Sleep deprivation and weight loss - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Gina in NY · 04-23-2007, 08:19 PM

Not at the top of my game here folks. I've not had more than 4-5 hours sleep for so long, even weekends, I'm getting seriously run down. Seems like stuff keeps happening on days I could sleep. Crazy things. People calling wrong numbers. The other day some critter chewed through our underground electric dog fence wire and the darn thing started beeping like crazy at 5:50 a.m. I couldn't get back to sleep - and that was a weekend. Or my daughter gets up at 6:00 a.m. when she went to bed at 11:00 p.m. or later. That isn't what 3 year olds are suppose to do! I also have a lot of weekend commitments related to work - you get the idea.

Anyway - the point is, I find it really hard to eat just right when I'm this drained. First of all, I know I need a few more calories, because I'm awake more hours, but I'm frankly too tired to make the best decisions about food. Now I'm not eating cookies and sundaes, but even too much whole grain bread isn't good for you. And I find I'm turning to that and peanut butter, nuts - even yogurt. I'm so far not gaining, but I know why I'm not losing.

Other than the obvious, anyone have any ideas? My blood work is all great, maybe still on the low side for iron, but not anemic anyway. I'm still getting in my water, most of my protein - yea - even that is slipping. I just want to sleep for days to catch up but biggest festival of the year is this coming weekend. (I host 2400 students over 2 days - I can't even describe it)

I took a day off work the other day but was so stressed out I couldn't sleep...Just too much pressure at work.

Thanks friends...

JenBear7 · 04-23-2007, 08:23 PM

you need a spa trip!

pegasus · 04-23-2007, 08:28 PM

I knowwhat it's like not to get the sleep that's required to function normally......!!! I feel really bad for you...!!! can you try some tylenol PM.....??? shut the ringer off on the phone while you're sleeping, if it's important--they'll leave a message......!!! you really don't want to let yourself get too run down.....
ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT THE 2,400 KIDS.......??? YIKES, You need to get some rest, girl.......!!!

Gina in NY · 04-23-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pegasus

I knowwhat it's like not to get the sleep that's required to function normally......!!! I feel really bad for you...!!! can you try some tylenol PM.....??? shut the ringer off on the phone while you're sleeping, if it's important--they'll leave a message......!!! you really don't want to let yourself get too run down.....
ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT THE 2,400 KIDS.......??? YIKES, You need to get some rest, girl.......!!!

Yea - it is a "NYSSMA" solo and ensemble festival. 2400 kids come to my high school to perform 10 or 15 minute solos or duets in 51 different rooms for certified adjudicators over a Friday afternoon and Saturday. I will go to work Friday, not come home until about 11, be back there by 8:00 the next day till around 6:00 p.m. I am the chairperson and I did the schedule so if anything goes wrong, it is my fault. Being Italian and Roman Catholic is not enough - I need this type of guilt hanging over me too!

tandy42 · 04-23-2007, 09:17 PM

Hi not sure if this will help but might be worth a try. If you are having trouble falling asleep, there is an over the counter product that will help. It is called melatonin and is the chemical that your body makes naturally. It starts the sleep process so the pill taken one half hour before you want to fall asleep helps to speed up the onset of sleep. I know it helps me when I take it.Also it is not addictive so it is perfectly safe to take.

LisaBoston · 04-23-2007, 10:32 PM

A hot bath, a hot man and some B-12!

newlife4me · 04-24-2007, 09:00 AM

Oh dear Gina, just remember, is just a small short jaunt. A busy part...it will pass...and when it does you will appreciate the quiet time...not want to be too quick to find something to do.
A really hard thing to do is to force ourselves to not feel responsible for every little thing. Stuff gets done even if we don't do it. Learning to "just say no" is such a hard lesson and sometimes it takes being really sick or tired to teach us that lesson. I used to be a control freak......a martyer(sp). I thought for sure if I didn't take care of every little thing something awful would happen and to make it worse I was a jerk about it......I am much older and wiser and rested now.......My relationship with God helped me......
You will find a way to rest or your body will take over, whichever, you will be fine cuz you are strong and wise. You will get right with your pouch as well, this is just Life getting in the way....

Good luck and God Bless
Lori

Tawanda · 04-24-2007, 10:48 AM

I'm with Lori on this one...if you don't take of yourself first, how can you expect to be anything for anyone else? It's hard not be Superwoman, I have that problem myself.

Your body will konk out on you, even if you don't voluntarily. How about some yoga or late night relaxation techniques? A hot bath, soothing relaxation tapes or a romance novel?

You are doing so great, Gina! But remember, part of being healthy is giving your body the rest it needs to rejuvenate. Sleep is every bit as important as watching what we put in our mouths. Give it the same importance.

And turn off the stupid phone! Heh.

MILA · 04-24-2007, 10:49 AM

Tammy mentioned melatonin - if yo haven't ever tried it, you might want to give it a try. It works great for me - very subtle but effective and no bad after effects.

Gina in NY · 04-24-2007, 06:40 PM

I don't think I have much trouble falling asleep - maybe a little bit staying asleep, but with two kids, I would fear sleeping too soundly. I want to be ready for those middle of the night emergencies and my husband is worthless during the night.

Hot bath is always good though. I won't even touch the hot man idea...SF hot chocolate is good too.

Anyway - this isn't permanent as someone said - it is a once a year thing. It is just that I've always eaten my way through this stress and now I can't do that. I do this festival voluntarily - it is best for our students to be preforming at their own school. It also makes a bunch of money for my program, which I definately need.

My concert and state level evaluation are both in May and then things calm down A LOT.

I was more looking for some herbal supplement to keep you going when you're burning the candle at both ends.