ConstanceAnn's Journal, 11 January 2009

I saw a news report the other day that the ideal amount of sleep is 6-8 hours. More or less than that, and those people tend to have more heart attacks. It made me rethink some of my sleeping patterns. There are many things you can try that might help ya. Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Is it you're only "you" time? I like to snack late at night so it's a big mental thing for me to shut it off, not eat and just GO to sleep! You're doing great though. Keep journaling and keep taking care of YOU! 

Have you been a fly on my wall?! It's true, I so long for "me" time that I've been willing to keep my jaws moving to the tune of food, so that I won't nod off. I swear, if I sit down and allow my eyes to blink, it's morning! And I'm NOT a morning person. While it's probably a good thing I can pretend that I am (at least until I genuinely warm up to the prospect of speaking with others at work) I have to admit to feeling some guilt about my kids getting less than a cheerful, positive, organized, calm mom to get them started on their day. I know the muscle relaxants I have to take 24/7 don't increase my desire to drag myself from my bed (once I'm finally there), but since it's a choice of taking this time-release med or going back on pain killers, I'm trying to cut myself a little bit of slack until I can create a new habit to get the rest I need AND set some boundaries at work so I miss out on neither what is supposed to be a lunch BREAK, nor the flavors of the few foods I do eat. (You know, that is another reason I have a stronger tie to food in the evening; I'm so busy working when I eat during the day that I don't really taste it, and I LIKE the way food tastes.) Thanks for the insight and support. I really appreciate it. When I read your comment this morning, that's when I knew that I could meet the mini-challenges I committed to doing with the "yellow group" of losers, even if it meant doing wall push-ups right up until I went to bed --and it did! But I AM going to sleep now....on purpose....and it's not even midnight yet :-)  

I was just reading what you had said and understand. Been there, done that. I still fight the sleep issues but now its because I'm post menopausal. I'm working on it though and there are so, so many tips and natural and non medication routes to try. Email me anytime if you wish. I hope you got to bed and had a WONDERFUL nights sleep. And also, I applaud you weaning yourself of pain meds. Bravo for you!