I have been sleeping even less then normal over the past week, and I am totally wiped.....My oldest DD who is 12 told me I should take a nap later today, and that she would keep an eye on the other kids. I feel a little funny about that. I would obviously still be in the same house, do you think it would be safe.....? The kids are 12,11,10,8,4 and 3

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Umm..my 12 yo. watched my younger boys (age 9 and 7) for an hour or so often. I have my cell (which isn't an issue if you are in the same house). I think it would be totally safe. If there is a problem or a major issue, you're right there. So, I guess I say yes! LOL

I would do it....you need to take care of yourself, mabear....they will be fine and you will be right there in the home. I bet that a 20 or 30 minute power nap will make a world of difference.

I read somewhere that if you want to ensure that you don't nap longer, the recommendation was to drink a cup of coffee and then lay down and nap. It apparently takes 20-30 minutes for the caffeine to kick in, so you will wake up ready to go. I tried it and it seemed to work fo rme.

Another idea is to find a movie that they'd all enjoy and nap while they are watching it...

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

My 13 year old will watch the two younger kids (5 years and 15 months) if I need to sleep to get rid of a migraine. I don't see anything wrong with you taking a nap while she watches the younger kids.

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Amy
Mom to Lauren, Eryn, Naysa
and announcing......
Gavin Michael Chase, 9 lbs 10 ozs
and 21 3/4 inches long on 10/13/09!

Isn't it great to see your child to grow up to be compassionate? She realizes you need something and is trying to help you. I say - Go for it. It will be good for you and you dd. She'll be happy that you trust her with this responsibility.
Judy

Definitely go take a nap!! Nice to have a daughter to think about you. You should be proud!

I would definently say go for it! I think its good for young teens to be responsible and learn to take care of younger children and you will be right there if a problem comes up

As long as you think she's capable, and not afraid to wake you if needed, go for it. If you're raising a kid kind enough to want to take care of you, you deserve a few extra minutes of sleep, as you can grab them. And do let her know you appreciate it!

Thanks everyone......I really really tried to sleep, but I just couldn't, it was still nice to have a few minutes of peace in my room without everybody yelling for me. Still couldn't sleep last night either watched the clock till 4, and woke up before 5......

Think on Tuesday once the kids are back in school, I'm going to go pick up something a little special for DD....

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Do your 3 and 4 y olds nap? If so try to catnap while they are napping. As fo the nighttime, try melatonin. It is natural and you won't wake up all druggy feeling.

I wish they napped, but they havent napped in a couple of years....I already take melatonin and valerian, and have script for Ambien CR.....but nothing is working.....I just can't seem to shut off my brain....Lack of sleep isn't turning me into a very nice person either

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Some therapists are of the opinion that the "can't seem to shut off my brain" that causes insomnia is actually a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Also, if you are prone to any sort of depressive disorders that can cause insomnia. If you continue to have issue w/ sleeping I would strongly suggest that you talk w/ your Dr. --especiall if the Ambien is not working.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Thanks.....

I really think it's just because it's been a hard week with DH leaving, and being the FRG leader I'm also being bombarded with spouses phone calls and emails....I'm hoping that once they settle into the groove, it will be easier for me to do so.... Plus I have one son having nightmares of dad getting hurt, and an autisitc child whom has sleep issues himself and has since birth....so somtimes once I get to lay down, and I look at the clock and I think wow, so and so will probably wake up soon, so I should just stay awake till then etc.....Times like this when I really miss having family close...

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Mabear, when I can't sleep, instead of just laying there, I get up and make myself a small cup of warm milk. I go back to bed and go right to sleep. I've heard there's something in milk that when it's warmed, it's similiar to the 'turkey' effect. You might want to give it a try.

Do you think chocolate milk would work too? I know I can't hande drinking plain warm white milk....the thought makes me gag thinking about it....

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

I'd imagine so. Think of it as un-malty Ovaltine.

Is is possible that you have sleep apnea? Do you ever get a good night's rest? I go through periods of waking up very tired. I would like to do a sleep study and see if that's the problem.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

When I feel like I can't sleep, I get up and drink a glass of ice cold chocolate milk. I t maight all be in my head but chocolate milk seems to do the trick. Try to relax!!!