Saturday, August 02, 2008

At Last

Gloriosky! With the aid of a little pill, I slept for ten hours last night. It was a fairly good ten hours too, with fewer jaunts than normal to the loo. While I rejoice over the sleep, I am somewhat disappointed that I seem to require the assistance of a pill in order to enjoy some well earned, deep slumber.

I had slept very poorly, more poorly than usual, on the previous two nights. On the first, my mind was in racing state, and I would wake up with tunes careening through my head to the point where I was almost ready to bang my head against the nearest wall. On the next night, my body went into its let's make a fire routine. It happens a lot, but on that night the heat wouldn't quit, and I couldn't find comfort. I had clothes on and off, sheets on and off, and fans on and off — in three different rooms! — but couldn't find the right combination to alleviate my predicament. As a result whatever sleep I did manage to capture was quite fitful. It drives me crazy sometimes. I drive me crazy sometimes.

So, this little grampa was really tired yesterday — really, really tired — and although said little grampa dearly loves The Bonnie Wee One, days with her can be long and tedious. We are usually on the job for ten to twelve hours with much vigilance required and little time available for adult distraction such as reading a book or doing something creative. Although we may be seeming not to work hard at any given moment, it's a demanding and tiring job nonetheless. On top of that, we're not in our own place over there, and although Dee's house may be like a second home, it will always lack the genuine comfort factor of my real home, so it's harder to relax.

I say that by way of explanation rather than complaint, for I adore the kid. But long days after long nights do take their toll. Although I seldom sleep really well, when I have two extraordinarily poor nights in a row, followed by two normal, demanding days in a row, I pay the price. And so, I reach for a little pill.

Although I try not to resort to them frequently, these pills really help — on most nights anyway. I sleep longer and more soundly, but not usually as long or as sound as last night's whopping ten hours. I don't think I've slept that long for five years or more. It was nice, but I sure wish I could manage to have a really good snooze every and again sans artificial assistance.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I too have been plaqued with many sleepless nights, especially since "the change". I too take the little pill and find it to be most effective. I too worried about the necessity of artificial means, but my Doc assured me that getting the proper sleep is the real goal here.. so I no longer worry much about it. Having a good nights sleep can make all the difference in my day.

Amanda said...

You will feel the benifit from a great nights sleep. I usually sleep well, but i wish that the little one would stop getting up at 5:30 every morning 7 days a week!

Kathy Trejo said...

Oh Anvilcloud! I can so relate to this here post! I've been drinking tons of soy milk to help with the night heats (I'm going through the change)...and I'm happy to report that it works for me. I too take a little pill on nights when i can't sleep. Husband and I are on vacation (a two month off)...Richard is a teacher and works four months at a time then receives two months off...getting up at 5:00 am every morning is extremely hard for him. Right now he is in sleep heaven! :)

(((Hugs to you)))

Woman in a Window said...

I have to admit that I take sleeping pills. I have really bad back pain and have since I injured myself when I was only 23. Recently though, I feel like 83 when I don't have a sleep aid. I kicked the pills this past spring for two months and my quality of life went way down. These choices we have to take... Surely, for a couple nights I wouldn't worry a bit. You deserve the sleep!

dabrah said...

Lack of sleep can be really draining. I tend to get up (no matter if it's 3 in the morning) and make a cup of tea (lemon usually) and read a good book. A couple of cookies or a slice of toast, and I'm ready to sleep like a baby within the hour.

Milk is good too, it contains something that stimulates the sleep hormones in the brain (can't remember what they're called).

In case of feeling hot, I run cold water over my feet. Instant coolness.

However, there are times when nothing works, and then half a sleeping pill will knock me out for at least 10 hours.

Lynn said...

I am so... jealous.

Donna said...

Too bad you can't keep Smudge at you place? I agree that it Is more comfortable to sit at home than away. Babies ARE work...You are Wonderful Parents as well as Grandparents...SO much love!! I Know you're tired...geez, wish I could help you!!hughugs

Kila said...

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed all that sleep, no matter how it happened!

ChrisB said...

I feel lucky to have manged to get 3 or 4 hours unbroken sleep over the past few weeks. Children are hard work and you both do a marvellous job of caring for Nikki Dee.

Lorna said...

Why do you think god invented those little pills? She knew we'd need them once in a while.