Sunday, June 3

Debt Reduction

Like many people, Allan and I feel the drain of fatigue on an on-going basis. I just read a little about sleep debt. Wikipedia says, "...it [evaluating sleep debt] involves relaxing quietly and alone for a short amount of time. If the feeling of sleep comes fairly easily, one is considered to have sleep debt." Since it takes me all of about ten seconds to fall asleep at night, I figure I must qualify, according to this measure. A while back I was intrigued by Jason's plan to get to bed early for one month. I like staying up late, despite the cost of exhaustion the next day. It seems to have taken its toll on me lately, though. So this week Allan and I are going to bed by 10:30 each night. We're on our third night, but frankly, I feel more sleepy (and I'm afraid grumpy) than ever. I know, I know - it takes more than a few days to make up for a year of interrupted sleep. Ack! I better run - 10:29 p.m. Good night!

4 comments:

Jason Hill said...

Your feelings of increased sleepiness make me scratch my head. I wonder what could be going on there? I'd think you could erase your sleep debt with one or two nights sleep.

Maybe you have a 30 year sleep mortgage that will take a few more accelerated payments? :)

I will admit that although my month of early bedtimes was enjoyable and I have empirical evidence that my body does better on an early bedtime schedule, I still fight going to be early.

I think you are to be commended for practicing something that involves such discipline. The benefits from this exercise are character builders.

Unknown said...

The struggle with early bedtimes and children is the reality of all the work you can accomplished when the little ones are sleeping!

Aimee Jo said...

I think that your body will need some time to adjust to your new schedule.
I honestly don't know how you have done it so far (going to bed late) because you have three children and much more on your plate than I do.
Ever since high-school, I've been in bed by 9:30 or 10 most nights and wake up naturally at 7 or 7:30. I can even take a little nap most days and still go to bed that early.
There is no way I could function staying up late every night.
And I know...my time is coming. In just a few months, I'll be so sleep deprived, I won't know which way is up. All I can say is WATCH OUT--I'll probably be the grumpiest person you've ever been around.

Leah said...

This, among other choices, seems to be one of the hardest for mothers of young children to make. Taking time for self is certainly not something I am stellar at, but it is important... even when the time you take for yourself is spent snoring.