So tired I can't take it anymore (kids 5 and almost 1). What can I do?

[Anonymous]

check your thyroid levels! I was beyond exhausted and thought it was the result of being a working mom. Turned out my levels were off the charts. I feel much better now that I am taking some medicine!

[Anonymous]

If you have been stressed out also ask to get your cortisol levels checked! Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

Definitely go to bed earlier! When I get to that point, my husband takes over the bedtime routine and I conk out by 8pm. Happens at least once a week.

[Anonymous]

Also: earplugs and noise machines for you!

[Anonymous]

Did you get more sleep than that before kid #2? 10/11-6 is enough sleep for me to function, but people are different. I'd try going to bed at 9 a few nights in a row and see if you feel better. Also maybe it's more mental exhaustion because you have to be "on" all the time for the kids when you're awake? If that's the case, maybe hiring a babysitter once or twice a week so you can do an exercise class (or just go hang in a coffee shop by yourself and look at your phone for an hour) would help.

[Anonymous]

An occasional night at a hotel sounds lovely. Or at a friend or relative's house? I can relate. Even when my husband tries to give me a chance to sleep in the morning, once I'm up, I'm up. I cannot fall back asleep. Or the kids are coming into the room every 5 minutes asking for something or showing something. It's sweet but Mommy is TIIIIIRREEED. Going to bed earlier is a good idea but some of us just cannot fall asleep that early. I'm exhausted but seriously couldn't fall asleep at 9pm the several times that I tried.