semi insomniacs’ site

My mother used to say, Nothing good happens after midnight, but I will have to object to that old adage. She was a wise and kind woman who marched to the tune of a wacky drummer, but every once in a while, she just had to put her foot down. With nine kids, she wanted everyone asleep so she could get some peace and quiet.

But when I was a kid, I was wired even after a long day of activity. My engine would not go idle under the covers. Most nights I lay there awake and listened to my sisters snoring within minutes. I felt my mind trying to figure out what was wrong with me. And that’s the real problem – the mind stuff.

These days if I have trouble falling asleep I know to accept it rather than beat myself up. Often I climb out of bed onto my yoga mat and do some gentle stretching. I don’t turn on the lights, but just creep around and stay low to the ground to keep from too much stimulation. It feels sort of sacred. Like a slow dance with the moon who is looking through my windows. I feel blessed and peaceful. That mental state allows me to get back in bed and get the rest I need.

It’s good for your health to get enough sleep at night, but that amount varies from person to person. I was once married to a man who could have won a gold medal for sleeping. Sometimes ten hours a night and ready for a nap by two. Then back to bed by 10pm. Honestly, I did not envy his propensity for sleeping. There’s so much to do besides snoring your life away. He was made with a different nervous system than mine. How about you? Are you someone who can get a lot done? We can have a harder time unwinding at the end of the day. My best suggestion is to say nice things rather than beating yourself up about not sleeping. Sorry, Mom