INSOMNIA…NOOOOOOO – SLEEP-YEEESSSSSSS

How much sleep do you get?

Not getting enough sleep isn’t good.Requiring too much sleep can be just as bad…either way something could be wrong with your health.

Sleep has ALWAYS been one of my favorite pastimes,as a teen, I had turned snoozing into a hobby until my parents intervened. Tracing back to the origin of my illness, I probably had intermittent bouts of thyroid issues in my teens, twenties and early thirties. I would get so abnormally tired, that surely the sandman had used an anesthetic on me, instead of the harmless pixy dust he used on other folks to aid with their slumber.

But…I was Okay with this…

When that sleepy feeling came over me, I HAD to take a nap…there was no other alternative… I could be at work, school, doctor’s office waiting rooms- and a few times... in a parking garage (not safe, I know). Even after these power naps, I would still have no problem going to sleep at bedtime. Looking back, I am not sure why I accepted this condition, but I just LOVED sleep so much…I wasn’t about to take my concerns to an MD and have them ruin it! I would even have accomplices working for me, for example, I would enlist “lookouts” on my job to tell me if management was coming. They would yell out Hootie Hoo…or something like that…giving me the “heads up” to…well…get my head up.

AND THEN in my late 30’s and into my 40’s I became hyperthyroid…Ughhhhh. For the first time I was introduced to the evil diabolic villain - INSOMNIA.

Now, it’s time to go to the doctor!

After treatment for the hyperthyroid, my bouts of insomnia tapered off, but my anti-hero still came around during “that time of the month" and y’all this was one time too many as far as I was concerned.

So, here are the top 5 things I have done to conquer the evil “I” word:


1. Talked to my gynecologist-My doctor tested my hormones because my insomnia seemed to be associated with my menstrual cycle. Turns out, my hormone levels were way off. We got me back in balance with a bio identical hormone med. I did not want to take prescription sleep aids.

2. Exercise – Working out on a regular basis allows me to sleep longer and deeper. I notice a considerable, "restless" difference with my sleeping patterns when I don’t exercise.

3. Eat a healthy balanced diet and don’t eat right before going to bed-As I get older, munching on hot wings or salty chips as a midnight snack is no longer an option if I want affective sleep and/or have a cheerful disposition the next day.

4. De-stress before bed time-Erase from your thoughts work issues or anything else that will keep your mind racing. Play a game, watch an entertaining television show or read a book. (Keep your mind occupied with something mundane)

5. Hot bath or shower before bed-This makes me sleepy just thinking about it.

Nighty Night my fellow thyroidians, and have pleasant dreams

Crazy Thyroid Lady

EXERCISE!

EXERCISE! This word is not foreign to the thyroid sufferer I’m sure, especially for those on the Hypo-side.

“Just exercise” That’s¬all we need to do right? Well, the Crazy Thyroid Lady says that is what you need to do-Exercise!

Exercise your brain that is…cognitive calisthenics is what us thyroidians need because our brains can be affected by thyroid disorders…Why? I have absolutely no idea…and I am convinced my Endo doesn’t know either because when I ask her, “Why my cognitive abilities have diminished since obtaining a thyroid disease?” She does some tricky word-wrangling to make me forget what I was even asking her about. Similar to when my son, at eight-years old asked me what erectile dysfunction meant…darn television commercials.

I am really no match for my Endo and she knows it. It’s just not a fair fight, I am tired of her kicking sand in my face! And so, since I can’t get a clear explanation from my Endo, I’ve decided to do my own research. Then, maybe, if I can get my brain working right again, I can show my Endo a thing or two.

After researching, here’s what I came up with–Why the brain goes wonky, in the only way the Crazy Thyroid Lady can explain.

The thyroid has many jobs, but the main ones are WIFE and MOTHER

WIFE –The wife (the thyroid) is to send the right messages to the husband (who is the brain…ugh it is so difficult for me to say that, but this is for illustration purposes only). If the husband and wife are NOT communicating back and forth properly, there will be a breakdown in the relationship. – The thyroid and brain communicate with one another.

MOTHER-It is a mother’s (thyroid) job to teach and to pass on to the child (who is the brain in this example, and let me tell you my little man is definitely the brains in our household) good manners, discipline, morals, values and love. If your child doesn’t receive a good upbringing they will have trouble functioning. – The thyroid’s job is to send nutrients to the brain.

So there you have it…Now…ALL RIGHT YOU MAGGOTS!! DROP AND GIVE ME 10
This is your challenge for the week, try to do ten mental muscle repetitions for example, 10 crosswords, Sudoku, brain teasers or try to read something complicated, something out of your comfort zone.

PLUS – Try to incorporate 10 servings or more of fruits and veggies a day

Do I do any of this?...NO, but I’m gonna start. I have to face my nemesis three months from now (my next Endo’s appt) better equipped to go the distance with her…da da dum, da da dum d’da d’da da da da dum da dum (Rocky music)