Do you remember my post on Sleep several weeks ago?

Well, I used to be one of those of those people who could fall asleep anywhere. I could take a nap in a room full of people. I could sleep in a car, on a bus, on a plane. Maybe that’s because I was so tired all the time. I used to think it was inherited from my mom’s side of the family.

But as I age, it’s not quite as easy anymore. And if I wake up during the night, it’s often hard to fall back to sleep. Sometimes, VERY Difficult. I find myself thinking about all the things I need to get done. I thought this would change after I scaled back to one job. But that isn’t the case. I’ve just found new things to “need” to do.

But I’ve recently discovered a few tips:

How to Fall Back to Sleep During the Night:

• Put a pen and notepad next to your bed. If you find yourself thinking of all of the things you need to remember to do, make a list. You won’t have to worry about forgetting them.
• Gratitude. Instead of thinking what you think you need to do, think of things for which you are grateful. You can even number them, as if you are counting sheep. This one will make you feel really great when you wake up. It’s kind of like in college when I studied for a test right before bed. I retained it so much better.
• Set your alarm, but put a piece of paper over the face or turn the clock around to hide the numbers.  This is one of my new favorites that I read in a magazine! If you wake up during the night, don’t look at the clock. Trust that your alarm will wake you when you need to be. I’ve found that when I can’t go back to sleep, I start to count the hours I’m missing and it makes me feel worse that I can’t get back to sleep! Not knowing is so much better.
• If all else fails, get up. Do that thing that you want to get done and be productive rather than just thinking about it. Even if you end up tired the next day, at least you accomplished something.

Now it’s time…

Food

Dinners:

• Monday – I’m getting my hair done, so I’m probably going to come home and make myself some Tilapia with tomatoes. I mean, really… How could I go wrong?
• Tuesday – English Muffin Pizzas – Yes, these have been on the menu for the last couple weeks, but they always got bumped out. Will this be the week? I hope so, because they are up first.
• Wednesday – Zoodles with Meat Sauce. Or noodles. Depends if I can pick up some good zukes.
• Thursday – Rob’s co-workers have a BINGO night every couple months and sometimes I join them.
• Friday – Poker night!
• Saturday – I have an idea where we may be taking some friends…
• Sunday – TBD

Lunches:

• Leftovers
• Quick & Easy Bowls! I’ve got some leftover rice and a leftover partial can of tomatoes. This will be so easy. Open a can of black beans and I can make a usual taco salad of sorts.
• I have fruit as well as nuts as snacks. And of course, my daily dose of dark chocolate.

Breakfasts:

• I have a couple of options available and will make them depending on what I am in the mood/have time for each day:
  • PB Toast
  • Granola with milk

Fitness

• It’s been six weeks! I have been able to stuff my toe into a shoe, although it doesn’t feel 100% normal. I might give walking on the treadmill a try. If that’s not an option… There are others! See below
• Post-back surgery PT exercises until I get strong enough to move into more yoga.
• Recumbent bike – With a broken toe, I need to stay off the treadmill for a few more weeks. Although I did do a lot of walking on the golf course. The toe isn’t well enough to fit into a real shoe yet. {I’m still wearing the boot.} But it is feeling better every day!

What is your best tip for falling asleep  in the middle of the night?

Cheers~
Carrie