h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've been sleeping waaaaaaaaaaay too much lately. Usually more than 12 hours a day; sometimes much more than that. Some of it is depression I suppose, but some of it is poor sleep habits. If I wake up naturally in the morning, I always go back to sleep. Then I have to be wakened by the alarm clock, which interrupts the sleep cycle, as opposed to waking naturally. Even worse, I hit the snooze button half a dozen times. Multiple interrupted cycles. I've got to start getting up during the daytime. Sleeping all day and staying up half the night makes for an awkward schedule. I can't get simple things done, like grocery shopping, and checking the mail. So, I've started a Google sleep diary, to keep track off just how much I am sleeping. And to encourage me to get up that first time I wake up in the morning. I'm mainly posting this journal as a reminder to me, to use the Google sleep diary every day. So wish me luck reining in my sleep.

Good luck, JEllen!

When I wasn't working a few years ago, I quickly got into the habit (in spite of my good intentions to the contrary ) of staying up till 2 or 3 in the morning, sometimes later, and sleeping all day. I understand how difficult that makes it to get things done, and also how hard it is to get back into "normal" sleeping habits.

The snooze bar was one culprit, I'll admit. I use my snooze button once each morning, but then I set the alarm 15 minutes early to offset that damage. I've occasionally gone back to sleep during the snooze break, and that has *always* made me feel groggy and as if I haven't had enough sleep, all day. You must be really tired, all the time. And that's such an awful feeling.

Are there any things you can *do* during the day, fun things or productive things or whatever, to motivate you to get up?

Another thing that might help- and I'm a fine one to talk, I know, my hour a day is nothing when I sit on my ass at a desk for eight or more each day- is doing some consistent exercise like walking at the park near your place, or swimming at a Y, or something.

Or maybe I should just shut up and keep my advice to myself.

Advice is welcome! Good morning!

Good morning!

In what parallel universe are you and I both awake at the same time?

Maybe heck froze over! *straps on ice skates*

Hey now, no ice skating on that wonky ankle!! *mock stern look*

Though it was so chilly here earlier in the week it might have froze over in Hell (that's in Michigan, you know... how apropos ). I have had to wear my winter coat 3 times in the last two weeks!!

If you are feeling cold, it MUST be REALLY cold!

Micio says hello. She seems to like me getting up early, since it means an earlier breakfast for her!

Hi, Micio! Herman is in the dining room, lying in a sunny patch, licking his tummy.

You *know* that when I am complaining about being cold, it's darn cold. Wind chills were in the -10° range earlier in the week. It's nice today, though- currently 32° and very sunny.

I think that kitties are *always* ready to eat, no matter what. Herman is like an eating machine. When we're having something, he begs, stares, and hooks his claws into our legs to make up drop stuff.

Good luck.

As I keep saying - 'sleep hygiene' is important for our condition. I know it's difficult at night when you're full of beans - but it's important to tell yourself, 'Go to bed, fool!'.

Hot baths. Relaxation tapes. Etc.

As for staying awake in the daytime - I sympathise. I'm a world champion sleeper. I guess that's why the good lord invented caffeine.

you should try Oliver Sacks - Musicophilia
http://www.oliversacks.com/ -
http://musicophilia.com/

JEllen - here's a thought...is there a friend or relative who could phone you every day and remind you to get out of bed? Or would that be too embarrassing? It might not have to be for long - just until you get into a routine.

I've got someone who insists I get up on weekends.

Are you still on abilify?

Is there anything else that you are taking that maybe causing interactions?

Just trying to help,

I think wake-up calls are a great idea. If I were up at a more decent hour I'd call, but I'm up and at work waaaay too early. That, and I accidentally called and woke JEllen up once, and it was like rousing a she-bear from hibernation...

I shouldn't tease, though. It *is* a good idea.

Hi Manic Vixen!

I think the excessive sleeping comes from a combination of depression and bad habits. I don't think it is caused by any of my medication. My sleep problems predate my medicines.

Hi Edward and PCandy,

The phone call idea was good, but it doesn't work, because when a friend calls, I mumble a greeting and then go back to bed. Also, I am trying to achieve completed sleep cycles, i.e. wake naturally. Phone calls would be like an alarm clock.

All,

I've managed to be up more today than I usually am.

What is this waking naturally of which you speak? Nah, I know what you mean- that's what gets me out of bed early on weekends, too. It's actually not bad, getting sleepy and waking up, automatically, at around the same times every day. I'm just sorry it doesn't work that way for you.

I'd thought about the hanging up the phone and going back to bed thing... heck, even I do that if the phone wakes me up.

I'm glad you've managed more awake time today. If there's ever anything I can do to help, I'll try to do it for you.

Jolly good

I love to sleep, and I hate getting up for anything... Especially when you get that comfortable nest of quilt just right...ahhh....

In regard to post #14, congrats on being up more than usual! A sleep diary is probably a good idea.

I seem(although it hasn't been the case this year)to sleep more during the winter months. I'd often wonder why it was getting dark so early. Then I'd realize I hadn't gotten out of bed until 1pm(1300). And of course here it's dark much earlier in Dec. & Jan. - daylight is gradually lasting longer now.

I do find myself feeling sleepy earlier during the winter, because it gets dark earlier. But I never seem to sleep "late". For example, here I am up at 5:30 on a Saturday. My body just "knows" it's time to get up.

And if I do sleep in, the feline alarm wakes me up the minute the sun rises. Is Micio likely to disturb you if you alter your sleeping patterns, JEllen?

I think that a diary or journal is a good technique for handling any kind of significant change in habits. Sleep, exercise, diet, etc. It's easier to notice patterns that way, and maybe help yourself figure out what kinds of things are shaping those patterns and habits.

Hi JEllen! Good luck with the sleeping! I'm almost in the same boat. For a long time, I was sleeping about 10 hours a night ... going to sleep at 1 AM and sleeping until 11 the next morning. I'm now down to getting up at 10:30! Wow, haven't I made great progress! But at any rate, in my case, it's also due to being a bit depressed ... it's hard finding the enthusiasm to get out of bed and grabbing the day. But for me it's getting better. I really force myself to do *something* nice and constructive/creative every day, and after doing it, I feel good about it. This does seem to be helping me feel more 'positive' for tackling each new day. Maybe I can soon start getting up at 10:00! Anyways I wish you luck with your own efforts.

Well...why not tell your nominated phone-caller to keep you on the line until they're sure you're up and making sense? As I say - it only need be for a short while, until you're in a routine.

I'd volunteer myself - only I'd phone you at 3am