Lately, I’ve been thinking about sleep, a lot.
That’s probably because there hasn’t been a lot of it going on for me as of late. I feel like I’m always behind the 8-ball when it comes to getting sleep.
There are not enough hours in my day allowing me to get the ‘required’ amount of sleep and get everything else done; if I find time to sleep the ‘required’ amount, my mind swirls with thoughts of all the things I’m not doing or will need to do as soon as my eyes open the next morning.
When did life get so crazy? Crazy enough that I’m not able to find time to lay my head down on a pillow for any length of time, a respectable amount of time. Crazy enough to keep me lying awake, often for hours, with my brain buzzing with what appears to be a never ending to-do list.
I remember when I was younger sleep didn’t seem all that important. I could go out with my friends, stay up till the wee hours of the morning, and then come 6 AM, POP right out of bed, work all day, rinse and repeat. No biggy! Didn’t phase me.
Then, somewhere along the way, I grew older. I grew into needing to sleep, nay, WANTING to sleep. Naps are no longer a punishment but a necessity!
Is it that my mind doesn’t shut down, doesn’t relax? Is it that I’ve placed too many ‘things’ in my life that aren’t allowing me to rest completely? Where does sleep go when I’m exhausted?
Does it play games with me? Always just within reach but never quite caught?
Elusive. That’s what sleep is. Just a lovely dream.
and
That’s my one minute mind!
Just Bits and Pieces 
Ah sleep…it seems I’m also not getting quite enough these days. I hate to say it, but it might be something to do with getting older…never had any trouble when I was younger and like you could stay up late or even all night, go home and be at work ready to go! Now, I find I suddenly get the urge to write a blog post or do some paperwork at almost midnight! Something wrong with this picture…
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LOL! I think you’re right. Getting older plays a huge part, I think!
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I struggle with getting enough sleep too Robyn, and it seems the less I get, the less able I am to get some when I can lol
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Yes, yes, yes Lottie! It seems to be a terrible merry-go-round doesn’t it?
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I’ve had insomnia so many times over the years. It can be stress, upset, thoughts about work, excitement, being over tired, so many things!
And just wanting to sleep sooo badly is the time I also don’t sleep well enough either!
I’ve tried sleep Apps, reading (hubs doesn’t like the little light!), lavender on the pillow (I don’t like the aroma though!) leaving the room and getting up to work, or clean the house! .. you name it.
I reckon deep breathing (with focus) and meditation of some kind are the most effective things. I’m not too good at those but if YOU crack it Robyn, dooo let me know! 😉
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Sarah, I’m thinking insomnia is not a stranger to most people. I would agree meditation is probably a good solution. I’ve also gone to keeping pen and paper next to my bed and writing my thoughts down so they are out of my head. As soon as I crack the code, I’ll let you know! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
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I was reading something the other day, I can’t remember where but it talked about using a mantra to help clear your mind enough to sleep. Something calming and peaceful to you that you just tell yourself over and over, it helps you stop thinking of everything else, and since you are only thinking one thing, your brain can calm so sleep can set in.
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That’s a wonderful idea. Hmmm, now to come up with a mantra
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Sleep is immensely important for our overall well-being but we can train ourselves to require less. If we worry about lack of sleep we will make the problem worse… I can put you in touch with a hypnotherapy colleage who specialises in sleeplessness if you like 🙂
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Susie, thank you for your thoughtfulness. I think I’m OK for now..only the occasional insomnia. 🙂
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