I am something of a world expert in the area of insomnia. I've blogged about it before. Enough said about that.
Except, I suppose, that a lot of people have noted that I post a lot of blogs, comment on a lot of blogs, have a full-time job, raise two children, work on my novels every day ... how in the world do I have time to do this? The simple answer is, I don't sleep much. It's a trade off I would gladly give up, believe me. Insomnia sucks.
But the strangest thing happened last night. I was watching "NCIS" (I'm not a huge fan of television--so many great books to read, so many great books to write--but I just adore "NCIS" ... I think I might have a little thing for Gibbs :-)), first the rerun on USA Network that ran from seven to eight and then the brand new episode (this was supposed to be the highlight of my week), and I fell asleep about five minutes into it.
Fell asleep! With no Ambien, I might add. Just ... fell asleep. And slept until my alarm went off this morning.
Now clearly, much of this has to do with stress and not being able to sleep for several weeks. Yesterday, Pythagorus went to a new doctor, one that changed the course of his treatment, and I was so relieved that it was like I let something go in myself. And--I have to say it again--I fell asleep. At eight o'clock. With no sleep medication.
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you think the body just reaches a point where it needs to sleep or it will explode? Is true relaxing, restful sleep only possible when you are feeling at least moderately hopeful about the situations of your life? Why is sleep so imperative? Why is the feeling after a good night's sleep better than that first cup of morning coffee, dancing in the rain, or sex?
Sleep is a minor miracle ... I realize this so infrequently because it happens to me so infrequently. Those of you that do not have this problem (or even those that do, of course :-)), I would love your input.
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Insomnia must be a terrible thing. Your sounds particularly bad. I cannot even imagine. I'm happy you got a good night's sleep finally.
ReplyDeleteYippee!!! Glad you finally got some refreshing ZZZs! Hope more rest is on the way!
ReplyDeleteI have the occasional night when I cannot sleep, mostly because my mind is so hyper trying to fix all my problems.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do know people who don't sleep much (4-5 hours a night and sometimes less) without it affecting them.
You could be one of those rare people who don't need much sleep, which, when allied to stress, keeps you awake for long periods.
A cup of Valerian tea may help (Dr Stuart's brand is the one I use).
Ah! Relief! ;-) Good for you!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got some good rest. Yes, insomnia stinks. Especially when you're so tired you just want to drop off, but your body won't. :(
ReplyDeleteOMG, I cannot imagine not being able to sleep. I am on the complete opposite end of things - I am a sleepaholic. Glad you got some zzz's.
ReplyDeleteI'm a sleepaholic too, but I'm a night owl and will stay up past midnight (3am). Sometimes I go to bed when the sun is coming up.
ReplyDeleteLori--Thanks ... it's just always such a random relief when the sleep monster does show up : )
ReplyDeleteJanine--Yay! I'm shooting for two nights in a row : )
Martin--I wonder if many writers (with a, as you called it, "hyper" mind) struggle with sleeping. I think that's as much my problem in general as anything. And I'll check out that tea for sure : )
Litgirl--Yeah, it's spelled SLEEP, not ROLAIDS : )
Windsong--Sometimes I wish it were easier to synch the body and the brain.
Kate--I wonder if being a sleepaholic brings about some similar problems. Regardless, I'm still envious : )
Donut Girl--I remember those days ... they were in college and before motherhood : ) Enjoy 'em!!!!