So folks, as much as I would like to deny it, I have a type A personality (at times, but especially at work). The other night (I can't remember which, a side effect of working nights is losing all sense of the date, day of the week, or time of day), I realized that I have not been sleeping enough. I have been moody (shocking I know), overly emotional, disoriented, and paranoid (especially about sleeping in my very safe apartment).
After much evaluation, I came to the conclusion that I was only getting about 5 hours of sleep on my days off, which is the direct result of me trying to keep a day schedule on my days off. After working my last 12 hour night shift, I would sleep from 9-12 and then take a nap from 2-3 and 6-7. Then I would try and force myself to go to bed at 11pm so I could wake at 9am so I could feel "normal". The result, is that I have deprived myself of sleep for too long and am now having a hard time sleeping due to paranoid delusions that there is some crazy demonic presence in my apartment (lack of sleep combined with to many late night episodes of Ghost Hunters and TAPS will do that to you). Note: I don't actually think there is anything demonic in my apartment, but when you are tired and you see something "move" out of the corner of your eye, the imagination runs wild!
In an effort to fix this lack of sleep and the ensuing problems related to that, I have set myself a pretty rigid schedule for sleep, eating, exercise, and even vitamins. Thank you type A personality I have inherited from my mother (its not a bad thing mom, really). Anyway, I thought you might be interested in this schedule, and feel free to beg, borrow, or steal anything that fits for you if you work nights too.
Sleeping:
Work Days: 9am-5pm
Transition Day (first off day following my last night shift): 9am-3pm, nap early evening if needed
Off Days: 4am-12pm, nap if needed mid afternoon.
Eating:
Work Days: B 5:30pm, Snack 9:30pm, L 1am, Snack 4:30am, D 8:15am
Off Days: Whenever I want, but am only allowed to eat out twice a week, not every day
*No processed foods on work days!*
High protein B and S. Balanced L and S. High Carb D
Exercise
Transition Day:5pm
Off Days: 2pm
No exercise on work days (sleep is much more important)
Meds/Vitamins:
BP Med: 5:30pm
Fish Oil/Multi Vit: 8:30am on work days and whenever I eat B on off days.
You will notice I have not assigned bathroom visits....somethings just shouldn't be scheduled!
This has gone into effect as of last night, so I haven't tweaked anything yet. Hopefully, this will get me up and running better in the next 2 weeks or so. I have also applied for a day position, which if granted, I won't actually start until next summer; but hey, at least its something to look forward to.
Well, I think I should get back to work. Good night (or morning to you day folks).
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3 comments:
You're welcome for the Type A. It has served me well, for the most part, though it makes me giggle to think how much like our mothers we women eventually become, despite our best resistance. :-)
I think setting a firm schedule to get vital functions back on track is a good idea. After several months you'll be in the groove and most likely won't have to follow it so closely.
Love you, honey!
Oh Becki, that's terrible! I totally know the frustration of not sleeping and it sucks! I'm so fly by the seat of my pants though and could never stick to a schedule. I admire that!
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