So, I read an article this morning that made me realize I'm not the only one.
I'm not crazy.
I am one of the 30% of Americans that has major sleeping issues...or insomnia.
It is quite possibly the worst thing ever.
It started when I was in seventh grade. I was going through quite a large amount of stress for a 13 year old, and so I had trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or waking up way too early on any given night.
Since I graduated college, my sleeping habits have gotten much better. However, I still struggle with sleep issues. I have to have the perfect atmosphere in order to even fall asleep.
Requirements: Dark. Completely quiet. Cool.
When I say dark, I mean that there cannot be even one speckle of light anywhere near me...or I have to cover it up. Like, even if Mr. Ruby's cell phone has a millimeter of light showing, I put a shirt over it. There's a street lamp outside our window, so I have to have a pillow over my head. When the sun comes up in the morning...forget about it.
I've never been one to fall asleep with the radio or TV on. If I hear even the slightest sound outside...I wake up instantly. If our Mr. Ruby moves, or if I hear the dogs get out of their bed...I'm wide awake. Then, I can't fall back asleep.
The article put it perfectly, for someone who has sleep issues, it's almost like your bed becomes a "bed of thorns". But it gave some pretty good tips and made me realize that so many people struggle with this.
I refuse to give in to sleep meds. And I really only have problems when I'm anxious our stressed about something. And there is quite a bit going on in life right now. I know that's the major culprit.
I think we're going to buy some blackout curtains soon. I didn't want to. But the sun wakes me up the moment it peaks it's head. So, I think we must.
On a happier note...I'm off to Chicago tomorrow morning to see my very best friend! And one of my other besties from college moved there, so I'll get to see her too. Can't WAIT.
Updates to come soon...
12 comments:
Well it is not only Americans that have this problem, I am Canadian and I can relate to you so much, so much I thought you read my post form yesterday. Put to add to your list I need no snoring from my guy. :)
Here's my blog, enjoy www.thecarozone.blogspot.com
I wouldn't say I necessarily have insomnia or extreme sleeping issues. But I will say most nights it takes me around 30 minutes to fall alseep. I think part of it is that I can't turn my mind off and think too much once I'm in bed
I agree with the no light thing. I can't sleep with any light. I even have those black out slides you put behind curtains. They are amazing!
I have to have it verrrry dark and I can't hear any sounds. I finally had to break down and buy a fan, because the husband's breathing kept me up at night (and I couldn't very well ask him to stop breathing, you know?!).
Have a great time in Chicago - it's such a fun city!
Sleeping has always been a problem for me as well...doesn't compare to you...but it is not fun! I hope your curtains help you.
Have fun this weekend! I heart Chicago!
I have the same problem. I am really tightly wound & often will find myself up & thinking about things at 1am.
I do use ambien - it helps me. Especially when I travel. Hotels are awful for me to try to sleep in!
The other thing that has helped is working out after work. I'm not a big fan of it, but if I can get to a really tough 6-6:30 class, by the time I get home, nothing can wake me up. Well, except for a full bladder. :)
Have fun in Chicago!
You're going to need plenty of rest for this weekend's fun times! Can't wait to see you :)
Wow! Very interesting! Thank you for sharing!! :o)
Too bad we didn't run into each other in Chi! Hope you had fun!
HELLOOOO FRIEND! :)
SOrry to hear about this. I had black out curtains in CT cause my bedroom had a sliding glass door. I loved them!! Pitch black. THey're also very insulating so it helps keep the heat out/or in depending on the time of year, so don't feel bad! Also look into some herbal remedies, like a good tea. And maybe think about taking some yoga classes. I find it very calming and helpful when I'm really stressed out. If you have "ON DEMAND" there's a ton of free exercise programs which include yoga. Check it out! HUGS! I miss you! and have fun in Chi-Town.
There's just not enough time in a day! Hope you find some time to sleep.
I think i might have some ideas on how to sleep better--- i learned a ton of stuff from my yoga class :)
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