Sleepless in Seniorville

It's 4:23 am and I'm up. Wide awake. Another sleepless night. It's been the norm for me recently. And I am over it...I mean, really!

Do you have this problem?

This has been an issue with me since I decided to take an early retirement from working assiduously crazy hours at my last job while running my business. Working a part-time night position from 11p to 7a, while operating a day-time, home-based gifting biz, left me frazzled. I felt the need to put a pause, or rather a permanent stop, to the rat race, that hamster wheel lifestyle, once and for all.

Don't get me wrong... while I do enjoy having this new stress-free way of life with its freedom and times for relaxation, I've discovered that it has one drawback: erratic scheduling.

My daily cycles fluctuate, depending on what activities I allow entry. Though not hectic or extremely busy or overwhelming, there are days where I just simply want to be unbothered and do nothing at all but binge on movies, read a good book or scroll through social media content. This may be what has contributed to my roller-coaster rhythm.

I find that I am drowsy during the day, particularly in the afternoon, and quite alert in the late night hours. I've taken supplements, followed dietary advice and other suggestive protocol but nothing seems to work. It may also be hormonal, as I've had a significant loss in estrogen thanks to "merciless menopause."

Welcome to senior living with a twist. It is what it is.

Now, instead of getting all bent out of shape and becoming anxious during this new phase of life, I have simply decided to go with its flow. I do what I can to alleviate some issues, such as implementing dietary changes along with moments for exercise and outdoor activities, and accept things over which I have no control. If the body says it's time for a nap, I respond accordingly, regardless of its time element. Unless, of course, I'm at an appointment or some other event.

The experts tell us that the body needs at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep each night, 8 being the optimum number. However, these experts fail to recognize those individuals, an ample size of the population, who work at odd hours when the rest of the world sleeps; that is, the night shift crew. Then there are those emergency personnel who are needed around the clock, 24/7.

How many hours of sleep do they get during the day?

I've heard my former pastor say that sleep is over-rated. That may be true for some. There are folks who require only a few hours of rest while experiencing a full and productive life without any major health issues.

Whatever the case may be, this issue of sleep, I believe, is a personal one, since each person's body operates differently than another. Lifestyle choices, dietary selections, cultural beliefs and practices, as well as changing circumstances, have an effect on how the human body operates and responds to its environment.

So, Mr. Sandman, Purveyor of Sleep: I'm not sure where you'll be tonight, but whatever hour you choose to visit, I will welcome you with open arms.