As parents or caregivers, I think we tend to accept sleep loss as a natural side-effect of the job. And most of us recover well from the odd few nights of lost sleep anyway.
The problems often begin when these temporary phases of sleep loss go on longer than we expected. Symptoms kick in and it feels like there's no light at the end of the sleep loss tunnel.
Recognising the Initial* Stages of Sleep Loss
After a few nights of lost sleep*, most of us will start struggling to function as we normally do.
You might notice these sorts of symptoms appearing:
Nausea or loss of appetite
Dizziness or light-headedness
Oversensitivity; with erratic mood changes
Feeling extra chilly
Exhausted, but can’t sleep
Mind Tricks – Hallucinations or disorientation
For those of us without support, this can feel overwhelming as we begin to wonder;
How will I meet the demands of caring for my family when I'm this tired?
How will I cope when I feel so frazzled?
If this is where you're at* then I truly empathise - it is such a challenging time, and it feels never-ending.
I want to reassure you that you're not alone, there is support out there and you will recover.
Let's start by exploring some of the ways you can support yourself with homoeopathic remedies.
*If you're truly frazzled right now; skip to the end of this article for my nerve-tonic suggestion.
Homeopathy for the Initial Stages of Sleep Loss
Kali Phos 6x - The Nerve Tonic
This is the perfect option when you are so exhausted that you can feel nerves intensely.
Your mind is racing, there's a nervous sensation in your stomach and you feel like 'one more problem' could tip you over the edge.
Cocculus - Worried Sick About You
The essence of cocculus is their sympathetic nature.
This remedy is for you if your symptoms started after sitting up all night with a sick loved one, more concerned about their health than your own.
Cocculus can relieve all the typical signs of sleep loss like dizziness, nausea, headaches, chilliness, and weakness. Especially if these symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of emptiness, only relieved while focusing on a sick loved one.
Nux Vom - A Snappy sort of Tiredness
The essence of Nux is found in the irritated nerves. You feel as if you have a permanent hang-over (nausea, digestive issues and sleep troubles).
Your tiredness makes you incredibly sensitive, prone to snapping, impatience or just plain anger.
To get through the day you reach for coffee, alcohol or snacks, which only make you feel worse. A nap helps, but at night you can't sleep after 3 am and may lay awake with a busy mind.
Poor nux is exhausted, but feels compelled to complete all their caring roles to a high standard, so they're always on the go.
Gelsemium - Shakey Sorta' Fatigue
Gelsemium is afraid that the task ahead is beyond them, so anticipatory anxiety takes over the body.
Maybe you had a shock or bad news about a loved one, then you gradually become weaker and weaker.
This tired state is not hidden, anyone can see you're slowly fading. You feel droopy, dizzy, and trembly as if you might collapse at any moment from the fatigue.
If none of these descriptions feel quite like you, then you might like to opt for a general calming combination remedy:
Narayani Calming Mix
When worry or anxiety are adding to your tiredness, this calming mix can be effective in settling the nerves.
Homeopathic Sleep Combination (Avena Sativa/Valerian/Passiflora)
People who respond well to this combo just can't switch off, no matter what they do, the body is tired, but the mind is over-active.
Later Stages of Sleep Loss - Moving into Sleep Deprivation
As parents or carers, we can build up a sleep debt pretty easily and it really takes its toll on our body.
Before we know it our resilience is lowered and we have all sorts of health issues that we never had before.
Prolonged or frequent bouts of sleep deprivation have been linked with the following chronic health conditions:
· Lowered Immunity - Frequent infections/viruses
· Chronic Inflammation/Pain
· Physical & Mental Fatigue - Tired all the time
· Gut-Related Issues - IBS, Constipation
· Insomnia - Tired but can't sleep
· Anxiety & Depression
· Heart /Circulation Issues
Sleep plays a huge part in the functioning of our nervous, immune, endocrine and circulatory systems. Rest is absolutely vital to our daily functions
But, often our sleep loss is gradual and happens over such a long period of time that we don't notice how exhausted we are becoming.
Dear sleep deprived ones,
You are not broken, you are simply exhausted and in need of a resting space.
A Restful Space for Exhausted Parents & Carers
The exhausted parents and carers I see in practice, know that sleep loss has affected them. And they're open to exploring the reasons behind it.
Having an understanding space to discuss our health issues is an integral part of healing.
Especially for those of us in caring roles; because we rarely tend to focus on ourselves in our daily lives.
I have found that exhausted parents/carers often need support in at least two of these four key areas:
System Support (Nervous, Immune or Hormone/Adrenal) - I will often choose a homeopathically prepared blend of herbs (or nutritional tissue salts) to support the system most in need. This acts as a nutritional tonic and balancer.
Physical Symptoms - I will offer a therapeutic match to ease the symptoms most troubling you on a daily basis.
Mental/Emotional Stress - We'll explore your central emotional needs and I'll prescribe a matching homeopathic remedy (or flower essence) to build resilience to your common stresses or significant traumas.
Reset Health Patterns - Finally, I will look at your personal (and genetic) health history and match up the homeopathic remedy which best fits these patterns. This remedy will prevent relapses and build resilience.
My aim is always to create a regular resting space for you with individualised support where, and when, you need it most.
If you're too tired to even think about which remedy you might need then...
....I recommend my 'go-to' nerve tonic: Kail Phos 6x. Take one or two pills 3-4 x daily your frazzled nerves will thank you!
Happy Home Prescribing!
Warmest Wishes
Alex
Hi, I'm Alex a qualified homeopath with ten+ years of experience in family practice.
I specialise in supporting parents, carers and children with stress or trauma-related Illnesses (like; sleep, fatigue, anxiety, depression, tension/pain, gut and behavioural issues).
For more information message me via: homeopathywithalex@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
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