Sleepless nights

 If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.

Dale Carnegie

I’ve been struggling with lack of sleep for some time. Initially I’d blamed Samuel as he went through a phase of waking 2 or 3 times a night and then having a tantrum. At its worst point I was getting 3 hours sleep a night. Thing have now improved and he’s stopped waking during the night *touches every single piece of wood within reach*. I still feel just as knackered though. I’ve tried going to bed early but often end up lying there for a few hours as my mind is far too busy. Frustratingly I also end up waking just before the kids wake up.  I feel like I do not get enough sleep and wondered how true that is – or if it is just my perception. I downloaded the Sleepbot app to have a look at how much sleep I actually do get.

So I hover just under that ideal line – if I could have another nights sleep each week I’d be fine! The chances of my children waking later are incredibly slim. I need to make the effort to go to bed early and to try and get more sleep in. I’ve also been looking around for ideas and have found some helpful ones -

• If something is troubling you and there is nothing you can do about it right away, try writing it down before going to bed and then tell yourself to deal with it tomorrow.

This is my main downfall. My mind goes mad over the day I’ve had and the things I need to do the next day. Tomorrow is going to be particularly manic so I will make a start tonight with a helpful to do list. I guess this is also another supportive aspect to keep going with my journalling.

• If you can’t sleep, get up and do something relaxing. Read, watch television or listen to quiet music. After a while, you should feel tired enough to go to bed again.

I noticed it doesn’t say ‘mooch around on twitter’ as a suggestion. I’m bad at continuing to waste time online even once I’ve gone to bed. I will switch off the router at night to stop any temptation.

• Caffeine hangs around in your body for many hours after your last drink of tea or coffee. Stop drinking tea or coffee by mid-afternoon. If you want a hot drink in the evening, try something milky or herbal (but check there’s no caffeine in it).

7pm is my normal cut off time so will  give this a go as well. I’ve had an ongoing thought for the last couple of months about reducing my caffeine intake right down. I’ve got a jar of decaff in the house but it’s foul and not really endearing me to the change.

 

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