Monday, October 1, 2012

BlogFEST 2012 - Insomnia


So now that we've all gotten our BlogFest 2012 party started, we either too pooped to stay up any longer or in my case, can't sleep. And so here's the writing prompt for the day:

"Over the years, I have gone through periods of insomnia, but I know that one person's reason for a sleepless night can be wildly different from the next person's. So when was the last time you couldn't sleep? What was the reason for not sleeping? What did you do to overcome it? I hope you all have fun with this one and don't lose any sleep over it!"

I used to sleep through the night when I was young, but when I got older, moved out on my own and started working, I didn't sleep as well. On average, I would get up at least once during the night, but then I would go right back to sleep. 

Unfortunately when I really got into my career, I worked 2nd shift and ending up staying up late a lot just to wind down. I got used to functioning on less sleep. I am sure that was fueled by the copious amounts of caffeine I ingested thanks to the golden arches!


Anyway, after I married and we moved to this lovely northern California town, we found a really nice condo and settled in. I thought everything was finally going to be great. So much for my grand illusion...or should I say delusion! After I found a job, we heard from the landlord that she was going to sell the place. Crap! The getting up once in the middle of the night turned into twice, three times and then I just ended stayed up most nights because I couldn't shut off my brain. This went on for all those months that she showed the place for sale...it was awful. I remember one night crying on the phone to my mom who finally told me "Don't worry, your body will know when it's tired, and then you'll sleep!" It was the best piece of advice my mom ever gave me.

I remember those words she said to me even now. And believe me, there are times when I really can't sleep, so instead of laying there awake, (like I usually do listening to my husband snore), I get up and go downstairs to read, watch a movie and then hopefully fall asleep there in the recliner for a few hours. Sometimes, if I really feel like it, I will drag my tired arse up the stairs and go back to sleep in my own bed. But, most of the time, I stay downstairs until morning just in case I wake up again.

These days, I average about 2-3 hours before I wake up, roll over or get up to use the loo and then go back to sleep. While I would love to get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep a night, it isn't in the cards for me right now. I've tried to take Melatonin, but it didn't work very well. Perhaps I need to get more into my system, but I am not really a pill taker. When I am really desperate for a good night's sleep, I pop a Benedryl and hope for a miracle!

Here's the funniest part of all...my husband can tell how tired I am by the amount of sawdust next to my side of the bed! He swears that when I don't get enough sleep, I snore even louder than normal. Who needs a chainsaw when you have me! Well, I could say the same for him, but I don't want to go down that road tonight! 



So with that, I will bid you all adieu and wish you moments of peaceful and long-lasting sleep!

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. I'm the host today! Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

16 comments :

  1. Sleep is a relative thing...I guess we get what we really need, eventually. I am a pretty good sleeper normally. Here's my story. Night now!

    http://jo-mywanderingmind.blogspot.com/2012/10/insomnia.html

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  2. What works for one person to fall asleep isn't necessarily what works for another person. For me, sleep is a precious commodity--so I am usually OUT hard and fast when I get to sleep. I haven't slept 8 full hours in a very long time. I do better on 6-7 hours and I usually get 5-6 hours. Sounds exhausting... LOL. Melatonin works great for my daughter with PDD-NOS. I just have to read a really boring engineering manual to put me to sleep or get up and scrub a room and it will put me out.

    Great post!! Thanks for being the Host of the Day for BlogFEST 2012!!

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  3. I agree with Jo, sleep is a relative thing! I have never been told I snore, but it wouldn't surprise me any!!

    I have mine posted too!

    http://crazybeautifuldisaster85.blogspot.com/2012/10/insomnia_1.html

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  4. Thanks for a great topic, Susan. I can't imagine going on such few hours of sleep and managing to stay sane. But I guess our bodies are wise in their own way.

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  5. I know with menopause that can mess up your sleep. I'm waiting, close, to that one...

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  6. When I was younger, I worked two jobs. After my night job I would be wired! I would come home and rearrange furniture in my bedroom. Now, the older I get the less sleep I require. I can no longer sleep past 7 on a weekend.

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  7. When I was younger, I would return home wired after my night job. I would rearrange furniture to help me relax.

    As I'm getting older, I require less sleep. I can no longer sleep past 7 AM on the weekend and I'm in bed by 10 PM. I used to be a night owl!!

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  8. Whoa, what a prompt......now I had to share all my dirty little secrets!

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  9. You got me sleepless there with your topic.
    Mine is here -
    http://janukulkarni.blogspot.in/2012/10/hypersomnia.html

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  10. They say as long as the amount of sleep adds up right who cares if its done in 3 naps or something. Good prompt!

    http://danaemyangel.blogspot.com/2012/10/insomnia.html

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  11. Totally understand that worry can drip into insomnia ...

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  12. I agree with your mom - your body knows when you're tired, even if your mind doesn't always realise it.

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  13. I recently read that getting 8 hours of sleep is a modern concept - that our bodies are actually better off getting 3-4 hours at a time. I don't believe that for a minute. I am always grateful for a good night's sleep.

    http://www.emptyhousefullmind.com/what-keeps-me-up-at-night/

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  14. ah sleep... if only it were consistent... i've had more restless nights, that restful ones...

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  15. Excellent topic. Sry so late getting in my post. I too long for a full night sleep.. I wonder if it's even possible anymore..

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