Postpartum Anxiety and Sleep Problems: Question for Kristen
Updated November 24, 2007
I have severe postpartum anxiety and cannot sleep, have anxiety attacks and excessive worrying, and jump out of my sleep in attacks when I do get a little sleep with a sleeping pill. My baby is ill in the hospital. He will be home soon, but I am terrified that I wont be able to sleep without a sleeping pill, and I am also terrified that I wont be able to sleep on my own because when I do try to go to sleep no matter how sleepy I am it does not happen on its own. My brain has stopped me from falling asleep on my own no matter what time of day. I am miserable. Tell me will this go away, and what kind of help can I seek? Its almost been 2 weeks.
--Indira
Indira,
I completely understand your worry and frustration. It will get better, but I'm sorry to say that I can't give you a specific time period. It varies from person to person. Insomnia is a symptom of postpartum anxiety, and it can drive you crazy. It can be particularly frustrating when your baby keeps you up at night, and as soon as you have a moment to sleep you realize that you have insomnia.
It's understandable why you're having anxiety. Having a baby is stressful enough, but having a baby who is stuck in the hospital is even more difficult. Mix that with a batch of postpartum hormonal fluctuations and a brand new lifestyle, and it's no wonder why you're feeling jumpy.
Sleeping pills are an excellent temporary solution, but you certainly don't want to use them long term.
Talk to your doctor about using complementary therapies in addition to what he/she has prescribed. You might want to look into 5-HTP, vitamins and minerals (especially magnesium, zinc, calcium, and B vitamins), flaxseed oil, and herbs. I'm a big fan of herbal teas, and Celestial Seasonings makes two of my favorite for calming, Tension Tamer and Sleepy Time. Foods that might be helpful are starchy vegetables, bananas, and peanut butter (a peanut butter and banana sandwich on potato bread is a good serotonin booster), but be careful not to rely on food as an instant medication to your emotions because it could lead to food obsessions and emotional eating, which lead to obesity.
I also suggest finding a psychotherapist in your area who specializes in postpartum disorders. Check out http://www.postpartum.net/ to find support groups in your area. Support groups can serve as a cheaper form of therapy, and they should have suggestions for psychotherapists in your area. A good therapist will help you discover some quick fixes to your immediate problems and will work with you to dig into the source of your anxiety and reprogram the thought habits that lead to or exacerbate your anxiety.