Sleep well

I’ve been awake for four hours and it’s only 8:20am. I like staying up sometimes, and to balance that out, I try not to have a daily routine job. Imagine if I had to go to work right now.

I have problems waking up before 9am without alarm. I have very irregular sleep, I often work late hours and never go to bed before midnight. It’s even worse in winter when days are short and mornings are dark. I could sleep 10 hours and still be tired. I don’t need long sleep, just quality sleep! I used to be happy waking up 6am, before the alarm went off – that was 4 years ago. Then depression fucked up my sleep completely and I still can’t get it in order – nor sleep nor tackle depression.

So. Tomorrow I will start on this goal. I just want to prepare mentally, that tomorrow, I will start to unwind at 2200 with just candles in the room. I should also try not to eat to late. Finally, since I will go to bed between 2230 and 1100, I think it could be a good idea to try to get up at the same time every day. With one hour margin to fall asleep I will go up at 800. I discovered that it is easier to get out of bed if you get the dailight in your eyes when you wake up, so I’ll make sure the curtains not are in the way. I will aim for at least half an hour of brisk walking a day, to get the daylight and some exercise.

Ok. All things set up for tomorrow – only one issue left to deal with. What if I can’t sleep? What if my thoughts keep running through my head? Anyone has any tips?

Remember a day when as a child you had been out all day playing and finally exhausted slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep only to wake up refreshed in the morning. That is my ideal sleep.

Today it’s more like going to bed too late, even when I don’t have anything particular to do. Wasting time on the internet, like today =) Then follows a session of the old tossing and turning, ruminating and worrying about anything and everything until exhausted I fall asleep maybe one or two hours later if I’m lucky.

Ok, I hate this since I wake up half dead, don’t want to leave bed and constantly oversleep. Also, I usually never feel completely refreshed during the day. I am also often depressed, and I think my lack of sleep makes it worse : http://www.sleepbetter.com.au/sb_depres.htm
According to the study (above link)for many people who suffer from both chronic insomnia and depression,
treating the insomnia successfully without medication can eliminate or
significantly reduce the depression.

It seems I have a lot to gain from sleeping well. And by sleeping well I mean qualitatively as well as quantitatively better sleep.

So, something needs to be done.

I have read a little bit about this on the Internet and so I know what helps, or is supposed to help: regular exercise, moderate caffeine intake, regular bed times and relaxation routine, finally and maybe most important in my case, to stop the running thoughts and worries in the evening.

I will try with one week from Sunday, to go to bed at the same time, between 2230 and 1100, I will put out most lights and just keep candle light to wind down, and I already exercise and drink less coffe.

I know it will not be completely easy, the obstacles are several, such as friends wanting to do stuff, parties, and the rock hard habit cemented through years of bad sleeping patterns. But I know I can do it, one week is a challenge, but it is only 7 days, it is doable. Heck, I’ve beaten nicotine, why not beat the ugly monster of Insomnia. I have heard it takes 21 days to establish a new habit, but I’ll start with 7 days. If I succeed, I will go for another week. Wish me luck

Today I’m awake a little after 4am, and now notice how irritating my dear boyfriend’s snoring is – it’s been waking me up SUPER-EARLY for months, and I’ve been sleep-deprived for just as long.
Note to self: no snoring sleep partner, ever again.

Anyone that’s struggled with insomnia for any length of time can tell you what a frustrating mess it is. I hate how it colors my overall experience of life with inattention, irritibility, and misanthropy. I much more patience and charitable with my fellow homo sapiens after a good night’s sleep. My daughter fell at school and got a concussion, rendering me a nervous, almost weepy, wreck. Well rested, I would have handled it much easier. Now, I’m weary AND worried, rendering a decent night’s sleep impossible. And the spiral continues. I know I’m fucked when the Ambien doesn’t work anymore.

I know it’s a seasonal thing, adversely affected by worries about…things. At the moment, I’m a little worried about landing the job I want, but still able to sleep and feel healthy.

You know a secret? A little hardwork or exercise makes you fall asleep even more quickly and sleep deeply. Neglecting what you have to do does the opposite – because you’re not tired and because you’re worried.

Peace.

Have you get over this?

my prescription? hard work. hard play. get release. use aide if needed. go early if you can. just do it. don’t look at the clock. and enjoy some REM.

I haven’t’ slept very well lately :( It takes long time for me to fall asleep and then I keep waking up in the middle of night several times. It’s not really nice :( I even have lots of time so I could sleep a lot (no school or anything mandatory) so why I can’t? :(

I wanna sleep well.