Tag Archives: sleep

Insomnia Nation

When Shut-Eye Strategies Fail To Kick Insomnia To The Curb

Health, New posts, , ,

Influence Central Disclosure ImageEvery year when Sebastian and Madelyn start school after summer break, they seem to adjust to the change in schedule quicker and easier than I do.   They’ve been back in school for almost 6 weeks (WHAT?) and I’m still trying to figure out how to get through the days without feeling like I’m going to split into thirds from going three different directions at once.  Our days, probably like yours, are made up of carpool, attending school events, after-school activities, work, and keeping up with the house – all the while trying to communicate and keep good relationships with friends and family.   With so much going on, I feel like I’m running 90 miles-an-hour, 18 hours a day.   I know you can relate.   It’s the life we chose when deciding to become parents, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but you’d think that after 16 years I would have it down.   Tell me please – when exactly did parenting become normal and consistent for you?

Apple Watch heart rateIn order to calm my mind and body, and hopefully get to sleep before 1AM, I’ve been practicing the healthy shut-eye strategies I shared with you a couple weeks ago – including signing off from social media at least one hour before bedtime.   I also stopped exercising after 3PM.  My heart rate is naturally high and since having an Apple Watch I can actually see that it stays slightly elevated for up to a few hours after I exercise, which doesn’t make it easier for me to wind down in the evening.    As surprising as it seems to me, turning off all lights, even small nightlights, in and near our bedroom is the shut-eye strategy that’s made the biggest difference in how quickly I fall asleep.  Studies have shown that even our small lights emit enough light to miscue the brain and promote wakefulness.  Maybe nightlights aren’t such a great idea afterall?

Insomnia Nation

What if going to sleep isn’t the issue for you, but staying asleep is?
I can relate.  Staying asleep is a battle I fight almost every night.   I was diagnosed with insomnia in 2004 and I get a little riled up when I hear someone say they only got 5-6 hours of sleep the night before.   I empathize, I really do.. but I can go 48-36 hours without sleeping.  This can happen every few weeks and it’s very unhealthy.  That is why I take a prescription sleep aid nights I really need to get a good night’s sleep, such as before having to drive an 8-hour road trip or leaving for a business trip.

Not getting enough sleep, or any sleep, results in me being completely unproductive and irritable the next day.   The insomnia conquering strategies I’ve shared with you help me fall asleep but staying asleep longer than 45 minutes to an hour is another story.  If you too have insomnia, practicing shut-eye strategies alone may not be enough to help you get a good night’s sleep.

You’ll be happy to know there are effective treatment options available for those of us who suffer with insomnia, including SILENOR®, a prescription sleep aid used to treat people with insomnia who have trouble staying asleep.  Most sleep medications work on the sleep-promoting system, helping patients fall asleep, while SILENOR® works with the wake-promoting mechanism of the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, helping patients stay asleep throughout the night and early morning.   Perhaps most important, it can be used regularly and it’s not associated with a risk of abuse or physical dependence.   If you have trouble sleeping through the night, have a conversation with your doctor about your routine, lifestyle and symptoms to determine the best option for you.

To learn more about how to achieve a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep visit Wanttosleepmore.com.

SILENOR® is a prescription sleep medicine that is used to treat people with insomnia who have trouble staying asleep. Call your doctor if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem. Be sure that you are able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. SILENOR® should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime. Do not take with alcohol or with other medicines that can make you sleepy. If you are on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken a MAOI within the past two weeks, you should not take SILENOR®. You should not take SILENOR® if you have an eye problem called narrow angle glaucoma that is not being treated, if you have severe urinary retention, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in SILENOR®. You should not drive or operate machinery at night after taking SILENOR®. Until you know how you will react to SILENOR®, you should be careful in performing such activities during the day following taking SILENOR®. Before you take SILENOR®, tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, mental illness or suicidal thoughts. You should call your doctor right away if after taking SILENOR® you walk, drive, eat or engage in other activities while asleep. Drowsiness is the most common adverse event observed in clinical trials. For more information, please see the complete Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, at https://www.silenor.com/Content/pdf/prescribing-information.pdf. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Parenting Advice: How Do I Help My Child Who Has Night Terrors?

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, , ,

My daughter has had what her pediatrician calls ‘night terrors’ for years.

Ever since she was about two years old and about 2 hours after she falls asleep, she will start stirring and then begin whimpering, sometimes she’ll cry out, and sometimes she’ll scream.  She usually sits up and rocks back and forth while she’s sitting up during a night terror, which I have to admit, kind of freaks me out. There are usually no tears involved and she doesn’t remember it the next morning.

child bedroomThese are apparently signs of night terrors.  My question for the pediatrician was, what on earth could she be having night terrors about at such a young age?

Her answer.. she could be having night terrors about anything.

Dropping a cup, falling down the stairs, bumping into a wall, shutting her finger in a cabinet door, Tom & Jerry fighting, or Sponge Bob Square Pants.. in general.  I would have night terrors if I watched that show.  Sheesh.

What we tried:

My husband and I used to try to wake her up and comfort her but quickly learned that made it worse.  She would get angry and would shove us and things would escalate.   It was hard to let her go through a night terror alone but her pediatrician told us to not go in her room while she was having a night terror so we backed off.

What we do now:

These are just a few things that we do that we think helps her sleep comfortably at night.  Doing these things does not stop night terrors from happening.

  • We always keep the baby video monitor on at night so we can see her.
  • We do NOT go into her room.
    Her pediatrician told us that it is important to not go into her room while she’s having a night terror unless she is in danger of hurting herself by falling off of her bed or hitting her head on the bookshelf behind her bed.  We keep a close eye on the video baby monitor at night to make sure that during a night terror, she’s not about the fall off the bed or hurt herself.
  • We never try to wake her during a night terror.
  • Sometimes, the next morning, we’ll ask her if she remembers any dreams, to gauge how much of an impact the night terror had on her.   Every once in a while she’ll remember having a dream but has rarely remembered details of a bad dream.
  • We keep a sound machine on in her room to block all outside noises in hopes of keeping her in a deep sleep.
  • Up until very recently we had bed rails on both sides of her bed so she wouldn’t rock herself off the bed during a night terror.  We took the bed rails off about six months ago and she’s keeping herself on her bed just fine, so far.  Fingers crossed.
  • We use a light blocking shade on her window so if she does wake up in the middle of the night, the outside lights won’t disturb her.
According to WebMD, night terrors usually peak at around 3 1/2 years old. She’s 6-years-old and they are definitely slowing down but I feel terrible that she still experiences night terrors at all.  They also state that night terrors usually happen about 90 minutes after the child falls asleep.
If your child has night terrors you will find some valuable information on the whats and whys of night terrors here on WebMD.

Do you have any night terror tips you’d like to share with me?

My questions to you is did or does your child have night terrors?
 If so, how long did these night terrors go on and did you do anything to try to stop them?

Do you do something that you feel helps keep your child from having night terrors?

 

I am not affiliated with WedMD.  I found that WebMD provides good information about night terrors but I do not endorse WebMD nor am I compensated by WebMD.

Fieldcrest Luxury Down Alternative Pillow filled with DACRON® Memory Fiber = Better Night’s Sleep

Father's Day Gift Guide, New posts, Relaxation, , , ,

A down pillow is something luxurious to sleep on. Unfortunately, I’ve learned over the years that down pillows can be a bit expensive and some people have allergies to down. DACRON®, and Fieldcrest have come up with the answer. It is a down alternative pillow that is filled with a special DACRON® memory fiber fill. This pillow is affordable for any budget, is as soft as down and has an added benefit..you do not have to fluff this pillow every night! The memory fiber expands to its original size every time. Pretty great, right?  There are also no pinfeathers to poke through the fabric in the middle of the night.

The Target Fieldcrest Luxury Pillow w/Dacron Memory Fiber down alternative pillow is covered with 300 thread count cotton sateen fabric. That means the fabric has 300 threads to every inch. Most cotton pillowcases will have 150 thread count, which feels like a typical cotton fabric. A 200 thread count sateen feels smooth and luxurious. The 300 thread count cotton sateen will feel like superior luxury without the extravagant price tag. The pillows cost less than half the price of regular down pillows.

Fieldcrest Luxury pillow filled with DACRON® Memory Fiber.
Fieldcrest Luxury pillow filled with DACRON® Memory Fiber

If you suffer from pain in your shoulders, upper back or neck, this new pillow is large and wide enough to offer full support while you sleep. Quality rest does not just come from the mattress alone. The most comfortable mattress cannot help if the pillow is not comfortable.

This hypo-allergenic product has a decided advantage to natural down. While natural down must be taken to a dry cleaners experienced in handling natural products, these pillows are machine-washable. They can be cleaned and hung to dry at home. This saves money for the customer while providing the ultimate in comfort.

Comfortable pillow for children too!
Children love down alternative pillows too!

These pillows will make a wonderful addition to any bed. They will make great gifts for friends or family members who are having trouble getting enough rest every night. Use these in a house, dorm room, RV, boat or anywhere rest and comfort are needed. A good night’s rest is a sound investment.

DACRON memory fiber down alternative pillowThe global business director for INVISTA’S Dacron® Fiberfill business stated, “Compared to other super-soft down alternative fiberfills, DACRON® Memory Fiber fiberfill offers a full hand and resilience.”

My husband and I have really enjoyed resting our heads on our new Fieldcrest Luxury Down Alternative Pillows, available exclusively at Target stores and Target.com around June 17th, the last couple of weeks.  They look fabulous on our bed.. so much better than the flimsy, fluff filled pillows we had on our bed before.

This down alternative pillow is available at Target and bears the DACRON® fiber quality seal.

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  I received two pillows for review purposes.

Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak – A Book Review and Giveaway

Books, Contests, , , , ,

If I had to say just one thing about this book it would be – confidence booster.

I often feel like I’m the only mom in the world that’s overwhelmed.  I’m constantly trying to balance work and family life.  More often than not I’m dissapointed in myself at the end of the day because there’s still a pile of laundry on the floor, my 4 year old’s bedroom is a mess, one of my kids didn’t bathe, or I fed the kids macaroni and chicken nuggets.. for the 2nd time that day.  Lucky for me, I recently read Balance Is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak by Amy Eschliman and Leigh Oshirak and have a different outlook on things.  I now know that other moms.. that’s you.. yes you!, suffer the same mental challenges that I do every day and it’s OK that we feel challenged and overwhelmed.  This book made me realize that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed out and that I don’t have to put on a show.  Ever since reading Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak, I’ve asked moms I meet what their stress level is on a scale of 1 to 10.  I often get a strange look, then a very quiet, whisper-like answer of either 10 or 12.  It’s always as if it’s a secret.  Why don’t moms feel like we can tell other moms that we are stressed out and overwhelmed instead of putting on the June Cleaver show and holding all of our stress in?  Reading this book provided a release of some serious tension.. I felt it and you’ll feel it too.

Amy and Leigh are veteran working moms who share their un-censored survival secrets and personal experiences with readers.  Amy and Leigh’s funny, honest stories and useful advice cover topics ranging from quick and easy cooking and organization, to work travel and doctor’s appointments. I found Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak to be a very easy read and actually looked forward to sitting in my reading chair (not used often) after the kids went to bed, to read this book.

Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak is an indispensable guide for working mothers and the perfect gift for expecting and new moms.

Buy the book.

Like Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak on Facebook.

Disclosure: The Mommy Insider received a copy of Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak for purposes of this review, free.

Book Giveaway!

We are giving 3 lucky readers a copy of Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak!  To enter, leave a comment telling us what your biggest daily challenge is whether it’s work, working out, exercise, your husband (ha!), or your kids.  Don’t want to leave a comment?  Also, follow @mommyinsider on Twitter and @theofficemoms for an extra entry per follow.  Be sure to leave your Twitter ID in your comment so we can confirm that you follow and give you 2 or 3 entries!

Entrants must live in the U.S. and be over 18 years old.

Entries accepted through August 24th, 2010.

Or you can fill out this form to enter to win:

I need your help with my 3 year old..please

Age 3-5, Bedtime, Personal, ,

I’m exhausted as a result of getting an average of 4.5 hours of sleep a night for over 3 years now. You must know though that despite what professionals say I feel like sleep is a waste of time and it’s not something that I look forward to like some people (like my husband). I am not, however, a night owl or party girl. I know that I need sleep for health and sanity reasons so I go along with the whole sleep thing even though I think it is time waster.

Here are a few facts about the situation that I am desperate for help with, for my 3 year olds sake and ours:

– She’s 3.5
– She always goes to the bathroom before going to bed
– She doesn’t fight going to bed
– We have a consistent bedtime routine that she enjoys that includes bathtime, stories and singing
– She starts stirring and/or crying after being asleep for about 1.5-2 hours
– She doesn’t remember crying the next day
– My husband and I don’t run into her room after every sound she makes
– If we don’t go into her room to soothe her pretty quickly she’ll stir or talk herself into a full wake
– She seems to get her best sleep between 4-7a.m.

My husband and I are EXHAUSTED. This has been going on every night for over a year. She doesn’t ask to sleep in our room, but we’ve thought about moving her into our room. We aren’t sure what good that would do except that we wouldn’t have to get out of bed to help her.

Your tips and feedback are appreciated!


Please forgive any spelling errors. I wrote this post on my iPhone.