Sleep Patterns

[AZ Husker]

Since I've been staying home because of the crisis, my sleep pattern has changed dramatically. I used to go to bed at 10:00, now I'm not even tired by midnight. Yet the morning hubbub still wakes me up early in the day. I can't force myself to sleep. It's getting worse. I'm exhausted from doing nothing. If I try to take a nap, it makes it even more difficult to get to sleep. I'm doing more exercise now than before. Any sleep experts out there?

 

[TacMedic]

My sleep patterns have been distorted for over 24 years because of work.

The experts will tell you, and I have noticed, that if you keep the same schedule (no matter what’s going on) you’ll get the best restful sleep you need. If your normal bedtime was 10 PM, you need to keep that normal bedtime, as well as your normal wake up time.

Avoid using the computer electronics prior to going to bed, try reading a hard copy book instead if you need to wind down. Some people swear reading the Bible at night always gets them to sleep right away, especially the Old Testament.

Naps are actually very healthy if kept under 20 minutes or over an hour (not in between).

We as a society do not prioritize sleep enough. About three years ago I actually changed careers because my sleep patterns were so distorted that I could not handle the sleep deprivation anymore (actually my wife probably couldn’t have) because I was always so short tempered. This was very soon after I participated in a sleep study that showed I was significantly lacking sleep on a regular basis. Good thing it was a free study!

Anyway, after I switched careers (so I can get a more regular sleep pattern) life got much better for me. I still have some issues since I’m working a midnight shift, but as long as I keep sleeping during the day on my weekends it’s not too bad. Again, keeping the same sleep cycle is important, even if your circadian rhythm is off.

My two cents from the study was involved in and also my life experience. I’m not a doctor, and it’s been years since I stayed at a Holiday Inn express.

 

[Flash]

I've had the same sleep pattern since the 2nd day of Basic Training in the Army.

Drill Sargents will do that to you.

 

[mtptwo]

Mine is getting random. Go to bed at 7, up at 4. Short naps a couple of times, etc...

 

[Flash]

Naps will absolutely kill your sleep patterns.

Fortunately for me, I've never been able to nap since I was a little kid.

 

[knockonit]

hehe, i haven't slept well with out assistance since the late 60s, improvise, adapt and overcome is the operative.
happy good friday, to those that subscribe

Rj

 

[Kingjoey]

I get one good night of sleep every month pretty much. Between nightmares and flashbacks its a crap shoot every night. A stiff dose of Unisom and bourbon generally helps, but avoid Xanax and other meds

 

[xerts1191]

And then you retire, talk about a change in sleep patterns!

 

[paulgt2164]

I used to have all kinds of sleep issues. Not being able to sleep till 2 or 3 AM and waking up at 5-6AM, constantly waking up during my sleep, etc.

I completely cut soft drinks from my diet. Now I sleep like the proverbial rock, usually 11pm-6am with no sleep interruptions and wake up fairly renewed.

I cut the soft drinks 10 years ago. I also have noticed most of my stomach issues ceased about 3 months after I stopped drinking them.

I the last several years I have also been cutting the sugar intake drastically (candy, cakes, pies, ice cream, drinks, etc) and that has also made an improvement in my over-all well being.

I don't even miss the stuff I stopped eating/drinking - yet my health has improved quite a bit.

I have several acquaintances who have noticed their eating habits have substantially changed since working from home - causing some issues with weight and sleep.

 

[thom]

Lots of caffeine from sodas, coffee, tea, or whatever else really screwed up my sleep patterns until a few years ago. Now I don't drink anything besides water after 7pm. It was kind of a big deal when I went out to restaurants with the family, but they got used to it. I sleep a lot better now.

 

[Flash]

And then you retire, talk about a change in sleep patterns!

Nope. Mrs. Flash retired 15 years ago, and so did I. I went back to doing jobs for Homeland Security and retired again 2 years ago.

I still get up at 5AM every day. Can't sleep beyond that very much.

 

[bill460]

Nothing will ruin sleep like alcohol consumption. Yeah, you'll fall asleep faster from it. But it's a drunken sleep that won't last. I quit drinking completely 12 years ago, and I sleep much better because of it. Most any doctor will tell you the same thing.

Nothing destroys sound sleep like constant alcohol consumption does. The biggest problem is most people can't stop long enough to test the results.