Sleep. We all want it. We all need it. And yet, most of us don’t get enough of it. We all know how important sleep is in our lives. We know what a precious commodity it is. We spend time worrying if our children are getting enough of it. So, why are so many of us chronically sleep deprived?
I know why I am and there is honestly no excuse for it anymore. I no longer have a newborn in the house, my children are finally at the age where they sleep through the night, there’s no pager jolting me out of sleep at 3am, no final exams to study for. So, what is standing in my way?
Nobody else but ME.
I desperately need to make a change. I know all the unfavorable side effects of chronic sleep deprivation: moodiness, impatience, weight gain, memory loss, decreased immune function…just to name a few. It seriously has an effect on your overall happiness so I don’t know why I continue to subject myself and my family to this terrible habit.
Actually, I do know why: I am quite the night owl by nature. Once the kids go to bed, the house is miraculously quiet. I can hear myself think. I’m more creative. I can write, answer e-mails, read some of my favorite blogs and catch up with my hubby.
Problem is, most of these things cannot be accomplished within a two hour time frame. Something has got to give. I wasn’t kidding when I told my husband I need him to enforce my bedtime, just like we do for our kids. He knows better however, because if he tried, I’d fight him tooth and nail and tell him to leave me alone (sorry honey).
I know I’m not a good mom on my sleep deprived days and considering these have been many lately, I’m feeling pretty sorry for my kids. I just started reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and there’s a reason the first task on her list is to get enough sleep. Umm…hello….Dr.Mom…are you in there? Time to take heed.
Remember when I emphasized how important sleep was in combating Mommy Guilt? Well…it’s time to start practicing what I preach, time for my own intervention. So what’s a self-imposed sleep deprived Mama to do?
I’m giving myself a sleep make-over. Yes, you heard me right. These 4-5 hours per night are not cutting it anymore. Life around here begins at 6am whether I’m ready or not. I’d rather face it with a good night’s rest rather than continue to fumble my way through the day.
This is so difficult for me, but I’m going to do it. For me, for my kids, for my husband…for my sanity. Whatever has not been finished by my self-imposed bed time will just have to wait until the morning. No excuses. No more e-mails. No more reading. No more TV. Go to bed.
Wish me luck and if It seems I’m laying low…I’m probably just sleeping as mandated by this intervention. I’m sure I’ll get used to this extra sleep and wake up more refreshed and better able to multitask. As I write this, I realize my bedtime is closing in…so I ask you…
Do you think you need a sleep make over? How many hours do you sleep at night? Any tips for getting your daily dose of sleep?
I sat here reading this post saying, “Yes”, “Yes”, “YES!!” (I sound like that lady in the deli during 'When Harry met Sally' – ok not 'really' – but close!) I am right there with you. I get about 4 to 5 hours a night, and I used to be proud of the fact that I could still function with that amount. The problem now is that … I'm really NOT functioning (at least as well as I could.) I'm there with you – and will join forces in your quest for sleep! I really needed to read this today. THANK YOU!!
I sat here reading this post saying, “Yes”, “Yes”, “YES!!” (I sound like that lady in the deli during 'When Harry met Sally' – ok not 'really' – but close!) I am right there with you. I get about 4 to 5 hours a night, and I used to be proud of the fact that I could still function with that amount. The problem now is that … I'm really NOT functioning (at least as well as I could.) I'm there with you – and will join forces in your quest for sleep! I really needed to read this today. THANK YOU!!
Haha! I LOVE that movie and I totally pictured that scene! I'm so glad, I was hoping I'd find someone to join forces with me…let me know how your week goes
Haha! I LOVE that movie and I totally pictured that scene! I'm so glad, I was hoping I'd find someone to join forces with me…let me know how your week goes
I have become an insomniac since starting to blog. I'm starting to change around what I do to prevent that, but at least one night a week I'm up til all hours. It's so hard to cram everything in to the day that you want to!
I hope you can find a schedule that works for you!
I have become an insomniac since starting to blog. I'm starting to change around what I do to prevent that, but at least one night a week I'm up til all hours. It's so hard to cram everything in to the day that you want to!
I hope you can find a schedule that works for you!
Great post! I love The Happiness Project, too. Gretchen doles out good advice. I learned long ago that sleep is paramount for me. I make sure I get at least eight hours most nights. I have found the more rested I am, the more productive I can be. Good luck!
I'm reading this while chugging down my fourth cup of coffee, because I am so tired. Evenings are my time to catch up on things and have me time, but clearly it has been backfiring lately. I am going to see if my husband can enforce regular bedtimes for me… we'll see how that works.
Fantastic post, and very timely for me!
I can really relate to this: I've been tired and very cranky. No matter how hard I try to put on a happy face for the boys, the smallest things get my blood boiling. And sleep is definitely one of the biggest factors here.
My hubs has tried to enforce bedtimes, too! I usually win that battle, but really I lose. I think I need a sleep make-over, too. I'll come back to see how it turns out for you!
I can really relate to this: I've been tired and very cranky. No matter how hard I try to put on a happy face for the boys, the smallest things get my blood boiling. And sleep is definitely one of the biggest factors here.
My hubs has tried to enforce bedtimes, too! I usually win that battle, but really I lose. I think I need a sleep make-over, too. I'll come back to see how it turns out for you!
Sign me up, too!
I'm working on getting a solid 7 hours but I still feel tired most days. It's the uninterrupted sleep that I'm still having trouble with.
I still remember the little girl who could fall asleep anywhere after a long day at play, swimming etc.(at the dinner table, on the floor right in front of her bed when you just did not have the energy to get into bed) And I still remember how difficult it was to wake you in the AM.
Another relevant blog, Melissa. Thank you for the memories.
I still remember the little girl who could fall asleep anywhere after a long day at play, swimming etc.(at the dinner table, on the floor right in front of her bed when you just did not have the energy to get into bed) And I still remember how difficult it was to wake you in the AM.
Another relevant blog, Melissa. Thank you for the memories.
Just this week I gave myself a bedtime. I have to be in bed by 10:30, no excuses. We have a lot of things going on pretty much from now til forever and I know I can't do it all if I don't go to bed until 1 AM. So as of today I'm two for two and I'll be in bed on time again tonight!
I also decided to wake up earlier than everyone else and get a morning walk in because I feel like I'm drugged for the first half of the day most times, and I need to wake myself up somehow. So I just started that today. Maybe if I'm really persistent it will turn into a morning run!
i barely get enough sleep and i get headaches in the morning when i have lack of….ughhh…wishing u loads of luck…maybe some tylenol pm:)
i barely get enough sleep and i get headaches in the morning when i have lack of….ughhh…wishing u loads of luck…maybe some tylenol pm:)
If I don't start sleeping more, I'm going to gain 100 lbs…no joke. I eat non-stop when I am tired. My mother actually asked me last night if I had a bad nights sleep the previous night. I still have a baby waking through the night for nursing so I probably should go to be at 9:00. We are up by 6:30 with the baby. But I always stay up past 10:00. Worst part was that last night my hubby offered to start a bath for me. I had to decline! I was so tired I thought I might fall asleep in the tub!!
I've been living on 5 hours a night for years (yes, I'm a resident, so I can still use that excuse.) Most of the time, it's my own fault though. I'm desperately working on getting more sleep, which has meant cutting down on television, recreational reading, and, sniff, blogging.
I've been living on 5 hours a night for years (yes, I'm a resident, so I can still use that excuse.) Most of the time, it's my own fault though. I'm desperately working on getting more sleep, which has meant cutting down on television, recreational reading, and, sniff, blogging.
I was getting between 6 to 7 hours per night, and then the blogging started. Suddenly, I would wake up at 3 a.m. and feel inspired. The only problem is that I wouldn't go back to bed, or if I did, my little boy would be up after an hour…I do need a sleep make-over and an intervention. I hear you on this one.
Sleep. I do not remember what it was like to sleep for a good 8 hours. I wish you luck with your endeavor and hope you will succeed!! I desperately need a sleep make over. When things are going smoothly, my children sleep through the night and wake up between 6 and 7. Much like you, I cannot resist the evening time when the house is quiet. From having a conversation with my husband that does not involve repeated interruptions, to checking my email or writing my blog, it all gets accomplished during that precious time. I've actually seriously considered giving up blogging (will not do it!) a few times just so I can go to bed a little earlier. And I'm not even a night owl… I guess it's just the need for quiet time that's made me do this. I need a sleep make over but I guess I'm not ready for it just yet
Sleep. I do not remember what it was like to sleep for a good 8 hours. I wish you luck with your endeavor and hope you will succeed!! I desperately need a sleep make over. When things are going smoothly, my children sleep through the night and wake up between 6 and 7. Much like you, I cannot resist the evening time when the house is quiet. From having a conversation with my husband that does not involve repeated interruptions, to checking my email or writing my blog, it all gets accomplished during that precious time. I've actually seriously considered giving up blogging (will not do it!) a few times just so I can go to bed a little earlier. And I'm not even a night owl… I guess it's just the need for quiet time that's made me do this. I need a sleep make over but I guess I'm not ready for it just yet
Oh yes! Being a mommy of 4 I crave the night times…sorry kids and daddy:) I get to enjoy the peace and quiet and know I won't be interrupted in the middle of a very important thought(cause we know this is rare..lol) or while reading~ I get to have ME time. But every time my hubby goes to bed and asks, “Are you coming to bed? my response is, “Yes I will be there in a second”…my sec always turns into hours…OUCH! I try to sneak into bed but never get away with it:) I tried last week to go to bed by 10pm it went awesome…I don't know what happened this week:/ I am back to my nightly “ME” times..I am going to bed no later than 12:30am so I will say that's an improvement. Sometimes…a mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do…lol:)
You must be reading my mind! I went to bed after one last night, and swore to myself that wouldn't happen again. It's just so hard to give up our quiet time.
You must be reading my mind! I went to bed after one last night, and swore to myself that wouldn't happen again. It's just so hard to give up our quiet time.
Good for you; enjoy your sleep makeover!!!
I've actually just recently figured out I don't need much sleep. I've never been able to take naps (except for a few when I was pregnant), and if I go to bed before 10:30, I can't get to sleep until about 11:30. It seems like no matter what time Mike and I go to bed, I wake up at 6:00 or 6:30 without an alarm. I think I'm just one of those people who needs about 6 1/2 hours to 7 hours of sleep a night and I'm good. I love the idea of sleeping in or going to bed early, but it just never turns out that way for me!
I follow Gretchen daily, and always leave with a pearl of wisdom.
It's hard to give up uninterrupted time, but w/o sleep: your body cannot cleanse, heal, replenish.
I remember reading a study on how much longer it takes for a simple papercut to heal when you don't get enough sleep. And of how much higher the rate of cancers and immune disorder illnesses occur in those with disrupted sleep.
I myself had 2 burns this summer on my forearms (I'm a caterer) and noticed HOW LONG they took to heal when I was up late.
I went back to 8 hrs a night of sleep, and voila! Healing went into overdrive.
That convinced me. If this is the outside, then what happens on the inside tha we don't see?
Sleep is essential.
ANd, yeah, I talk a good game..
I follow Gretchen daily, and always leave with a pearl of wisdom.
It's hard to give up uninterrupted time, but w/o sleep: your body cannot cleanse, heal, replenish.
I remember reading a study on how much longer it takes for a simple papercut to heal when you don't get enough sleep. And of how much higher the rate of cancers and immune disorder illnesses occur in those with disrupted sleep.
I myself had 2 burns this summer on my forearms (I'm a caterer) and noticed HOW LONG they took to heal when I was up late.
I went back to 8 hrs a night of sleep, and voila! Healing went into overdrive.
That convinced me. If this is the outside, then what happens on the inside tha we don't see?
Sleep is essential.
ANd, yeah, I talk a good game..
My husband is no night owl and he requires me to go to bed with him at 10, lights out at about 10:20. Then I don't get my lazy butt up until about 7 at the very earliest. So that's what? A solid nine hours?
I do pretty well, especially since our sleepy time is the most quality time we spend together.
Good luck with the sleep makeover, but if you really posted at 3 a.m. I am not sure you are off to a great start. I too enjoy the time when it is quiet in the house after everyone has gone to sleep.
Good luck with the sleep makeover, but if you really posted at 3 a.m. I am not sure you are off to a great start. I too enjoy the time when it is quiet in the house after everyone has gone to sleep.
I'm absolutely needing a sleep make over, and it shall starts as soon as the 31DBBB nonsense is over 😉
Take care and just turn your PC on auto shut off at 10pm, you will go to bed when you are supposed to.
I'm absolutely needing a sleep make over, and it shall starts as soon as the 31DBBB nonsense is over 😉
Take care and just turn your PC on auto shut off at 10pm, you will go to bed when you are supposed to.
You're right. Oh, how right you are. I'm guilty of regularly snagging 4 hours of sleep a night. It's gotten to the point that I'm not even phased by it. But those long, luscious weekend sleeps are a good reminder of what REMs can do for an active lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder.
You're right. Oh, how right you are. I'm guilty of regularly snagging 4 hours of sleep a night. It's gotten to the point that I'm not even phased by it. But those long, luscious weekend sleeps are a good reminder of what REMs can do for an active lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder.
Oh and by the way…no I did not stay up and post this at 3am. I scheduled the post
I'm committed 
Oh and by the way…no I did not stay up and post this at 3am. I scheduled the post
I'm committed 
i sleep around midnight till 8am. my son goes to bed by 7pm so i could easily go to bed by 10pm but nope…i HAVE to switch on the laptop and stay up till midnight! ugghhhh once you pop, you can't stop!
my sleep make-over is deffo switching off the laptop by 10pm. good luck to me and to you too!
~ash's mum
(i'm your latest follower!)
i sleep around midnight till 8am. my son goes to bed by 7pm so i could easily go to bed by 10pm but nope…i HAVE to switch on the laptop and stay up till midnight! ugghhhh once you pop, you can't stop!
my sleep make-over is deffo switching off the laptop by 10pm. good luck to me and to you too!
~ash's mum
(i'm your latest follower!)
I have always been a champion sleeper. I love nothing more than to go to bed early. People mostly make fun of me for it, so I really like Dr. Mom's post!
I have always been a champion sleeper. I love nothing more than to go to bed early. People mostly make fun of me for it, so I really like Dr. Mom's post!
Sleep is so important but once I get on the computer I don't want to leave it! I ended up sleeping at 3am this morning because I was cleaning/surfing the internet. I need to go to bed earlier!! 😛
Sleep is so important but once I get on the computer I don't want to leave it! I ended up sleeping at 3am this morning because I was cleaning/surfing the internet. I need to go to bed earlier!! 😛
I'm afraid my guilt over getting quality pillow talk with Hubs forces me into bed by 10 every night. I could, however, stay up and type and type and type. I have been known to sneak out after he falls asleep (shhh), but I pay the price the next a.m. when my oldest is up at 6.
I was nodding in agreement over the symptoms, until I got to the part about you only getting 4-5 hours per night. I figure I'm scoring anywhere from 6-8. Maybe I can blame my moodiness on hormones?
I'm afraid my guilt over getting quality pillow talk with Hubs forces me into bed by 10 every night. I could, however, stay up and type and type and type. I have been known to sneak out after he falls asleep (shhh), but I pay the price the next a.m. when my oldest is up at 6.
I was nodding in agreement over the symptoms, until I got to the part about you only getting 4-5 hours per night. I figure I'm scoring anywhere from 6-8. Maybe I can blame my moodiness on hormones?
Good luck to you! I can't imagine surviving on 4-5 hours of sleep a night. My days are SO much more pleasurable when I get a full 8 hours, but then I don't have children so I can sleep in when I stay up late to write/blog/knit/read.
My boyfriend has been helping me enforce my bedtime and wake up time, and it's been wonderful.
Good luck to you! I can't imagine surviving on 4-5 hours of sleep a night. My days are SO much more pleasurable when I get a full 8 hours, but then I don't have children so I can sleep in when I stay up late to write/blog/knit/read.
My boyfriend has been helping me enforce my bedtime and wake up time, and it's been wonderful.
I completely relate. Sleep is so hard, and affects my mood (and happiness). But I feel like when I do go to bed early, I don't get time for me. One day, right?
Good luck!
I completely relate. Sleep is so hard, and affects my mood (and happiness). But I feel like when I do go to bed early, I don't get time for me. One day, right?
Good luck!
Once I began blogging, sleeping became last on the list – and then came FB, Twitter and everything else. You're right, something has to give – and we can't do it all.
Perhaps I should put sleep back on the to-do list again. 😉
Once I began blogging, sleeping became last on the list – and then came FB, Twitter and everything else. You're right, something has to give – and we can't do it all.
Perhaps I should put sleep back on the to-do list again. 😉
we got into a bad habit in NH. we loved to quiet time after kate was in bed, and we'd stay up way too late. but now we are good by being in bed usually by 9, and asleep before 10.
we got into a bad habit in NH. we loved to quiet time after kate was in bed, and we'd stay up way too late. but now we are good by being in bed usually by 9, and asleep before 10.
I get sleepy early, but lots of nights, the quiet is so tempting. Now, that school is back in session, I'm a sleep deprived mess! I'm turning in early tonight though. Gotta be on top of my game for my little one's first day of kindergarten tomorrow!
I get sleepy early, but lots of nights, the quiet is so tempting. Now, that school is back in session, I'm a sleep deprived mess! I'm turning in early tonight though. Gotta be on top of my game for my little one's first day of kindergarten tomorrow!
Well . . . so far . . . not so good. What have I been doing? Working, and a little TV watching. (BAD habits.) It seems like the only “ME” time I get, you know? But tonight … I'm making a promise to myself – lights out at 10PM. (Keeping my fingers crossed!) How are you doing?
Well . . . so far . . . not so good. What have I been doing? Working, and a little TV watching. (BAD habits.) It seems like the only “ME” time I get, you know? But tonight … I'm making a promise to myself – lights out at 10PM. (Keeping my fingers crossed!) How are you doing?
I totally need to take your advice. I NEED more sleep but like you, I such a hard time leaving my quiet house and TV at night is just so good and… and…
Like you said, Enough!
Go to bed.
I totally need to take your advice. I NEED more sleep but like you, I such a hard time leaving my quiet house and TV at night is just so good and… and…
Like you said, Enough!
Go to bed.
Four to Five hours per night? wow… how do you survive? I'm barely making it on 8 hours… lol. I drag myself out of bed at 6:15/6:30 when I go to bed at 10 p.m. sometimes 9:30!!
Good luck
Four to Five hours per night? wow… how do you survive? I'm barely making it on 8 hours… lol. I drag myself out of bed at 6:15/6:30 when I go to bed at 10 p.m. sometimes 9:30!!
Good luck
Good Luck Leanne! You can do it. I've been doing pretty good, I set my time to shut down at 10:30 and hopefully alseep by 11pm. That's an improvement for me, so I'm happy about that and feel so much better these last few days.
Hope you all are getting your sleep!
Good Luck Leanne! You can do it. I've been doing pretty good, I set my time to shut down at 10:30 and hopefully alseep by 11pm. That's an improvement for me, so I'm happy about that and feel so much better these last few days.
Hope you all are getting your sleep!
I have had chronic insomnia since I was young — we're talking 6th, 7th grade!
Finally, my dr. prescribed a sleep aid. It's a non-addictive one, and usually if I use it three nights in a row, I'm insomnia free for a few weeks. I think I sleep better just knowing that I have the pills as a crutch, if I need them.
I don't mean to brag, but getting a good night's sleep is a HUGE relief! I hope you find some, too.
I have had chronic insomnia since I was young — we're talking 6th, 7th grade!
Finally, my dr. prescribed a sleep aid. It's a non-addictive one, and usually if I use it three nights in a row, I'm insomnia free for a few weeks. I think I sleep better just knowing that I have the pills as a crutch, if I need them.
I don't mean to brag, but getting a good night's sleep is a HUGE relief! I hope you find some, too.
I am so with you!! We are living parallel lives! I crave some peace and quiet time at night after my crazy days. And I will sit up bleary eyed watching TV or on the computer just to get some much-needed unwinding and “me” time, but you are right! I need a makeover, too!! Thanks for giving me the kick in the pants I need. ;0)
I am so with you!! We are living parallel lives! I crave some peace and quiet time at night after my crazy days. And I will sit up bleary eyed watching TV or on the computer just to get some much-needed unwinding and “me” time, but you are right! I need a makeover, too!! Thanks for giving me the kick in the pants I need. ;0)
For the past year I have been on a 4-5 hour a night habit and it is getting bad!!! All those things they talk about is true. I mean I am functioning and on the surface I look like I am doing great, but yeah not so much. I am not as efficient at work, can't remember anything, get moody with my children, etc.
My husband also gives me the “are you coming to bed soon” when he goes up and usually I snap at him probably because I know he is right! I am looking forward to hearing how it goes for you. Perhaps your good results will motivate me!
For the past year I have been on a 4-5 hour a night habit and it is getting bad!!! All those things they talk about is true. I mean I am functioning and on the surface I look like I am doing great, but yeah not so much. I am not as efficient at work, can't remember anything, get moody with my children, etc.
My husband also gives me the “are you coming to bed soon” when he goes up and usually I snap at him probably because I know he is right! I am looking forward to hearing how it goes for you. Perhaps your good results will motivate me!
I often say I'm a night owl living in a rooster's world. It's so sad, I love to stay up late, but my lifestyle calls for VERY early mornings. I know how important sleep is, how much better I am with it, yet it's the one thing I neglect myself of. I need that sleep make-over desperately!
I often say I'm a night owl living in a rooster's world. It's so sad, I love to stay up late, but my lifestyle calls for VERY early mornings. I know how important sleep is, how much better I am with it, yet it's the one thing I neglect myself of. I need that sleep make-over desperately!
I definitely need more sleep. I am a night owl and my daughter always wakes up at the crack of dawn. I should join in on this sleep make-over, but unfortunately, I am going to be putting in hours at night giving my blog a make-over. I need to re-evaluate my priorities.
Good for you! Sometimes you just have to tell others to keep you accountable! It is so hard to go to bed at night but it will be so much more worth it in the morning! It is hard for me to find too much sleep with work and school but weekends are my catch up time!
YAY for you for doing a sleep make-over! I've been going to sleep early for the past few weeks now after realizing I can't go on staying up till well after 2 and be up and running with only a couple hours of sleep. The change sure felt wonderful! 😀
YAY for you for doing a sleep make-over! I've been going to sleep early for the past few weeks now after realizing I can't go on staying up till well after 2 and be up and running with only a couple hours of sleep. The change sure felt wonderful! 😀
ouch. right in the soft spot. why is it that we want sleep soooo badly, and yet can still justify letting it be the first thing to crowd out when life is busy? that's probably when we need it most. levi's not sleeping through the night anymore, so that's probably reason enough for me to go to bed earlier… and yet i always think, i'm going to be woken up anyway so what's the point? might as well stay up and get some stuff done. not… good… i'm afraid i need a make-over, but also not sure how to make it all happen in the meantime. *sigh*
This has been my struggle with balance for the last 5 years. After the kids go to bed and all the things that HAVE to get done are crossed off the list. There is very little time left before I turn into a pumpkin.
Should I go out with my girlfriends to get in some bonding time OR go to bed
Should I write, read, watch TV OR go to bed
Should I have sex with my husband OR go to bed
It is such a delicate balance of keeping YOU, and being able to enjoy the aspect of YOU because it is so damn exhuasting once you have children!
This has been my struggle with balance for the last 5 years. After the kids go to bed and all the things that HAVE to get done are crossed off the list. There is very little time left before I turn into a pumpkin.
Should I go out with my girlfriends to get in some bonding time OR go to bed
Should I write, read, watch TV OR go to bed
Should I have sex with my husband OR go to bed
It is such a delicate balance of keeping YOU, and being able to enjoy the aspect of YOU because it is so damn exhuasting once you have children!
Are you sticking to it? Things started looking up for me when I got diagnosed with sleep apnea and started wearing an oxygen mask to sleep. Now I don't have to take naps (although sometimes I still like to). It's hard to get to bed early, though.
Are you sticking to it? Things started looking up for me when I got diagnosed with sleep apnea and started wearing an oxygen mask to sleep. Now I don't have to take naps (although sometimes I still like to). It's hard to get to bed early, though.
I need a sleep make-under. I cannot get out of bed. I'll go to sleep at 9 and at 7 I am still dog-tired. No, it's not my thyroid or iron or anything like that. I LOVE MY BED. Sad as that.
I need a sleep make-under. I cannot get out of bed. I'll go to sleep at 9 and at 7 I am still dog-tired. No, it's not my thyroid or iron or anything like that. I LOVE MY BED. Sad as that.
I too am a night owl! My natural rhythm has me going to bed btwn 2 and 4am and waking btwn 10 and 1pm (I love my sleep). It is really difficult to change my rhythm. Lifelong struggle for me. I find it isn't the amount of sleep which kills me but the hour I have to wake. Even if I do get to bed “early” and get a full 8hrs, I will feel sleep-deprived if I wake too early in the day.
Luckily, we are still on Summer hours, even the BABY (I mean toddler) is going to bed at 11pm and waking at 11am! I love it but I know life is going to SUCK very soon when school starts up again… although we did get placed in PM Kinder…
Ahh, sleep….so important, but it seems like the easiest thing for moms to give up! There's always coffee, right? I feel so crummy when I am sleep-deprived, and with no little ones anymore (and the puppy is now a dog) I only have myself to blame.
Good luck with your makeover!
Ahh, sleep….so important, but it seems like the easiest thing for moms to give up! There's always coffee, right? I feel so crummy when I am sleep-deprived, and with no little ones anymore (and the puppy is now a dog) I only have myself to blame.
Good luck with your makeover!
I hear you! When I can't sleep I try to do something productive….as long as it's not laundry and housework.
I wrote a sleep blog post a while back…here it is:
http://www.zen-mama.com/www.zen-mama.com/Zen_Mamas_Blog/Entries/2009/11/20_I_Love_A_Good_Night%E2%80%99s_Sleep_-_What_More_Can_I_Say.html
PS I mentioned you in my blog today!
I hear you! When I can't sleep I try to do something productive….as long as it's not laundry and housework.
I wrote a sleep blog post a while back…here it is:
http://www.zen-mama.com/www.zen-mama.com/Zen_Mamas_Blog/Entries/2009/11/20_I_Love_A_Good_Night%E2%80%99s_Sleep_-_What_More_Can_I_Say.html
PS I mentioned you in my blog today!
I love it when my daughter has gone to bed,the dinner and dishes are done and finally i have a bit of time for me. I usually go to bed about 11pm – 11:30pm and get up 7am. This gives me time to do some blogging/reading etc and I still get a pretty decent night's sleep. 7 hours is about right for me. About once a week though I go to bed early – a few extra hours here and there keeps me feeling good. And my husband and I take it in turns on the weekend so we both get some kind of sleep in – usually not late but maybe an extra hour or two. Be interested to hear how your sleep make-over is going. Hope you are feeling refreshed, sleep deprivation is the pitts.
I love it when my daughter has gone to bed,the dinner and dishes are done and finally i have a bit of time for me. I usually go to bed about 11pm – 11:30pm and get up 7am. This gives me time to do some blogging/reading etc and I still get a pretty decent night's sleep. 7 hours is about right for me. About once a week though I go to bed early – a few extra hours here and there keeps me feeling good. And my husband and I take it in turns on the weekend so we both get some kind of sleep in – usually not late but maybe an extra hour or two. Be interested to hear how your sleep make-over is going. Hope you are feeling refreshed, sleep deprivation is the pitts.
This is something I too have been working on for the past year. It is amazing how much better you feel when you really do get enough sleep. Like you said though, those are the best hours to get things done. I find myself on my computer after everyone is in bed, then remind myself, OFF! That hour is also the only time I can watch the TV I want to watch. Well, no more of that. So I am WAY behind in TV. Maybe one show a week. If only there were more time in the daylight hours!
This is something I too have been working on for the past year. It is amazing how much better you feel when you really do get enough sleep. Like you said though, those are the best hours to get things done. I find myself on my computer after everyone is in bed, then remind myself, OFF! That hour is also the only time I can watch the TV I want to watch. Well, no more of that. So I am WAY behind in TV. Maybe one show a week. If only there were more time in the daylight hours!
Ugh! I don't get enough sleep either! I love my late nights. It's the only “me” time I get. Ironically, when I do get 7 or 8 hours of sleep, I'm terribly drowsy the next day. Maybe I do function better on 5 hours a night!
Ugh! I don't get enough sleep either! I love my late nights. It's the only “me” time I get. Ironically, when I do get 7 or 8 hours of sleep, I'm terribly drowsy the next day. Maybe I do function better on 5 hours a night!