Sleep deprived

[Inspired by Reggio]

Oh ladies - sleep schedule is so very important for our health and sanity too boot!

I use to have sleep issues after a back injury and the pain screwed up my cycle - I ended up going to a sleep clinic to get back on track and just wanted to share that "Television / Computer" is the WORST thing for an insomniac to engage in anywhere close to bedtime - while people often fall asleep to the speed of the TV images to the brain for processing mess up the brains ability to reach that REM sleep that is actually needed to STAY asleep - so you end up surface sleeping, waking easy and feeling tired. I stop watching TV or engaging in computer work at least an hour before I want to be 'asleep' instead read a book, listen to soothing music and do a crossword puzzle or something else where the images are more 'calming' and can help to empty and clear your mind for bed time.

Another thing that was suggested was writing your 'worries' down in a journal and closing it up with a locked style journal with the mental imagery that the 'worries will stay THERE' for the evening and that you are not to think about them until morning and than in a separate book keep a 'gratitude journal' of all the things that day that were AWESOME - that is the last thing you do before going to bed and keep your focus on those positive things for a sleep filled sleep

I know it seems all 'flaky' but the brain is a marvelous thing and if we focus on the positive and awesome of life the worries seem much less and slowly tend to take care of themselves.

Sending sleeping vibes your way - if it is really becoming an issue for you go see your Dr for advice ... there is counseling and other sleep services aside for 'medication' to help reset your sleep cycle!

[mom-in-alberta]

I know it seems all 'flaky' but the brain is a marvelous thing and if we focus on the positive and awesome of life the worries seem much less and slowly tend to take care of themselves.

Not flaky at all... I can see by some of your other posts regarding "abundance" mentality, etc. that you and I have some very similar ideologies. Manifestation is such a powerful force....
And I love the locked journal idea. I always journal if I am having issues sleeping, and more often than not, it helps me to doze off.

[Cadillac]

I went through the same thing. Never been a great sleeper but when my kid turned 6 months, I just stopped all together. Then after a few months I was fine, and then a while later it happened again. I had just weened myself off the meds and then my child decided it was her turn to never sleep . . . . ever. She's much better now but we've all been up for days now, coughing until we puke. Back to the doctor today for all or us.

I'm so sorry this is happening. Chin up!!!

[michellesmunchkins]

I can totally relate jodaycare! My hubby seems oblivious to everyday things that seem to stress me out (mainly financial stress) and the constant feeling of having to be 'on' all the time. Work 12 hours a day, then still have to take care of my own children and their needs/wants in the evenings, plus everything that comes with a house (bill payments, cleaning, repairs etc.) Always worrying that if one child leaves daycare will i be able to fill the spot in time to get our bills paid...

[jodaycare]

I think it is just a man thing. I am also dealing with what I believe is perimenopause, I have not had a period since Dec 27 and hubby took chemotherapy drugs 16 year ago and was deemed sterile so we haven't not used birth control since so I am 99% positive that I am not pregnant yet I am terrified to find out for sure. I have absolutely no symptoms of pregnancy other than no period. This happened last year at this time too and I went 47 days between periods then has 2 in Dec, 19 days apart. I was up all night Sunday night worrying about life and yesterday I just dozed off and on all day but thankfully I got 4 solid hours last night. However I have a headache (again) today and am just feeling miserable.

[gcj]

my brain just thinks of nothing...it doesn't stop, but there's nothing in particular. I once heard the term for this...I forget now. It can be as dumb as a random sentence that I can't stop repeating. (I swear I'm normal! Typing that I realize how odd it is )
Thanks for asking momof4. I've been on and off. I have a couple good nights, then off again. Nothing consistent. Glad you had a vacation, but sorry your body decided to go on a sleep strike after.
the only that stresses me out is not being able to sleep....but I guess that's huge! I'm setting myself up. I've heard so many times about not watching TV, maybe it's time I cut it out after a certain hour. But some nights after getting up and watching a bit it does put me to sleep

[Momof4]

gcj you are normal but obviously you are under stress. It can really make you crazy and exhausted and frustrated. I have so many nights when I just want a switch to flick to turn my brain off! Tv sucks in the middle of the night I've discovered over the years so now I just turn on my bedroom light and read. I just don't know what to do the next day when I'm trying to feel normal at work but my eyes feel like they are full of sand. A long walk and lots of exercise in the evening seems to help me and I try not to eat anything after 7pm so that there isn't anything bothering my stomach. Just a few tips. Feel free to share yours please!