I've never been particularly good at falling asleep... sleeping yes, but the act of actually getting to that point, not so much. Ever since I was a teen when I'd decide to go to bed I'd toss and turn for at least 30 mins trying to shut my brain off before I actually get to slumberland. I've heard all the advice and wisdom from everyone who dares to offer it... "well you're just not tired yet so stay up and do something productive".. If I followed that advice I'd likely be up until 2 or 3 or even 4 in the morning every night. No matter of exhausted I get, my brain seems to have to go though this shut down period, where I create the next days to-do list, or reflect upon what happened today, or worry about things I can't control, before it gives up the battle.
The one saving grace for me has always been that I could lie on my tummy, snuggle up with my pillows and just melt into the mattress. I've been a tummy sleeper my whole life, literally (ask my mother). So, imagine my frustration with the fact that the little bun inside of me is no longer allowing this comfortable position. I feel like I'm the princess and the pea. I can't get comfortable. Period. I can't get comfy on my tummy, I can't get comfy on my back, and never having been a side sleeper, that position, either left or right, feels completely awkward and uncomfortable (where are your arms suppose to go?). I've tried the pillows and the blankets and being the big spoon and being the little spoon (cuddle wise with Rob). I've tried flailing about like a star fish, cocooning up into the fetal position, upside-down, right-side up, legs off the bed, feet dangling.... you get the point. Combine the fact that I can't find a comfortable sleeping position with the fact that I still have to get up to pee every 2 hours, and I'm beginning to wonder why they call the second trimester the honeymoon period.. and don't even get my started on the restless legs syndrome!
Yes, I realize its likely going to get worse before it gets better. Then I can trade this problem for the baby waking me up every two hours with its crying, but I must say, so far this has been the most annoying pregnancy symptom of them all. I suppose I should just be happy with the fact that the baby is growing, but man, what I wouldn't give for an uninterrupted 10 hours of sleep on my tummy!
