Facebook Pixel

December 21, 2009

Sleepless Night

I had trouble sleeping last night. I don’t know if it was because I read Margie Lawson’s guest post about sleeping at Petit Fours and Hot Tamales or if it was a sign of things to come. Margie’s post was very interesting and included suggestions about ways to aid sleep. It’s worth reading if you have a chance.

Normally, I sleep really well. Last night I was tired. I slept a few hours and woke. Unable to go back to sleep, I applied my brain cells to the problems I’ve been having with my current work-in-progress. Problem fixed! I know how to end my story in a way that isn’t as lame as my original idea. I must have drifted back to sleep and I woke about seven, feeling really tired. According to hubby I was grinding my teeth. I haven’t done that for a long time. It’s something I usually only do when I’m stressed.

If anyone has listened to a person grinding their teeth they’ll know what a horrible sound it is–way worse than snoring. I don’t know why hubby didn’t wake me up.

The good news is that I remembered all the plotting I’d done during the night–it didn’t fade away into dreamland. Here’s hoping I sleep better tonight, but if I don’t, I have another story I need to start plotting.

What do you do if you can’t sleep? Is anyone else tired of 2009 and ready for 2010 to begin?

13 Comments

  1. Susan Helene Gottfried

    I only want 2010 to begin if it’s going to be better.

    Glad you’re working through the plot problems. If you ever feel the need, come on and drop me an e-mail!

  2. Maria Zannini

    I feel for you, Shelley. I suffer from insomnia from time to time, and while I prefer homeopathic remedies, nothing short of prescribed sleeping pills help me.

    As for plotting your story, doctors will tell you that’s the worst thing you can do if you want to fall asleep.

    I usually have trouble sleeping because I can’t shut my brain off. Like you, I plot stories, recalculate my budget, ‘rearrange’ my pantry, ‘remodel’ my house, and plan for the chickens and goats I don’t even have yet.

    I am exhausted by morning! LOL

    The best drug I’ve used for insomnia was Ambien.

    If it’s just a once in a while episode, try a hot bath with lavender oil, make sure the telly is off, and keep the room completely dark. –a massage from hubby wouldn’t hurt either. :wink:

    Sweet dreams.

  3. Karen Erickson

    I have trouble sleeping sometimes so I’ll pop a Tylenol PM, LOL. These last few days though I’ve slept really good because I’m exhausted! It’s been busy around here.

    And yes I’m definitely ready for 2010 to begin. 2009 has been a difficult year.

  4. Linda Henderson

    Usually what works for me is I get up and either turn on a movie I want to watch or grab a book I’ve been dying to read. That will do it every time. It’s rather annoying because I really want to watch or read, but I think that’s why it works for me.

  5. Amy M

    I never sleep through the night. I take sleeping pills, but still only get about 4 hours of solid sleep. Last night we had our daughter sleeping on the floor (that is the rule, not in the bed with us, but on a little couch we have in our room) and she was coughing all night! So I got less sleep than normal.

  6. sandra cox

    Sorry about the loss of sleep. Glad you got your plot worked out.

  7. Shelley Munro

    Susan – I think a lot of people will be glad 2009 is ending. I like to think it will be better. I’m thinking on the positive side at any rate. I’ll keep the emailing in mind. :grin:

  8. Shelley Munro

    Maria – it’s no fun, is it? I didn’t sleep any better last night, but I hit the ground running this morning anyway. Too many things to do to feel tired. I try not to take anything if I can help it. I suspect I should cut out the cup of tea I always have before I go to bed, but I really enjoy that cup of tea.

  9. Shelley Munro

    Karen – it’s certainly a busy time of the year. I’m sure you’ll have a great 2010.

    Linda – I’ve learned from experience that if I get up I end up even wider awake. Hubby can fall asleep in the length of time it takes me to write this comment. He’s always taking power naps. I wish I could do that.

  10. Shelley Munro

    Amy – wow, I don’t know how you can keep going with that little sleep. As a rule I need a good eight hours of sleep otherwise I turn cranky…really cranky!

  11. Shelley Munro

    Sandra – yes, at least I did something worthwhile with my time.

  12. Sherry S.

    Most of the time I sleep between 4 and 5 hours a night or day. Where I work we switch shifts every 6 weeks we work first of the week days 6 weeks then we go to end of the week nights 6 weeks(from 7 to 7). So my sleeping is all messed up and when I can’t sleep I take a Tylenol PM or Advil Pm. I also love to read a good book either in print or on my computer.

  13. Mary

    I always have a horrible time sleeping. I ahve to take Ambien to sleep.