are doing it. For sleep---these things have worked for me:

>Don't eat for at least two hours before sleeping

>If possible---put a light lavender fragrance in your room---either a pillow spray, scented candle, even a plug in. Put some lavender oil on wrists and temples

>Take a warm bath about one hour before going to bed, quiet the house---no tv--play soft relaxing music and use dim lights

Good luck. Don't smoke. You are doing great. 

[miriam4]

Hi MamaP, Chamomile tea works for me, and an afternoon siesta if you can get the chance.How about some really beautiful music that you enjoy.  We'll look back on this.  It will pass.  I get up in the middle of the night sometimes too since the quit.  Will say a prayer for you. How's the hubby doing not smoking?  You have so much going for you.

[Sootie]

OH! One more---(sorry to be a sleep know it all!) when you lay down---try to relax from your head to your toes. Strat by consciously relaxing the muscles in your face and neck and then your arms, torso moving down through legs and even toes. Just keep steady, relaxed breathing and thinking about relaxing and sleep. Has never failed me.

[jennifer0822]

Not sure if you might be using the patch, but this really messes with my sleep?  if so, might want to take it off at night.  Othewise, I use the sleepytime tea when i can't sleep and it does help pretty well.  sorry you are going through this. 

[Mary84]

Have you spoken with your doctor about some of the natural sleep remedies out there.  There is a sleep MD and I know GNC has a lot of natural sleep aids.  I know you are far from town, but hopefully you can get out tomorrow or your husband can pick something up, if the doc says okay.  Other than that, I can't recommend anything that has not already been mentioned and those are all great things to do to help you sleep.   If you go to sleep with the mental stance, which you probably have, that you won't sleep chances are you will have a fitful night.  I have had trouble sleeping for many years, but when I said to myself,  I am tired, I am going to bed and even if I don't sleep I don't care, I will just rest anyway.  It really worked and I now fall asleep and stay asleep for at least 7 to 8 hours a night.    In addition to the sleepy time tea I really recommend warm milk too.  And reading helps to make you sleepy.  Get a good book or the Bible.  There are also games online that make me sleepy.  I found a great site last night called www.lumosity.com.  There is a game I think called migration  that really made me drowsy.  

So proud of you.  It will get better so hang in there and I will be praying for you.   Love, Mary

[word-nerd]

Benadryl--very safe during pregnancy--it's been used for like 50 years during pregnancy. Phone Motherisk (Hospital for Sick Children - Toronto) to reassure yourself. Benadryl knocks me out cold!

Lori

[lana6]

benadryl never makes me sleepy! but yes it is safe pregnant. i have awful allergies and i took it when i was pregnant. Anyhow, i had this the the first time i quit, and try to cut out any caffiene you are drinking during the day, nicotine breaks down caffiene faster than normal, and thats why when we smoked we could drink coffee whenever and however often we liked. I also found naps affected me more. if i had a nap there was no sleeping for me at night. Good luck, and just so you know. a smoke wont help you sleep, it never has 🙂

[Bonnie11.3.2009]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble sleeping.  If you are still using the patch, that might have something to  do with it.  You should be so proud of yourself, despite everything you are still smoke-free!  Your perseverance is inspiring.  Peace to you!