Sleepless In Ohio

I have been suffereing from not being able to sleep since I had my first child 4 yrs ago. It seems like it takes me forever to fall asleep and when I do I am always awake within a hour or 2. Then it takes me forever to fall asleep again no matter how tired I am. It repeats all through the night. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I wish I had one perfect word of wisdom, but I just wanted to write anyway to tell you I know where you're coming from.  My often wake up at night crying, and the oldest is now 5.  I find myself staying up late at night even if I'm tired, because I didn't get enough winding-down time without kids.  They are wonderful, but we also have a need for grown-up only time.  I sometimes just can't turn my mind off at the day's end.  Also, since I've trained myself to be there for them at all hours of the night, I wake up thinking I've heard a noise, but all is quiet.  However, occasionally if I read in another location before bed, my mind can clear and I can sleep better (not a gripping non-fiction book - even a simple bible can calm me down and relax me.)  I've turned to meditiation CD's, and they can help.  A nice herbal tea or softly scented heating pad before bed might calm down nerves and sooth a tired mind.  Also, connecting more with other moms can ease sleep in the strangest way: feeling connected to other grown-ups in a non-work setting, with those who understand and care can help ease what's troubling anyone.  There are so many avenues to turn, it's hard to pinpoint just one.  If you wish write more, I'm at disiders@hotmail.com.  Good luck - I hope it helps.

-another tired mom in Ohio.