I Am Just Drained

[shelby]

It seems like every day at this time.. I am just drained... I have no more energy... I can't wait for nap time...

[Willow]

Not sure if you were just venting or were maybe looking for suggestions but I got hooked into a nasty cycle of caffeine dependence early this year. Throughout the day I'd go from coffee in the morning (at my worst an entire pot - 10+ cups) to diet soda in the afternoon (easily an entire two liter) and load up on carbs all day in between.

I couldn't stay asleep at night, I struggled to drag myself out of bed in the morning, during the day I physically hurt because my body was so tired and my brain was just fried.

I went to the doctor on a Friday evening thinking something was actually wrong with me. Barring some blood tests she said I was very likely doing it to myself (I know that now but hadn't really admitted it until then). That night, cold turkey I cut out AAAAAaaaaaalllll the caffeine on a Friday after my absolutely hellish week. Started taking a prenatal vitamin in the morning (we were planning on TTC later this year so that's what I chose over a regular multi-vitamin), replaced the vast majority of my carbs with raw veggies, and started taking melatonin at night. From Friday, to Monday....I cannot tell you the boost it gave my body and my mental health.

I was prepared for a sort of detox, but it never came. My body was that desperate for the change. The melatonin got me set up sleeping regularly again and was non-habit forming, the vitamins and veg got my body feeling so much better, and the combination of those two things had me feeling sooooo much better throughout my entire day.


I no longer get the 10-1 slump or 5 o'clock drag butts.

[cheerfuldom]

daycare can be exhausting for sure. I have found that I really need to take better care of myself, eat better and take the time to exercise. Even just a 15 minute walk in the evening BY YOURSELF to rejuvenate can help! For awhile I was out the door the minute my hubby was home to take over my kids....it was pretty funny but seriously, I needed the fresh air!

[shelby]

Thanks for the replies. I don't drink much coffee, some days I do without it. Exercise would be a good idea.. if I could get myself motivated to do it.

I have tried to go to bed early, since I am up a 4:30 with my husband... but when I do, I wake up at midnight then can't go back to sleep.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Have you had bloodwork run to check your vitamin levels? What are you eating for breakfast?

I would take vitamin D, B-6, B-12, and fish oil to pep your body up each day. It really helps.

[shelby]

Have you had bloodwork run to check your vitamin levels? What are you eating for breakfast?

I would take vitamin D, B-6, B-12, and fish oil to pep your body up each day. It really helps.

I have not been to a dr. for bloodwork... but I will get some vitamins and see if they help!

[lovemykidstoo]

Not sure if you were just venting or were maybe looking for suggestions but I got hooked into a nasty cycle of caffeine dependence early this year. Throughout the day I'd go from coffee in the morning (at my worst an entire pot - 10+ cups) to diet soda in the afternoon (easily an entire two liter) and load up on carbs all day in between.

I couldn't stay asleep at night, I struggled to drag myself out of bed in the morning, during the day I physically hurt because my body was so tired and my brain was just fried.

I went to the doctor on a Friday evening thinking something was actually wrong with me. Barring some blood tests she said I was very likely doing it to myself (I know that now but hadn't really admitted it until then). That night, cold turkey I cut out AAAAAaaaaaalllll the caffeine on a Friday after my absolutely hellish week. Started taking a prenatal vitamin in the morning (we were planning on TTC later this year so that's what I chose over a regular multi-vitamin), replaced the vast majority of my carbs with raw veggies, and started taking melatonin at night. From Friday, to Monday....I cannot tell you the boost it gave my body and my mental health.

I was prepared for a sort of detox, but it never came. My body was that desperate for the change. The melatonin got me set up sleeping regularly again and was non-habit forming, the vitamins and veg got my body feeling so much better, and the combination of those two things had me feeling sooooo much better throughout my entire day.


I no longer get the 10-1 slump or 5 o'clock drag butts.

How does that Melatonin work? Do you buy it at the health food stores?

[shelby]

How does that Melatonin work? Do you buy it at the health food stores?

YEs, you can get it at the health stores. I need to get me some more.. I am not sure how it works, I just know it does... When I take one, I take a half of one ..

[lovemykidstoo]

YEs, you can get it at the health stores. I need to get me some more.. I am not sure how it works, I just know it does... When I take one, I take a half of one ..

So you take 1 or 1/2 a one? What does it make you feel like? Can you feel anythiing or does it just help you sleep better? I take Ativan right now and it works, but I hate taking it.

[shelby]

So you take 1 or 1/2 a one? What does it make you feel like? Can you feel anythiing or does it just help you sleep better? I take Ativan right now and it works, but I hate taking it.

i take 1/2 of one... if I take a whole one, my husband says I snore very loudly and keep him awake.. it puts you into a very deep sleep.. usually 1/2 pill is all I need.

[lovemykidstoo]

i take 1/2 of one... if I take a whole one, my husband says I snore very loudly and keep him awake.. it puts you into a very deep sleep.. usually 1/2 pill is all I need.

I'm going to try it. thanks!

[Willow]

So you take 1 or 1/2 a one? What does it make you feel like? Can you feel anythiing or does it just help you sleep better? I take Ativan right now and it works, but I hate taking it.

I would not take ativan to help with something like sleep disturbances because it is a benzodiazepine and therefor sooooo habit forming.

I take it but only when my anxiety gets really really bad (maybe once every couple of months?). When I do need to I definitely feel tired in at least the couple of days following, sometimes longer.

If you are prescribed the ativan for anxiety or depression you might actually have good luck with the melatonin as studies have indicated people suffering from depression in particular typically have lower naturally occurring levels of melatonin. Supplementing your natural levels could help you feel LOADS better and it's so so much safer.

Absolutely check with your doc if starting it would be good or appropriate for what you're dealing with, especially in conjunction with your other meds.


Everyone's body naturally produces melatonin. It's what makes you feel sleepy and regulates your sleep cycle. Sometimes (for any number of reasons) the amount your body is producing isn't sufficient enough to push you to fall asleep, sleep a reasonable amount of time, and then have you wake feeling rested. Melatonin tablets come OTC in varying dosages. I never take more than 3mg tablets because anything higher is said to result in nightmares. It's best to start in as small of increments as you can and work your way up. Everyone is different and where one person may only need .3mg someone else may need a full 5mg to achieve the same results.

You take them for a few days and usually that's enough to jump start your sleep cycle to function better all on it's own.

[lovemykidstoo]

I would not take ativan to help with something like sleep disturbances because it is a benzodiazepine and therefor sooooo habit forming.

I take it but only when my anxiety gets really really bad (maybe once every couple of months?). When I do need to I definitely feel tired in at least the couple of days following, sometimes longer.

If you are prescribed the ativan for anxiety or depression you might actually have good luck with the melatonin as studies have indicated people suffering from depression in particular typically have lower naturally occurring levels of melatonin. Supplementing your natural levels could help you feel LOADS better and it's so so much safer.

Absolutely check with your doc if starting it would be good or appropriate for what you're dealing with, especially in conjunction with your other meds.


Everyone's body naturally produces melatonin. It's what makes you feel sleepy and regulates your sleep cycle. Sometimes (for any number of reasons) the amount your body is producing isn't sufficient enough to push you to fall asleep, sleep a reasonable amount of time, and then have you wake feeling rested. Melatonin tablets come OTC in varying dosages. I never take more than 3mg tablets because anything higher is said to result in nightmares. It's best to start in as small of increments as you can and work your way up. Everyone is different and where one person may only need .3mg someone else may need a full 5mg to achieve the same results.

You take them for a few days and usually that's enough to jump start your sleep cycle to function better all on it's own.

Oh I don't take the Ativan every day. I may take it once a week if that. My problem is that i can fall asleep fine, but then I wake up several times because I have so much on my mind. My family situation with my dad, my husband lost his job in March and we thought our dog was getting better, but found out this morning that her numbers took a dive, so we're back to not knowing if she'll make it. I do not have depression clinically, but do have some anxiety at night. I dont' think I have the addcitive personality because I am also prescribed Soma for my back. Soma is very addicting to some. My back acts up about every 6 month. One prescription can last me a whole year. Thankfully I dont' think I have that trait. I would rather take something natural when and if needed. I'm glad that I don't need something every night.

[Willow]

My problem is that i can fall asleep fine, but then I wake up several times because I have so much on my mind.

That's my problem to a T, I really think melatonin may be of huge help to you!

[lovemykidstoo]

That's my problem to a T, I really think melatonin may be of huge help to you!

I might go pick some up tonight. Thanks for the info! I'll let ya know how it works.