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!

 


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!