How Do You Sleep At Night?
The problem with being a person who jokes around a lot is that people never quite know when to take you seriously. People like to flatter me and ask, “How in the world do you get everything done in a day?!”
And I like to answer, “I don’t sleep.” And they laugh and say, “You are so funny!”
But I’m dead serious. And dead tired.
The truth is, I’m a lifelong insomniac. Until now.
If you suffer from insomnia, I’m sure you can relate to the pressure of needing to go to sleep, The watching of the blaring red digits on the clock, taunting you. The inner dialogue of, “If I go to sleep now, I can get six hours…” only to be followed a few long hours later by “If I go to sleep now, I can get three hours…” only to be followed a few short minutes later by, “Why should I even bother going to sleep now?!”
I have tried everything to prevent the inevitable viewing of Family Matters at 4 a.m. If you thought that show was bad in the late 80s, you haven’t spent quality time with Steve Urkel lately. Trust me, I have. And that show hasn’t aged well.
I needed help.
What I’ve tried:
Sleep Meds
When I was in college, I would get so worked up the night before a basketball game that I wouldn’t sleep a wink. I’d put so much pressure on myself to win the game, score in double digits, or get my shade of lipstick to match my jersey just right, that I would like awake all night with knots in my stomach. Eventually, I went to the Campus Health Center and was prescribed some mild sleep medication. It got the job done, though I would wake the next morning with a headache and feeling groggy. Still, by game time I was ready to go.
Not an ideal situation for a mom, though, who has to be at the top of her game to make Second Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. And though until recently I would take a Tylenol PM if necessary, I still felt pretty nasty the next morning. Since some sleep medications can be habit forming, this wasn’t a practical long-term solution for me.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring supplement that our body already produces in small amounts. It is considered safe in small doses and for short term use.
I started using melatonin early last fall and would use it maybe once a week or so, in 1 mg doses. It made me very relaxed, and very tired, and only knocked me clean out a time or two. Like the sleep medications, I would never wake up feeling fully refreshed, and our mornings suffered because of it. Second Breakfast was never served with a smile.
I don’t have a problem with using melatonin occasionally, but again, it isn’t a great solution for me for nightly insomnia.
Herbal Teas
Both chamomile and valerian root have been rumored to induce sleep in some individuals. Though a nice cup of chamomile is soothing, it has never really made me go to sleep. And while the Tazo tea isn’t totally awful, I actually didn’t like the way it made me feel. I felt agitated and even had a few heart palpitations after drinking the tea. Who wants the rest of the box?
Some of you may have noticed that I said I was an insomniac “until now.” Or you’ve just been missing my Tweets at 12:30 a.m. Very perceptive! (Congratulations–you win fourteen bags of Tazo Rest tea!)
But I am happy to say that I have been sleeping better the last month than I have virtually my entire life. I didn’t come to the solution deliberately, and it wasn’t until after a few weeks of announcing, “I’m going to bed!” around 10 p.m. and Pea Daddy nearly spitting his root beer in disbelief that I even noticed.
What works:
No Caffeine or Alcohol
It’s been five months since I had my last cup of coffee, and though I still miss the ritual of my daily cup (or eight), my life is much better without it.
As for alcohol, I haven’t had a drink since our date night over a month ago, in part because I had a sinus infection, but then because I gave it up for Lent. I really didn’t expect it to have much of an impact on my sleep, since alcohol is a depressant and often makes me sleepy. But alcohol has been shown to interfere with normal sleep cycles, and I’ve been resting much easier without it. I’ll drink to that. Or not.
Intense Workouts
While initially I was loving my yoga-only workouts I started at the beginning of the year, after about two totally zen months, I realized I just wasn’t getting the intensity level of workouts I crave. I’m not putting down yoga at all, I just don’t feel that that is my best way for me to get my sweat on all of the time.
Obviously, due to my long-term back issues, high impact, steady state cardio (i.e. long distance running) isn’t an option for me. So for the past month, I’ve been doing High Intensity Interval Training (3x per week) combined with heavy weight training (4x per week). And I’m not talking about doing bicep curls with soup cans. I’m talking grunting, sweating, throwing-down-the-dumbbells-when-I-can’t-do-another-single-rep heavy weight training. And since I workout at home, I can do that while wearing cutoffs and flip-flops, if I choose.
Not only can I see my abs again, but I would almost single-handedly credit these intense workouts for why I’m falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
Clean, High Protein Eats
While I generally think as Americans we overemphasize the amount of protein we need in our diets, vegan or not, if you are going to be tearing down your muscle fibers that frequently, you’ve got to replenish it. With protein. (“Hi again, Mom!”)
And that’s why you’ve noticed more high-protein recipes lately, like Protein Donuts and Protein Truffles.
There’s more where that came from.
Creamy Protein Porridge
Serves 1
- 1/4 c. steel cut oats (ground into Scottish oats) or Scottish oats
- 1/2 c. non-dairy milk
- 1 c. water + 1/4 c. more during cooking
- 1/4 t. cinnamon
- 1/2 t. nutmeg
- stevia to taste
- 1 scoop protein powder of your choice (my current favorite is a 50/50 pea, brown rice blend from True Protein…put in my empty container)
- nut butter, dried fruit, etc. for topping (optional)
To make your own Scottish oats (thanks for the tip, Ashley), you can grind steel cut oats in your food processor or high speed blender. The more you blend, the creamier your porridge will become. I like mine ground into dust.
Transfer oats to a medium saucepan and add milk and water. Whisk until there aren’t any lumps.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring ever few minutes.
If the porridge gets too thick, you can add a little more water while cooking and whisk it in completely.
At the end of the cooking time, you can add your protein powder, stevia and spices and whisk well to remove any lumps.
Transfer porridge to a bowl, or eat it straight from the pot,
and top it with whatever nut butter or dried fruit you like.
Most days I’m a purist and go for a simple spoonful of almond butter melted over the top.
But sometimes, I like to jazz it up a bit.
And if all else fails, though I haven’t had to rely on this yet, I have a secret weapon.
Another bowl of porridge before bed, served up with…
Stories From Pea Daddy’s Fantasy Baseball League
I’ll sleep like a baby, I tell you.
Is it morning yet because I want to eat this right now. And we have a whole box of fresh strawberries in the fridge!
I’m so glad you are finding what works for you and have been able to sleep! I love when food solves the problem.
It makes a good dessert too
Aww. I’m actually one of those annoying people who dozes off as soon as my head hits the pillow, and sleeps like a log until I wake. It’s pretty great. But don’t get envious, because school no longer allows me to sleep. So I have the capacity, just not the opportunity
I didn’t know you could grind up oats like that! Cool.
Even with stress like med school you can sleep? I totally envy you!
Do you follow a particular strength training program?
I kind of formulated one for myself. Email me if you want the details!
I’d love to hear more about your strength training program. Balance is something that I’m struggling with right now, coupled with some health issues that have come about recently.
I have a feeling you’ll hear more…
I’ve definitely struggled with sleep problems (I’d never claim full-on insomnia, since I can go for a month or so where I sleep perfectly normally) in the past. Since overcoming some long bouts of illness I’ve been able to reincorporate some more intense exercise into my routine. This makes a night and day difference with my ability to fall asleep and stay that way. I also don’t drink coffee (never have, never will) or alcohol, which I think has truly helped as well.
MamaPea knows what she’s talking about
Thanks, I think so too! Glad you are felling better!
When can I expect my free tea? I’m in college, I’ll take anything that’s free..
I’m so happy you can sleep better again! I’ve never had insomnia problems, but Fight Club portrays a pretty realistic idea of what you go through, right?
The porridge looks like it tastes great, but I think the texture would freak me out. Yay for protein!
If you email me your address, I’ll send it to you.
Wow! Very honest post. I’m also a member of the insomniacs club, as is my mother and her 96 year old father. I come from a long line of non-sleepers.
I fully understand that some of the issues underlying insomnia have to do with mental health and anxiety, but after years of (very good) therapy and yoga and melatonin weren’t cutting it, I went the medication route about a year ago.
I don’t fell the slightest bit guilty about it either. Some people have to eat crap to get through their day. Other people have to be really, really mean to get through their day. I have to take prescription sleep meds to get through my day. So sue me.
I do feel groggy and tend to press snooze in the morning, but it is worth it to be able to fall asleep in 20-30 minutes most days. I take something called trazodone, which is actually an anti depressant that is sometimes used as a sleep aid and is totally non habit forming.
Glad to hear you’re sleeping a bit better now!
It runs in my family too. My mom doesn’t sleep, nor does my grandma, but they also don’t power lift. Time to get grandma a squat rack.
I’m glad you found something that works for you…and no judgment from me!
I have sleep issues too….can’t do much about it as I am currently 24 wks pregnant….i’ll give you one guess why I can’t sleep thru the night! plus, i’m high strung about my kids…always think i hear something and then I can’t go back to sleep, or i start singing songs (dang 80′s! … always something there to remind me…)
hubby for some reason can sleep thru anything, including my 2 yr old vomiting into the toilet at 2am….must be nice….
great idea grinding up the oats!
And now I’m singing “Always Something There to Remind Me…”
Once I fall asleep, I can sleep through anything too. Poor Pea Daddy.
I’m glad you’re sleeping better! I have no problem sleeping but if you figure out a way to quell crazy dreams, let me know! I’m sure my best friend is getting tired of me texting him first thing when I wake up to let him know he was in a wild dream with me. And thank you for the reminder to put nutmeg in oatmeal! I’m sure my boyfriend is going to love you even more now (meaning he loves nutmeg and loves your recipes)!
p.s. My Pandora radio must know I’m on your site because Taylor Swift is playing!
Don’t take melatonin, that makes crazy dreams even crazier!
I am on a nutmeg kick that I don’t see ending any time soon.
That is the sweetest picture of you and Lulu! I used to struggle with sleeping problems, and they really stuck around until I changed my diet. I swear when I became vegan, I slept soundly for the first time in years. But I think other things helped the process too. Yoga actually seemed to help me, as well as the green juices. I’m glad you’re finding what works for you!
My baby Lulu. So big now. (sniff)
I’m glad your diet has helped you sleep soundly too!
I have noticed the increased number of recipes including protein, and now I know why. I’ve GOT to start strength training again. It’s been far too long.
I haven’t done any running since my back surgery (you and I have talked about all that before), but I just couldn’t hold off any longer. I just started Couch to 5K and I’m hoping my back can handle it and that my remaining bulging discs don’t get worse.
I’m glad to hear you’re sleeping better now. That first photo of you and little Lulu is so precious!
P.S. My husband goes to sleep around 1 or 2am every night. Any earlier and he can’t sleep through the night. Crazy!
Sounds like he needs to do some strength training too!
Strength training has really helped with my back pain too. I’d highly recommend it!
Great pictures, great info, and great stores! Love it all
Oat bran always makes me fall asleep– my favorite snack before bed
Mmm…me too. Thanks!!!
I sleep pretty well most of the time. It rarely happens that I don’t get a good night’s sleep.
I will have to try that oat porridge thing. I have some whole oat groats in my pantry that I have yet to touch.
You lucky girl! (with the sleep and oat groats…)
I had no idea you suffered from insomnia…I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. And it sounds like you’ve “tried everything”. I have some health challenges I don’t blog about b/c I don’t want to hear people say, well my grandma tried this. Or my mother tried that. Have you….YES, I have.
“But alcohol has been shown to interfere with normal sleep cycles, and I’ve been resting much easier without it. ” Amen to that. I used to be SUCH a party girl. But ever since becoming a mom, I’m not. And just 1 glass of wine or champagne or a drink, I just feel my sleep isn’t as good. I know it’s not as good, actually. And back when I used to be a heavy drinker, I knew my sleep wasnt good. I just didnt care
I love your porrridge and I love the white with red print tablecloth! And those TJs strawberries. Soooo good!
Thanks for the honest post, the honest review of what you’ve tried, and for rocking out a great recipe too!
Honestly, I was really relieved to get to the end of the post and realize that the natural stuff is working for you. It’s amazing what some hard workouts and the right foods will do for the body. As much as we think we “need” that morning jolt, it’s not always as helpful as we think. I’ve even been ditching my every morning tea and been shocked at how much better I feel when I only have it occasionally. Cheers to zzz’s!
I think we totally underestimate the effects of caffeine on our bodies!
Thank you so much for these tips. While I know my bouts of insomnia are related more to anxiety than anything else, even on my best nights I’m not a good sleeper, taking an hour to get to sleep and waking up multiple times in the night. I almost never drink alcohol and have only tentatively got back into coffee lately, so I’m very keen to try upping my protein and seeing what happens!
I’m not sure if just the protein would help…but for me, the weights are key!
I was an insomniac for a long time and nothing worked for me! Surprisingly, cutting back to 1 cup of coffee each morning and cutting out most alcohol (I’ll only drink wine and beer) helped tons. I really do think I’d benefit from cutting out both coffee and alcohol. It’s been rough.
Intense workouts! I can’t wait to get back to those. Once my teacher credentialling is done, I plan on it! (It’s over this week!!!!) I took some time off when I herniated a disc but it’s feeling MUCH better now.
Did I know you herniated a disc? Poor thing! I’m glad it’s better now.
Have you tried magnesium? It’s supposed to be very relaxing.
I have tried it once but not right before bed so I can’t say for sure, but my cousin has severe insomnia and has been taking it recently & it seems to really work.
I mostly sleep well but when I have jet lag or am stressed I have more trouble sleeping. Also sometimes a few times a month I just get insomnia and can’t sleep a wink..
I got a detox wrap one time and it apparently had magnesium in it. I slept like a baby.
Yes magnesium helps me too. Natural Calm is great. But helps with getting to sleep, not always staying asleep.
I did try magnesium and it didn’t do a darn thing for me, but maybe I got the wrong kind? Chelated magnesium is what I have.
oh mama, do I KNOW what you’re talking about! my insomnia started in college also… more for classes, though, or that’s what I blamed it on (I seemed to sleep fine before my tennis tournaments).
I was JUST saying today that people overdo protein a lot… including me… and this looks delicious. LOVE the strawberry addition!
protein question, actually –> you have talked about true protein – a 50/50 rice + pea? do you have to custom make that one, I have never seen it? (I use some products and looked for it the other day…)
have a fab night – sleep well!
It’s a custom blend. And it’s awesome!
thank yoooou – I am going to order now… they should add it to the regular line up, calling it Mama Pea Blend
Mama Pea
Ditto..I, like you, have a body that needs/craves exercise..running, walking, yoga..its a regimen and TOTALLY worth it. I think the 8 hours thing is a bit of a myth though..do you? People panic if they don’t get the full quota and it can keep them awake worrying. We are all so different..and I find if I get up before six then I feel fantastic, any longer than that starts to negate the good my sleep has done (weird but true).
Your recipe sounds delish. I too use brown rice powder and TJ’S dried fruits are a tangy truimph in a reseal bag. I find oats too heavy for me so just use the protein, fruits, pumpkin & sunflowers seeds & fennel seeds.. Have you tried Trader Joes Green Powder drink? I use that with the brown rice protein and its full of supergreens and good stuff…and it is TASTY as. Millet works really well too and is super easy to digest.
Thanks, love your blog. So funny and creative!
I haven’t tried the Green Powder drink. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks!
This story came at just the right time. I have always had trouble sleeping, and lately it is mostly due to stress (volunteered to take the lay-off and really kicking myself for it!). It seems that by the time I think to take something for sleep, it is a little too late. I did anyway last night and I was fallling all over myself this morning. I must have looked drunk! I’m going to make myself a bowl of porridge right now!
I credit the exercise and not the porridge…but just make sure not to workout too close to bedtime!
Bodies must be different in regards to melatonin. I don’t know how I’d survive without it. My brother also has suffered from severe insomnia for years, and melatonin has been a life saver. I do like using kava and valerian but I get the early am wake-ups and then only seem to help with getting to sleep.
I still struggle with sleep even though melatonin helps most of the time. I may have to go to a sleep lab.
I’m so glad it works for you! It also helps me, but I just don’t wake up feeling refreshed.
I’ve had a packet of pea protein in my pantry for over a month now and I didn’t know what to put it in – now I do!!
… and when all else fails, there’s a low-dose anti-depressant. Changed my life—instead of one good night’s sleep in a month, I get them *every* night, provided I have the time to give to sleeping!
When overtired, my mood gets WAY out of whack: I take drugs for the benefit of those around me as well as myself—and I’ve never been groggy for a second. But it all still goes a lot better with vigorous exercise and a good diet, I’ll give you that!
The Second Breakfast…just when the first one is cleaned up and you think you are safe to take a shower!
Yup, that’s the one!
Another person here who watches the clock and counts down…. Oh how I can relate to “If I sleep NOW I’ll get xxxx hours of sleep..” LOL!
I’d love to hear more about your exercise plan too!
It sounds a lot like our new FIRM Express system. I’ve found when I work out it really DOES help me sleep better. (Unless I’m staying up late reading Peas and Thank you!!) Lately I’ve been adding in rebounding too. Helps keep the lymphatic system clear.
This recipe looks FAB! I just picked up some bulk steel cut oats at a local Mennonite store (Where I can buy them for $1- a#!!! I KNOW what I’m making tomorrow! Thanks again for the amazing recipes!
If you shoot me an email, I’ll send you my workout!
OH yes, I would love to know your work out too! If it helps your back pain it will probably help mine. LOVE this post!
I’ll email you, Jill!
Loved reading about your experience with sleep and am so glad it’s getting better for you. When I was younger and through undergrad, I had a much harder time sleeping. It used to take me 30-45min to fall asleep. Not every night, but a lot of the time. I think I can count on 1 hand the times that has happened in the past year. I attribute it to exercise + diet for sure…oh and maybe a super busy schedule! I love your simple oats. Lately I’ve been making mine just in water or water + almond milk and they are SO delicious. The simple oat flavor really comes out and is so amazing. I’ve never put protein powder in my oats…will have to give that a try. I also love that you grind the oats into dust! SO creamy!!! I just made my maple cinnamon almond butter today, for the first time in FORever, and I must admit it’s better than Justin’s.
hehehe Very pretty photos!!! You have so many new towels…jealous!
I think something’s wrong with the Justin’s Maple I JUST BOUGHT (it was on sale). It tastes rancid. What does it tell you that i still eat it.
I can’t imagine you have ANY trouble sleeping these days. Loved chatting yesterday!
I’m making this tomorrow morning! =)
I’m the same way! I don’t even think of the prospect of sleep the night before something big (tennis match, exam, presentation). I also have trouble falling asleep in new places, like the first night at a hotel I will not be able to fall asleep
But hey, what is room service for anyway? Bring on the pancakes at 2 am!
praise God that you’re sleeping better!! yayyy
I totallllyyyyyy agree that hard and raw workouts are the best for sleeping well! I think that’s why I’ve been falling asleep quicker the past few years. It does wonders for reals. Mmmm I want oats now~
My wacky sleep problem is that I wake up at 4 in the morning and then I can’t go back to sleep. Then it becomes hard for me to make it through the day without a second cup of coffee in the afternoon. It’s all a viscious cycle. I keep promising myself I will get off of coffee when my youngest child goes off to college–in 15 years! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. Have you ever tried Power Vinyasa Yoga in a warm room (86 degrees). Talk about getting your sweat on . . . holy sh#%balls!
I, too, was an insomniac most of my life! I could never figure it out and neither could the doctor’s. Post-college, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety (um, duh) and have found some ways to relieve that stress. It’s frustrating. Good to know about the coffee/alcohol and that it actually was impacting your sleep.
oh, i can relate on the lifelong insomnia issues!! thanks for sharing what has worked for you!
THE WORST is the middle-of-the-night countdown, like you said…”i can still get 4 hours sleep!!!….2 hours!” then you just freak out more!!
sounds like you’ve hit a home run in terms of finding what works for you for a good night’s sleep…all good as long as the girls don’t wake up in the night, right?!
Hello My name is Katie and Im an insomniac too : )
I suffer from that, its horrible, Mike and I have the tylenol pm and we have another sleep aid knock off brand, BUT I stopped taking the tylenol pm a lot , I used to every night, I would wake up feeling groggy and I didn’t like that feeling, now I take one usually once or twice a week, but mike takes then every night, I told him he needs to stop, its not the best long term I believe ; )
I heard of melatonin too, but never tried it, but I like your tips and how you have gotten to sleep better, oh and fantasy baseball, football, or whatever one is going at the time, yeah that is a SOLUTION for me , lol! I fall asleep listening to Mike talk about players he should drop or pick up and stresses over, puts me right to bed! ha!
Have a great day love!
p.s. HIIT rocks! I do 20 minute HIIT 3 times a week too on the elliptical, short, sweet, and effective!
Poor Mike! He should try melatonin…I feel like it’s much safer because it’s natural. It works really well for some people!
Hope you have a great day too!
I know, I will have to try melatonin for him, the life of a lawyer, work all day, stress, its the reason he doesnt sleep, and me, Ahhhhhhh I don’t need to sleep, lol, maybe one day : )
I hate not being able to sleep. When I was on my last treatment for my colitis, the drug they put me on prevented me from sleeping at all. I was awful. I know you’re not supposed to do this but what seemed to help me was watching tv in bed.
Reading in bed really helps me too. But they say you aren’t supposed to do anything in bed but sleep…well, and one other thing.
Eat.
Oh sweetie, I totally feel you. I’ve always been an insomniac and it sucks. Or, I’m a reverse insomniac — I’ll be able to get to bed, but I’ll wake up early with a total case of the “this energy is not natural and I’m acting like I took some speed.”
Truth is, the most natural solutions work best for me too. No caffeine except in the morning, good workouts, etc. Though I’ve noticed a line when it comes to workouts. Intensity is good, but overtraining is not. When I overtrained, the insomnia came right back.
Protein is good at helping you sleep because all the amino acids do good things for your brain chemistry. Julia Ross’s The Mood Cure is an interesting read about that (though I don’t agree with everything she says).
Anyways, so glad you found your rest!
I’ve heard of that book. Maybe I’ll check it out…thanks!
i never sleep either, runs in our family, although Lori actually sleeps with no problems. Me on the other hand struggle to sleep, always have, and now it is making me sick.
I am trying to go to bed earlier as I notice that makes a difference, as well as learning to manage my stress better. I have not had alcohol in months, thanks to my candida cleanse. I still have one cup of coffee in the morning, I used to have two, but cut back. Baby steps for me. 
Glad to know you are getting sleep, there is hope for me!
Absolutely! I know you girls workout hard too, so maybe that helps a little?
I never realized you were an insomniac, but I can imagine how much that sucks because I experienced it a lot throughout my pregnancy (that and restless leg syndrome). Out of curiosity have you heard of the book, “The 4 Hour Body?” I’m only suggesting the part about getting good sleep (and I don’t mean the “take-3-4 20 minute naps a day” part. He talks about these little blue light things and says they work great from him and he’s also a lifelong insomniac. I’m not saying buy the 300 page book for that one chapter, but maybe flip through it if you’re ever in B&N sometime.
I’d love to see what your workout program looks like if you don’t mind emailing it to me, too? Do you generally eat the way you did when you were doing the BFL program?
I now have even more respect for you knowing you do all that you do without much sleep. I’ve discovered that golf is a good sleep-inducer in addition to conversations about fantasy baseball (or football).
I haven’t heard of that book! I’ll add you to the email list, though!
i’ve also struggled with insomnia, and actually was on medication for it from the time i was 13 until i was 20! after living with a sleep-talking, sleep-walking boyfriend for a few months, i discovered the joy of earplugs. even now that i’m on my own, if i sleep with earplugs in i just sleep so much better (i also tend to sleep for longer). this past weekend, my sister let me borrow her eye mask to sleep and it was amazing. though maybe scarily so, as combined with the earplugs she actually had to shake me several times to wake me up so i wouldn’t miss my flight!!!
i’m glad you’ve found something that works for you! insomnia really is the worst!
Wow, that’s a long time to be on sleep meds. I’m glad you are finding things that work for you. I’ve always wanted a sleep mask. They look so glamorous.
i’m so thankful that i’ve never had trouble sleeping…in fact, i’ve just recently noticed that taking naps on sunday afternoons is the only thing that makes it even slightly hard to sleep at night! i do know that insomnia runs in my family though, and i think that these tips are great just for living life anyway
so glad you’re sleeping well mama pea!
Thanks Heather! You are blessed to be able to nap. Enjoy it while you can!
I hate having insomnia!!
If you’re ever in a pinch, my mom takes this great natural sleep medicine called Sleep MD and it really works!! Just thought I’d throw that out there
Thank you!
Just in the past week I’ve cut down my caffeine intake to almost nothing, and it really does make a huge impact. I’ve always had sleep issues (I use melatonin, and that’s the only thing that’s ever helped w/o making me feel totally drowsy in the morning..) and the last two nights I’ve slept better than I remember sleeping… ever
Looking forward to getting my hands on the book!
I have to say – I’ve been trying your recipes for the last month or so, and we love every single one of them! I just made your cereal bar replacements yesterday, so yummy! Thank you
Caffeine made such a difference for me. I hope you streak keeps up! And thank you for your sweet compliments!
I can definitely empathize with you, I’ve had problems sleeping for years now. I don’t have a problem falling asleep (I’m a pro at falling asleep by 10-11:00), but I can never stay asleep long. There are some nights I only get about 3 hours of sleep and it makes me feel like crap. The more I exercise and the less caffeine I consume, the more sleep I get at night. I’m with you on that one.
I know you can get extended release melatonin to help you stay asleep, but I’ve never tried it.
So you bring up a question I’ve been thinking about as I venture into the world of vegan, how much protein do you need in a day? I don’t workout on a regular basis unless you count chasing my 18month old around the dining room table again and again and again…. With the weather getting nicer I might start getting into a routine again but I definitely advocate the evolution of packing on a few pounds in the winter to keep warm:) My husband keeps harping on me everyday that I get enough protein and I tell him I am but honestly, I don’t know if I am or not.
It’s different for everyone (and I’m not a nutritionist) but the range could be from like 60 g of protein per day for lightly active individuals with no weight training to 1 g of protein per body weight for those that are extremely active, working out hard. Now that I’m lifting heavy, I’m trying to get in the 100-130g range per day. I’d recommend asking your doctor and/or a nutritionist if you are really concerned.
Hehehe I loved this story! Lately I’ve been exhausted and going to bed around 9 (i know, I’m a baby stuck in a 22 year old’s body) but I’m having trouble sleeping through the night. I have also given up coffee and barely drink alcohol, but I’m going to use some of your other tips to see if they help!
Count me in the insomniacs club. . . but meds work for me! I not only have problems getting to sleep (I had to laugh at the watching the clock thinking of how much sleep you could get- the number of nights I’ve done that is a little insane), I also have problems staying asleep. I wake up in a panic after an hour thinking of everything else I should be doing or how tired I’ll be, then I go back to sleep to repeat that process however many times it takes to make it to morning. Let’s not even talk about the anxiety I feel all day of “can I get to sleep tonight? if I can’t get to sleep how will I do x, y, or z tomorrow”. Sleeping meds have changed my life. My entire day no longer centers around sleep AND mine do the trick so I go to sleep, stay asleep, and feel great and refreshed in the morning. Sure there are side effects (like what happens if something or someone tries to keep me up AFTER I’ve taken my pills), but they are minimal for the good they do for my life!
Really though, this comment is about your back- did you have a disc fusion or just the herniation removed? I’m asking because I had a discectomy in Nov, and they told me I can run again in May. I’m scared to though. The actual disc is just shot, and if I herniate it again then I will need a disc fusion- which based on what I’ve heard is scary. Just wondering about the details of your surgery and post op recovery and workouts etc.
Oh wow, can I relate. I had a discectomy in April of 2009. My surgeon told me I can run again, but essentially told me the longer I run (distance-wise) the better chance I have for reherniation of that disc or another disc. The risk isn’t worth it to me. I limit my runs to 30 minutes. I think I started running again maybe six months after surgery? Pilates and physical therapy really helped me afterwards, as did simply walking and the recumbent bike. I’m not 100% pain free on any day…I’m always a bit stiff and sore. But I can walk, which is more than I can say pre-surgery. Feel free to email me if you have more questions!
i think that sleep is SO important (it’s what i credit for not getting a cold or flu since last winter) so good on ya for getting it under control!
Like almost all the other commenters here, I also have major insomnia issues…..would you mind sharing how much protein (grams) you are trying to eat every day?
Again, it’s different for everyone, but for me, lifting weights several times a week, I try to get between 100 and 130 g. per day.
I am loving that you are featuring more protein powder based recipes lately. I loved the donuts and will have to make the truffles next. Fab!
And help others, as usual.
I tend to shy away from oats because I feel like my stomach explodes after I eat them, however I do love pancakes made w/ oats/protein powder. I think it’s a texture thing…
Anyway, this might sound odd, but I’d love to hear what you are doing for your HIIT and strength workouts. I think it’s awesome that people can workout at home…I am a gym person and have to be around other people.
So…it might be cool to see what you do
xoxo!
Adding you to the email list
I’ve dealt with insomnia every other year or so for most of my life. I saw a sleep therapist about it in high school, and apparently almost every person who can’t sleep is very Type-A. Unsurprising. Exercise definitely helps me a LOT though…I’m a really antsy person, and so being sedentary for too long actually wakes me up. I’ve noticed issues with alcohol, too, which is just hard to cut out since it’s such a big social thing at my age. I feel like a lot of our experiences with sleep meds are exactly the same, though!
Who you calling Type-A?!
Hey Mama Pea,
I too am a lifelong chronic insomniac. What I wouldn’t give for one night of sleep. And I’m not asking for much, just 4-5 hours of straight sleep. I’m currently sick from getting so run down. This happens every so often and I know it’s from lack of sleep. I eat a very healthy plant strong diet, so I hate that I even get sick at all. I can’t do med either because I feel so groggy the next day. I drink 1-2 cups of green tea in the morning, but other than that no caffeine. Well, I have a square of high quality dark chocolate after lunch. Can getting rid of the one to 2 cups of green tea help???? I guess I need to give that a try as everything else has failed.
Mina
PS. I’d love the details of your strength training program. I’m a runner and started weight training last spring when I was training for a half marathon. but I know I’m not at the intensity I should be.
I really thing cutting out all caffeine CAN help for some people. I know it did for me. But keep that chocolate.
I’ll add you to the email list!
I completely agree about the overemphasis on protein in America! While I do know that protein is important and that it needs to be replenished after exercise, it gets way too much attention. When my husband and I told his mother and grandmother that we were becoming vegetarians, being the old southern ladies they are, they FREAKED. Because we’re going to die without fried chicken in each meal.
And yet, for the first three months, I tracked my protein intake just to be sure I was actually getting enough and I had no problem reaching the recommended amount. I think most meat-heavy Americans probably get two to three times the amount of protein they need. Combine that with limited exercise and I honestly think that may do some harm. But I haven’t been able to find any information backing me up. So that’s just a theory for now
I agree! Too much protein can be really hard on your organs.
I am feeling a bit convicted about my caffeine and alcohol consumption right now! Oh wait, never mind, it passed.
That looks yum! Are you using the dry blade or the regular blade in the vitamix?
I’ve used all of these in the past, too! Except for fresh juices – still saving up for that purchase
My problem isn’t FALLING asleep – it’s staying asleep. But I also don’t wake up and STAY up. I just wake up, every now and then, all. night. long. So while I’m not up super early because I can’t sleep, I just never feel like I get a truly full and restful sleep.
I’ll have to get working on getting that juicer. Seems like a good birthday present request this year!
They do have extended time release melatonin…it might be worth a shot!
I’ve also had bouts of insomnia where I have gone years without sleeping more than 2-3 hours a night. Recently, I have been drinking a hot mug of Anise about an hour before bed and it works wonders! I posted about Anise in my blog if your interested but it really is fabulous!
I’ve never heard about that. Thanks!
So glad you can sleep now! I have a friend who has chronic insomnia. She switched to tea from coffee and it seemed to help her some too!
At first I thought that was cream of wheat. It looks SO good. I like the dried strawberry idea too. I’m going to have to look into those protein powders too…I’m not totally loving the one I have now.
This may seem like an ignorant question, but is grinding the steel cut oats to dust produce a different product than oat flour, or a different result than grinding up rolled oats?
Not ignorant! I think the steel cut oats just provide a heartier texture, but that could be completely mental.
Wishing you continued sleep. I’m on the other side of the spectrum, the one where any less than 8 hours leaves me feeling off. Which was fantastic when I had a newborn. That’s why I don’t remember the first year of either of my kid’s lives…. good thing I took a lot of pictures. It’s kind of like the movie Momento, except there isn’t a murder to be solved.
I do think that sweaty, hard workouts lead to good sleep. Glad you are finding some things that work for you.
Ha ha ha! Love Memento. Guy Pierce. Mmmm.
This last valentine’s day I fell on the ice here in nasty MN – dislocated my ankle and double fractured my tibia and fibula. Obviously, my life of work, MBA, dance, yoga, running, lifting and social life all came to a sudden stop. With the dramatically decreased activity level in my life, my insomnia decided it was time to revisit. I had forgotten how awful it was!! I am so glad that you have been able to find a balance in your life that promotes healthy sleep patterns. Thankfully my recent relapse to insomnia has been almost cured with a return to work and light workouts (yup, I’m “that girl” on crutches in the gym). I will have to give the “no alcohol” thing a try, though – I’ve already cut caffeine and upped my activity level, but the sleep won’t always come.
p.s. – not having a laptop at home meant that I spent almost 4 weeks not reading your blog (the computer was in the other room)! So glad to be back reading about you and all the Peas!!
You poor thing! I’m glad you are recovering. I’m also glad you are back reading the Peas
Thank you!
I don’t have time to read through all of the comments so I’m not sure if this was mentioned yet, but you MUST try Yoga Nidra. It is awesome!!! It might sound weird when you read up on it, but it is amazing. I highly recommend listening to Rod Stryker. He has a CD (Relax into Greatness) out with a short and long practice. It is great to do right before bed, or when you feel like you “need a nap”. If you have a yoga studio in town that offers a workshop or class, that would be another place to check out.
I haven’t tried it, but it sounds amazing! Thank you!
Hey Mama Pea, I love your site; my husband and I are truly healthier because of it:) Quick question: does that protein powder have any warnings about contributing to birth defects of any sort? I know there are disclaimers on other protein powders, not sure if your container mentioned it.
Glad you enjoy our site!!!
I’ve never bought a powder with that disclaimer. Thanks for the warning, I will look for it now!
I too have struggled with sleep problems, but both my sleep issues and my anxiety issues resolved themselves when I started lifting heavy (as in reaching and trying to push through failure after 6-8 reps of each exercise) and doing HIIT. Steady state cardio and yoga never had that effect for me!
Yes! Yes! Yes! So I didn’t just make it up
I’m also a lifer when it comes to insomnia. I thought I used up all my all-nighters in high school until I spent my freshman year of college watching A&E (I think…) and TV Land until the sun came up (on the plus side, I’m all caught up on Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere (from 3-5), and I was able to enjoy The Sonny and Cher Show and The White Shadow from 5 until 7, although I sometimes finally fell asleep and missed the end). I still struggle with insomnia, although now I often fall asleep, not early enough, and wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back to sleep for hours. I’ve avoided the Family Matters trap (I refuse!) by watching Three’s Company or The Nanny instead (or, *gasp*, the news!). I’ve done some of what you listed, so I don’t know what will help.
Oh man, The Nanny is brutal. I pray you find some relief!
I’m going to run the ‘no coffee/beer’ by the Husband, who also doesn’t sleep…my best guess on his answer to trying it out…
Like Hell!!
Do you happen to know the nutritional info on your Protein Porridge (cals, protein, fat, carbs)?
I’d also love to hear about your HIIT workout!
I’ll plug in the numbers and let you know!
Okay, it’s 344 calories, 9 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbs and 31 grams of protein. That’s without the berries but with the almond butter
I have huge problems with sleep and I have found that what works for me is exactly that. ZERO caffeine and intense workouts. What stinks is that if I want to take a day off from exercising it is an absolute pain to get to sleep that night. Even if I spend the whole day walking around, it’s just not the same for some reason.
Yes! I’m glad you’ve found that it works for you too! It gives me a little credibility
I am fortunately not an insomniac, however I have noticed a difference in the quality of my sleep when I’m getting regular exercise. Exercise definitely has a positive effect. Glad to hear you have found solutions that work!
I cut out coffee over a year ago too and it does helps with sleep. I find that when I drink alcohol I wake up restless in the middle of the night Not good. That hasn’t happened since I gave it up for lent. Sleep is one of my favorite activities. I’m glad you were able to find natural ways to help you sleep better. Being dependent on meds in never good if you can fix the problem naturally.
Can’t wait to try that porridge, it looks amazing!
See, maybe you and I should stay off the wine for good
Agreed. I sleep sooooo much better when I’m getting in serious workouts, eating well, and avoiding caffeine. It makes such a difference. And a necessary one to have the energy to put up with kiddos’ energy all day. How do they do it?!
I have no idea. They get naps. Well, at least yours do
Mama,
I have sleep problems too and I didn’t develop them until I was over 35 and had developed thyroid issues too. I feel like a lot of sleep stuff relates to hormones as well as psychological things like anxiety. Hormone imbalance can spike anxiety which can cause insomnia. Getting a hormone panel done isn’t a bad idea. I had a naturopath do a cortisol test to see if my cortisol levels were ok – that was interesting and shed some light on the insomnia.
Might I also mention that having a teenager (who graduated last year and now thankfully lives at college) contributed to the sleepless nights. Now I have no firsthand knowledge of shenanigans and it is better that way. Just 3 more kids to go (the youngest being 3).
I agree that intense exercise is a really big help.
Good luck!
Karen
I do think that’s a good idea. I’m not a very hormonal person (does that make sense?), I don’t have the body type or any of the characteristics that go along with having an excess of estrogen. I’m sure a lack of hormones could also cause problems. Thanks for the perspective, Karen!
that’s amazing that just lifestyle changes have solved your insomnia. once again, you’re a great example how diet and habits can be a solution instead of a pill.
that last picture is so pretty.
Thanks, Teri!
AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that photo up there is from the FIRST post I read of yours! First post ever! When you were sleepin on the floor! Then I further investigated and learned about crack wraps and I was like this lady has some damn cute kiddos with green monster moustaches. Okay, now I am gonna go read this post.
You can’t! It’s on the old blog. Sorry
oh haha. i meant read this post as in.. this one.. that i am commenting on. i left that first comment just after seeing the photo.
Oh, gotcha gotcha. I think.
I never thought of putting my oats through a coffee grinder to make porridge. Gonna try something like this tomorrow! As for protein powders, I’ve heard mixed things. What do you think is the best/ healthiest protein powder?
Oh gosh. Different strokes for different folks. If you aren’t vegan, whey is supposedly the best for muscle repair and taste. If you are vegan (like me), I like brown rice. If I mix the pea protein with it, I can handle the pea too. I don’t care for hemp…it’s a little too earthy for me. Soy is okay too, so long as you can tolerate it, it’s non-GMO and you don’t have a problem with soy overall (I don’t). My favorite soy is Spirutein. Yum. For rice and pea, I like True Protein.
Cool – thanks for the tips! I’m vegetarian, but try to only buy organic milk products and get most of my eggs from my friends’ backyard chickens haha, so I think I’ll probably go the rice/pea route.
I haven’t found an organic whey protein…Jay Robb might be?
tera’s whey.
Good to know!
Porridge! I have never had porridge. But it sure is fun to say. And these sure do look creamy and protein packed. Right up my alley. I never have a problem sleeping. I have a problem waking up.
Oh my gosh, I would be an insane lady if I didn’t get regular sleep. I’m cranky if I don’t get 8 hours every night! I wish I were joking!
Ugh, I am EXACTLY like you. To a ‘T’. Falling asleep is sooo hard for me,and I, like you, have tried everything. But even when I work out and stay away from caffeine and booze, I have difficulties. I laugh when people say “try melatonin”.. I had the exact same issues as you do. So for now, it’s a bottle of little blue pills that rest on my bedside table, awaiting my exasperation and refusal to play the “if I fall asleep now, I’ll get 4 hours of sleep…” game!
Glad you’ve found solutions that work for you!!!!!!
Come workout with me. You’ll be exhausted
I’m in Vancouver, so I should be there in ..what..6 hours?
I already worked out today. I’m not doing THAT again
BTW, I LOVE Vancouver!
i never suffered from insomnia but sometimes would toss and turn too much for my liking. i gave up caffeine about 2 months and have severely limited my alcohol intake as well; i credit my sleepful nights to abstaining from these delicious but evil culprits.
Thanks for this post! It’s nice to know I’m not the only person who has trouble sleeping. I’ve tried melatonin; it gave me sleep sweats (gross but also true). Aromatherapy makes me sneeze. I hate chamomile, and tea doesn’t make you sleepy anyway. I’ve taken doctor prescribed medication: yes, I stayed asleep for a while (and woke up really having to pee!) but I still couldn’t get to sleep in the first place! I hate the feeling of grogginess when I take medication anyway. I am going to try to implement your solutions, and maybe even buy a juicer! I never would have thought that protein consumption could help you sleep, but I bet giving up eating so much sugar would help me. Gulp. I’m also transitioning into full vegan this month, I hope that will help at least a bit. And I won’t feel congested from the dairy either. Ew.
PS Just preordered your book! Can’t wait to read it and try your recipes: everything I make from your blog gets rave reviews from my decidedly unvegan friends and family.
What a sweet comment, Rachel! Thank you! Do you workout? I worked out hard again this morning and already want to go to sleep
I hope you find a good solution for you!
I totally agree about intense workouts=better sleep. I just started a bootcamp program where the workouts are a million times more intense than I’d been doing (slacker!), and I haven’t slept this great in months!!
I’m going to have to try this protein porridge–thanks for the recipe.
Exactly my point! I was being a bit of a slacker myself…
Hey Mama Pea! I would love to know what kind of strength training you do at home. I do not have the time to get to a gym and have just recently started working out more and would love to know any tips you have. Thanks!
Emailing you!
I also would love to know what kind of HIIT and strength training you are doing at home. I am a SAHM to a 4 yr old and twin 1 yr olds, so I don’t have a lot of free time to spending working out. i used to be a cardio junkie, however I have noticed that I’m just not getting the results I want with only cardio. I need to get more bang for my buck when doing workouts.
I love your blog and can’t wait to get your book!!
Judy
I will email you too. Twin 1 year olds?! Bless you!
that porridge looks beautiful with the dried strawberries on top!
I just discovered your site and love it, and I just pre ordered your book. Congratulations!
Thanks, Nikia!
With a new baby at home, I am definitely in the needing-more-sleep club these days! I have decided I really need to take up napping to keep up, though it has never been my favorite.
Your oats look amazing! I have only ever made mine with ground farro (like on Ashley’s blog) with So Delicious coconut milk, raisins, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Holy crap. So good (though coconut milk definitely does not lend itself to every day eating here). It’s delicious. Now I find myself craving some of those strawberries in exchange for the raisins. Yum. I may just have to try the oats too. LOVE your blog, by the way. Love, love, love.
Oh my gosh, I know! I love the ground farro, though I’ve never tried it with coconut milk…yum! Love, love, love this comment. Thanks
I’m glad that you are sleeping better.. not being able to sleep is awful.
I definitely find when I exercise hard (workout, run, bike.. anything!) I sleep soooo much better and can fall asleep so much easier. Exercise does the body good eh!
When I set my alarm at night on my phone it tells me how much time I have until it goes off. I get so angry at that number.
That’s hilarious!
So glad you are sleeping well! You MUST try Spiru-Tein Banana protein powder. It’s made by a company called Nature’s Plus and I got it at Whole Foods. It is made from pea and rice proteins. It is so good with chocolate almond milk and a little PB. Protein Goodness.
I love Spirutein! But I’ve never tried the banana flavor!
Thank you for this post! I have been suffering from insomnia for a little over a year now. In that time, I’ve tried everything you mentioned and none provided long-term results. About six months ago I gave up caffiene and lately I’ve been working out harder and trying to clean up my diet. I have noticed a slight change. Your post makes me feel like I’m on the right track and that there is hope for me yet!
I hope it works!
I was wondering if you have an my stomach problems with different powder powders? I have tried the rice protein powder and belch like crazy for a while after I have it in a smoothie. I cannot do wheat or soy. Can you recommend any powders?
I assume you are asking me? I haven’t had any problems. I like the protein powders in my Amazon store and also the rice/pea blend from True Protein.
Great ideas and I’m glad you’re sleeping better
I found myself unable to sleep too lately, and wondered why carting around my 3 month old wasn’t making me tired. As soon as I add the workouts back in, I fall sleep quicker!
I was insomniac myself until lately since I went back into yoga, meditation and ensure my room is in pitch black to induce natural melatonin while asleep. Taking a nap in between is not a bad idea either
I read this before I went to sleep last night and then made it for breakfast this morning. I never liked steel cut oats but blending it was such a good idea! I loved it! Do you think this would work in a crockpot or rice cooker? I don’t have the 20 minutes to stir in the AM, but I really want this every morning now
I’d just worry that it’d get too gloppy in a crockpot/rice cooker. You could make a huge batch one day a week on the stove and then save it in the fridge? Maybe stir in some water or more non-dairy milk before reheating it in the microwave?
I have been eating this every morning myself
Just stopping by to say I love your blog, I think you’re hilarious, and I need to comment more instead of just reading! People ask me all the time how to feel more energized, not be so tired, etc. I am relieved to hear you have tired times too, too even though you are vegan as well! Life is tiring!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Michele! I appreciate the comment and thank you for reading!!!
Yummy looking eats!
Too bad about the sleep – when I am struggling with sleep issues, I take a Herbal Insomnia Formula from Nature’s Harmony. I get it at the health food store, and it contains passionflower, valerian, hops, mistletoe, wild lettuce, chamomile, calcium, and magnesium. No melatonin! My husband and I both have pretty good results with it.
Another thing you may be interested to check out is having your hormone levels checked, and maybe have your thyroid and adrenal glands assessed by a naturopathic Dr. When unbalanced, those things can wreak havoc on the system including sleep patterns.
And if you’re open to it, Reiki can help to relax. It often puts me right to sleep.
Good luck with snoozing!
It’s so good to know that I’m not alone! Most of my life I’ve been a happy sleeper, but lately I’ve been having a lot of sleep issues. Insomnia is no fun, that’s for sure!
That oatmeal looks so good. And I’m excited to try TJ’s freeze-dried strawberries. I love those and always think they are the best part of Special K with Berries or whatever that is.
oooh, now will you share your workout routine? i’ve got a 6 month old that wakes up multiple times during the night. one would think i would be able to fall asleep when he first goes down, but i end up wide awake. i dont nap during the day so it baffles me! perhaps i need some more weight lifting in my life- the kind that doesn’t pull my hair, eat my face, etc.
i bet most people thought you were kidding about matching your lipstick shade to your jersey…… but i know you were serious!
I was hoping you’d catch that. I was hawt. Jealous???
Can you taste the protein in the oats? Also, for your interval training, are you using a DVD?
It totally depends on the protein powder you use. I’m used to it
I use my treadmill for my HIIT.
Baseball stories – a true sleep inducer!
Sorry about the insomnia – I love my sleep and if I ever have problems sleeping, I will WEEP.
What about hot baths? I almost fell asleep in my lavender bath last night.
I LOVE lavender. But I don’t get hot baths. We have one bathtub and it’s in the kids’ bathroom, so unless I want them in it with me, it’s a no go.
What works for me is staying away from the computer, iphone, and TV for about 30 minutes before I go to sleep. I also like to have a cup of rooibos tea.
I have a great recipe for rooibos tea cookies if you’re looking for something new to try! http://veganinthehouse.com/2011/03/25/tea-time/
I love Rooibos. Thanks for the link!
I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately as well and been looking into it. I’ve found some information that lack of calcium and b vitamins can be related to insomnia or disturbed wake and sleep cycles. I have yet to try either but, could be worth a try. They both make sense to me.. calcium can be effected by high protein diets that are hard on the kidneys. I’m definitely no doctor, but maybe it’s worth looking into a bit more? Or perhaps you already have
I hope you sleep restfully one of these nights x
Nadine
No, the point is, I’m sleeping BETTER now than I ever have. I was having sleep problems when I was a meat eater too.
i seriously needed these tips right now! per your advice, i had an INTENSE workout today and i’m so ready to sleep soundly tonight!
I hope it worked!
The porridge looks amazing- will definitiely try it out soon! Marathon season is here again and I love a good power breakfast.
I hang my head in shame as I nod reading your post about having somewhere between 1 and 73 cups of espresso roast Starbucks in the morning and (me personally) having red wine with (and often after) dinner. I fall asleep fine but it doesn’t last long. Add that to a snoring Canadian and a tiny-tanked aging basset hound who likes to go out at 2 am. And a cat who likes to perform the Irish riverdance on my head as soon as I might be lucky enough to hit REM sleep.
My heart rate often gets higher than it should when I run. I need to cut this nonsense out. Do you think it’s enough of a start to switch to decaf and save the wine for a weekend night?
PS I also preordered the book. I have to say your eggnog scones were one of my favorites.
You’ve got to start somewhere! It can’t hurt to try and just see if it helps. I feel your pain, lady
And thanks for the preorder!
Gosh, this really touched home. I’m recovering from insomnia.
Mine was brought on by a relationship break-up. I was so stressed about it
that I was getting only 2-3 hours of sleep every night for TWO years!!!
I stopped short of taking meds because they scare me. But I did do everything I could to tire myself out (a 5k run every day, followed by an hour of heavy weights and another hour of aerobics later in the day.)
Sadly though they only made me fall asleep fast but couldn’t keep me asleep because I was just way too depressed!
I even tried weird home-remedies like warm almond-oil drops in the nostrils just before bed. Nope, didn’t work!
The only thing that got me through was yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. Though they did nothing for my sleep, they at least kept me sane and somewhat productive at work despite the severe sleep deficit. Now I’m finally moving on and get a cool 6-hours uninterrupted sleep. Heaven!
So glad to hear that the workouts are helping you and you can see your abs
Am I too late to be on the mailing list to get your workouts?
Nope, I’ll send it your way!
Hi Mama Pea! This post really calmed me down; my sleeping is so messed up right now. IE: Up unitl 4AM and sleeping during the wrong times! I was wondering if you could email me your workouts you have been doing? Everytime I try and do some serious strength training, I end up giving up because I have nothing to go by.. So I beg, and plead, can you send me the workouts you have been doing? Pleeeeaaaseeeeeee! I will even wear my sunglasses during the first one — in honor of course!
Yes! I’ll send you an email.
What is sleep?
I’d love to read your workout program for when I am able to resume full workouts!
Also, I have food texture issues and and cannot stand oatmeal. What kind of texture would you give the porridge? Could you eat it cold like a pudding?
Creamy!!! And I’ll send you my workout too.
Hi Mama Pea!
Tracey
Just discoverd your blog from HEAB. Really enjoying it! I am a brand new mom and stay at home mom…TRYING to lose my baby weight urghhh…. would love to know more about your weight workout that makes you sleep well (not that i get long stretches of sleep yet with my new little one!). You have given me some inspiration to return to my mostly vegan diet prior to getting pregnant (i followed many of the principles in the Natalia Rose Detox Book). I am totally off that wagon right now!
Hi Tracey! I’ll email you
oh mama pea thank you for these higher protein recipes! I”m excited to make them!!! I like that they dont’ have dates or cashews in them (like other healthy cookie and ball recipes) my tummy does not like them much…so these look great! I just made fitnatista’s protein pancakes which were pretty darn good actually…(although yes have an egg in there, might try flax next time though!) I workout a ton…and have a hard time eating enough protein…so i’m excited to make some muffins/donuts and balls and take them with me to work and for after a gym workout! before dinner. THANKS! they look great!!!
You are welcome…sounds like you have some of the same needs I do—quick, high protein, vegan and delicious!
That first picture of you sleeping is just the sweetest thing. I know it’s not exactly relevant to the post but just thought I’d say you look really beautiful there!!
Thank you! Your check is in the mail!
Hi Mama Pea!,
I have forgotten how I found your blog, but I am just happy I did! I would love to know more about your workout. I am in a serious slump these days and think I need a change of pace and routine! Thank you!
I’m on it!
OK- can I be on the mailing list for the workouts too?
No. You’ll see why with my next post
Hi there–New to reading your blog, and while I’m an omnivore myself (as you might guess from my website!), I’m likewise a big fan of healthy eating, regular exercise, and all that jazz. And I’ve also struggled a lot w/insomnia, unfortunately, over the past 10 years. I’ve tried some of the same remedies, to no avail, and basically have to read myself to sleep every night and hope for the best. I’ve always been a frequent exerciser, and that hasn’t changed, but what I wanted to share w/others commenting here is that I’ve started listening to short meditation/relaxation podcasts on my iPod just before bed, and it’s really helping. It’s amazing what a forced 13-minute rest session before bed does to your mind and body! (My husband knows to leave me alone during this time
And I’ve never meditated before.
So to those of you looking to try something new–just download a few off iTunes and see what you like. And keep up the good work on this blog, MamaPea!
Great idea! Thanks so much for the kind words and thanks for the suggestion.
Have you ever tried GABA? It’s an amino acid that aids in sleep and relaxation. Some people have a deficiency, so supplements can help with this.
I haven’t! Maybe I’ll check it out!
I have trouble falling asleep sometimes, but I am a total lightweight when it comes to chamomile tea…usually before I can finish one of my big mug-fuls, my head is already bobbing! My mom swears by the melatonin. She just found some sublingual (dissolve under the tongue) tablets that she’s been raving about, but I’ve never tried them myself.
Your big, creamy bowl of porridge looks delicious! I love adding protein powder to my bowls to help it “stick to my ribs” as my mother would say!
Mmm, isn’t Justin’s Maple AB the best? Definitely one of my faves!