Getting out of bed 'full of the joys of spring' in the deep, mid winter is, for the most, unheard of; falling out of bed and tripping up in the dark is more like it. For people with a variety of sleep disorders, life all year long can be difficult, but without a doubt, wintertime is the most challenging part of the year because of the effect the reduction of available light and drop in temperature has on how the brain and body functions.
I use a variety of techniques to treat the daytime effects of sleep deprivation and reset my circadian rhythm. This blog discusses how I stimulate my brain with smell using Aromatherapy.
I use a variety of techniques to treat the daytime effects of sleep deprivation and reset my circadian rhythm. This blog discusses the 'Light Therapy', also known as 'Phototherapy' that I use every morning.
Living with the daily consequences of a sleep disorder is harsh; the sleep disorder causes chronic sleep deprivation as well as a host of cognitive, and physical ailments. I have two choices; give up and die - which sometimes in my dark place, I find myself wanting to. Or, tackle it face on to give me a fighting chance
I've been wide awake since 3 am. It's an intriguing time of night, 3 am. I like to call it 'the dead of night'. Nature is sleeping sweetly. The wildlife that frequents my garden are all nestled, gently breathing. Even the trees look asleep, as they stand strong and still, without a quiver from a single leaf.
Have we become a nation of 'can't get to sleep' and can't wake up' sufferers? I think if we did a national poll, there would be more than 70% sufferers compared with those who fall asleep easily and roll out of bed awake and refreshed every day.
It is morning; at least it is for most. Mine can't officially start yet, though. I am trapped in the no man's land between sleep and wake. It's a strange place to be, this 'no man's land.' Everything in the room is foggy and my eyes won't focus. My coordination is out of sync by three inches. My thoughts are incoherent and my inner voice is still snoring her head off ...
I have two sleep disorders that originate in the hypothalamus within my brain. Both disorders cause me to be chronically sleep-deprived on a daily basis. I can't have one disorder - no, my bonkers brain is greedy and must have two sleep disorders!
