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
