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[starrykitten]

I have a really weird schedule this semester. I never have to get up super-early, but some nights I stay up really, really late and some nights I just stay up late. :)

Do you notice a big difference if you sleep erratically versus the same time every night? I'm sleeping well when I sleep ( xanax ), just not on a regular pattern.

[Lizzy]

Acceptance helps a great deal! If you know your strange schedule will be for a short period and you are not feeling exhausted, then go with it. I have to 'catch up' a couple of times each week to avoid that 'hung over' feeling. Then I can be out and about enjoying life!

I think refreshing sleep is the most important. I also think that not worrying about not sleeping is important too - but not always easy to achieve :-)))

[Jodi]

I haven't been getting a *good* nights sleep for awhile now and I can tell the difference in the morning. I've been trying to go to bed earlier and it's helped some. I agree with Lizzy though - refershing sleep is very important!

Best of luck to you with your schedule and sleeping.

[jillivinilly]

To me a routine is very helpful. It goes against my spontanieous personality, but it really helps keep me on an even keel. My pdoc gave me trazadone to take so I could establish a sleeping pattern. It is a sleeping pill and if I am not sleepy I take it so that I will still go to bed at around the same time each evening. I hope I don't have to be this structured forever, but for now it is really helping.

[Sheepwoman]

I know first hand about class schedules and course work that keeps you up late. I have had disruptive sleep patterns all my life. I found a structured schedule really helps; however, I know that is difficult for you. The most imprtant thing is that you feel refreshed after your limited amount of sleep. Most people can function normally with 6 hours of unbroken sleep. I used to run on 4 hours for years. Whatever sleep you lose really cannot be regained by sleeping extra long the next night or on the weekends. It's like energy cannot be lost as there is a set quatntity of it; however it can be changed or transformed.(learned that in chemistry)

Basically, the question is: how well do you function the next day?
Sheepwoman

[Gonzo]

I find a regular schedule is crucial and refreshing sleep is critical. Without, my anxiety does flair up and my wife says I bounce off walls which drives her nuts (a short trip that is). At the sametime, there is something to be said for catching extra sleep whenever possible.

[Hope4life]

A fairly regular sleep schedule is important to me,
I try to get up at about 10am everyday even though
some days, like today, I would rather keep sleeping,
but I know if I do I will end up back on a night schedule and
sleeping all day, and that always makes me feel even worse.

Guick addition- Also this site has helped alot, I login first thing in
the morning and it gets my mind active, and gives me something constructive to do, so I don't go back to bed.

Edited by Hope4life, 25 January 2006 - 12:54 PM.