Pages

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I Need Sleep

No really, I do. I've no problem taking a nap on our couch on any given Sunday or catching some zzzzs in the middle of S telling me a very interesting story as we drive in the car or sleeping through at least a third of any movie that is longer than 105 minutes. But lately, when it comes to getting sleep at night...in a bed...forget it.

Dress - Winners, Floral Necklace and Belt - F21

 Logo Tights - Chanel, Mary Janes - Via Spiga (via 90s)

I'd love some good old uninterrupted sleep, to not have to get up in the middle of the night because I suddenly remember we need to buy potatoes, or because my bladder thinks it's 6am when really it's only 2am, or because the big lug next to me decides to see how perfectly his elbow fits in my eye socket{I feel you Tiffany}.

And please don't say "at least you don't have a crying baby keeping you up." Cause then I'd have to slap you that would be music to my ears. Yes, I'd still want sleep but at least getting up in the middle of the night would be purposeful. This however, has no purpose. Other than to give me puffy sullen eyes and a cranky disposition.
 
Actually, I'm getting ahead of myself. Yes staying asleep is hard but falling asleep is the hardest part. What's keeping me up, you ask? Nothing. I'd love to blame it on S and his snoring but 97% of the time I can tune it out. 2% of the time it's actually somewhat soothing. Like listening to static. And 1% of the time, I want to stick a pillow over his face but instead I stick one over mine.

Truth is, mostly, I keep myself up. My mind just won't stop. Thinking. I'm not trying to memorize the first 3,000 digits of pi. Nor am I trying to solve world peace. I'm just stuck on thinking about things that really shouldn't be keeping me up at night. Like what my ex-boss' daughter's name is. Or why in the world people like egg salad. Or how S can think Richard Gere and Harrison Ford are the same people. WTHeck. Not even close, right? Which leads to me wonder how much Calista Flockhart weighs. Which makes me think, "for sure I weigh more". Which makes me wonder what my BMI is. Then for a split second I forget what BMI stands for. Then I make up what it stands for. Then make myself giggle. Quietly, to not wake the hubs. Which makes me look at him and get jealous of how well he's sleeping. And how loud peaceful he is. Which makes me want to poke him and ask "are you awake?" Then I wonder if there's anyone I can call who would be awake. Then I realize it's 2:46am and everyone else is sleeping. Then I start to freak out because I imagine how hard it'll be get me out of bed in just a few hours. Sigh.

Any tips? And no, I won't be taking any pills. Drug-free suggestions only please.
xo Ela
p.s. If you haven't already, do enter my Orient Watch Giveaway!!!

44 comments:

  1. I understand you. You are probably stressed with many things and that is why small things come to your head in the middle of the night. Sorry, but I have to say the baby thing. ;) My little one was waking up a lot a month ago and it was so tiring. Try some sleeping pills for a couple of days.

    xoxo
    B* a la Moda

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have no tips :( I was actually hoping for a few myself! I have the same problem! I worry about weird things and then dream about them! Nice! I adore your outfit Ella! You look stunning! Wish I had legs like yours that would look beautiful in stockings like that! Gorgeous xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Apparently you're living my life. My brain WILL NOT shut off...one dumb-dumb thought runs into the next. Yes, and all while Husbands' zzzzz's are driving me batty. There is NO cure.
    But I have found blogging right before bed-time gets some of the ramblings out of my brain(sorta).
    I also fall asleep faster on the days when I've exercised a LOT. (like that ever happens...)
    Lurve your 90's stylez Mary-janes. You too funky girl!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hahaha! I can feel your predicament. One time, I attended a meditation class to help with my sleeping problem and I guess it worked.

    Love your tights and your shoes Ela. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. In England we have BBC Radio 4. At 12.45 they put a little song on called "Sailing Bye". Followed by the shipping forecast and then the National Anthem before the World Service begins. This is how most people in England fall asleep actually perhaps all of England. Do you have something similar you could try? :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have the same problem. It helps if I do exercise or even more moving around during the day. Its sounds silly but counting sheep does help! Good luck! Love those tights!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh no! That sounds aweful. It's usually okay for me, but if I get stuck out in a bring your own star, third world hotel - and it happens, alot, to block out the noise of chickens in the next room and things, and remove the fear of being murdered in my sleep, I turn to Stin Hanson. She does free podcasts on Itunes, listen to her zzzzz one, it's about 19 minutes and I've never heard the end because it really works!

    Good luck though, I hope you're okay xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh dear, I truly emphatize with you, I have trouble falling asleep too like you! My trick is probably to make myself as tired as possible so that I'll doze off the moment I hit the sack! But it only works half of the time though:P

    You look lovely, I adore that floral necklace and your oh so purple tights:)

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. First, I am coveting those tights.

    And like you, sometimes I can not turn off my brain at night. I read a book on meditation and if this can work for me who is highly Type A, it can work for anyone bc I dont take sleeping pills either.

    Deep breath in, exhale and count 1. Repeat 30 times. If you get distracted, start over. When you get to 30, count 1 as you inhale, exhale, breath in count 2...repeat to 30. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Can you borrow those Chanel tights? :-D

    P.S.: ♥Please don't forget to join the Schnappy Jewelry giveaway!♥

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  12. e, i adore you. PERIOD. your posts always make me giggle but im sorry you've had trouble sleeping. i wish i could forward you my last email to josh, it said almost the exact same thing. last night i spent forever wondering what on earth they could add to peanut butter instead of just ground peanuts. then i started on what vitamin i was missing from eating no meat and if that's why i've been unable to sleep. i'm a hot mess. well looks like we're in this together. for me to fall asleep i have to read or put on a song (bella's lullaby from twilight) even if u arent a twilight fan it's piano and it's incredibly soothing. a hot bath always helps too but i do see someone wrote about exercising. lately that's been helping and since stopping, the never sleeping has crept back in. why do i always write you novels? haha probably because i'm such a horrible blog friend and i never comment. and since i just adore you so much i always feel the need to catch up:)

    when i move to nyc we're getting coffee if you come to visit, pinky?
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. also, my dad has had that problem and he was treated for sleep apnea. i know it's more common in overweight individuals but maybe it snuck into your system? xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Unfortunately I don't have any tips for you. In fact I'd be grateful for any tips too. Maybe you can call me when you keep yourself up at night and we can chat *lol* Although I think I'd be at work due to time difference. What's funny is that I always fall asleep on our couch. But when I wake up and go to bed - I am wide awake and have trouble to fall asleep again. And when I finally do sleep I just dream crap.
    Hope you'll find something to get a good nights sleep soon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have a similar problem. I can fall asleep fine but staying asleep is the trick. If you figure out a solution let me know! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  16. Falling asleep is hard for me too! Last night though, I feel asleep right away after Lost, like 10:15, and woke up thinking "wow good night sleep, it's prob 4-5am". I look at the clock...it was only 11:50! What the heck!

    Write in a journal :) Get all your thoughts out!

    Adore the floral necklace too.

    ReplyDelete
  17. i've slept like 12 hours in the past three days--project due tonight. i'm a zombie. it would have been more like 15 hours if i could get my mind to stop running too. why is it that the mind stays so far ahead of the body?

    the only suggestion i have is sleepy time tea. i used to drink it to help me sleep when i was pregnant.

    ps- your comment on my blog the other day was the sweetest

    pps- you look beautiful, btw! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. oh, bath and body works also has a lavender spray for your pillows/sheets--that helped me too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. great tights!! well.. i actually sleep really easily but maybe u could try those nature music things at night! haha. prob wont work well, warm milk? good luck and hope u get a good night's resdt soon!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Man, if I knew how to help you, I would. I actually had one of those nights last night. It's so frustrating! And then I start freaking myself out as the morning draws nearer and nearer, thinking that now I've only got three hours, now tw, now one. Ahhhhh!

    The only thing that seems to help me is getting up out of bed, going to a different chair, and reading. Not watching TV or using the internet, but reading a good old fashioned book, preferably something challenging. Sometimes it takes an hour, but usually it does the trick and settles my mind. Maybe try that?

    I hope you find a solution!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. oh honey...you and me both! i wake up every am at 4.30! UGH!

    like everyone else, i love those tights! my goodness. to.die.for.

    oh and i love you and YESSSSS!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Have you tried running 10+ miles? That shit will have you sleeping like a baby!

    Haha. Sorry love...wish i could help. Dave has the same problemo and he takes sleeping pills.

    Loving the purple tights lady!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love those tights!

    Thanks for stopping by on my SITS day!

    ReplyDelete
  24. i know how you feel. i recently had a job where i worked over night and on my days off i couldnt sleep at night in my bed either. i was also getting better sleep on the sofa with naps. you could try taking a hot shower right before going to bed, it should relax you enough. or just go to sleep on the sofa at night instead of the bed. it usual works for me if i cant sleep in the bed.

    ReplyDelete
  25. When you find the answer...i say write a book. You'll sell millions lady!!! I too seek this answer. I can easily fall asleep at work, in the middle of the day with the sun shining on me. But at night...forget it. That's the time when we always remember the little things that need to be done. WHY?!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm the same way girl! I've never been a good sleeper, as everything seems to keep my mind racing. The only thing that has helped me in the past was to take a warm shower or bath before going to bed. Also, you might try chamomiele tea. It's calming and it tastes good, too! Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have a lot of trouble sleeping, but I take Ambien (i know, not natural, but I need my z's!). I love this luxe look you're rocking. The dark colors are so rich.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ela, you really do think too much for your own good.

    I love your stockings. They look so cozy... And luxe like E said above...

    ReplyDelete
  29. Uggghhhhh, I'm so sorry. I'm sure you've read about my struggle with it on the blog. Going on vacation actually has seemed to help. Is that an option? Getting away for a few days to de-stress?

    ReplyDelete
  30. You look adorable!! I love the tights and the mary janes.

    I resort to pills to sleep hahaha...insomnia is the WORST. I hope you can get some sleep soon honey.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh my sweet dear... this is the worst feeling, isn't it?? I think I could send you some of my textbooks.... when I want to crash, I crawl into bed with one of them and start to read and I find myself the next morning, with a book next to me and drool everywhere (sorry for the detail). Now... if I try reading Twilight... I will be up all night, and when I finally do fall asleep, I will have non-PG rated dreams about my vampire fantasy man... I am ridiculous.
    And on the topic of crying babies- I would give anything to stay up all night with a crying baby. Seriously. I get so frustrated with my friends who have babies, and who complain about having to get up to change a diaper or feed their little one a bottle. Do they have any idea how lucky they are?!?! I cannot wait for the day to be sleep deprived because of a baby.
    But sleep deprived for no reason... oh, I wish I could help. Really. Go buy a law school text book. Cue the snoring- you'll sound just like S... promise.

    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  32. I've been having problems sleeping at night too. I've been trying to force myself to stay awake all day on the hopes that I'll be so tired at night that I'll just pass out once I get into bed. Hope you get some sleep!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I totally feel you on the sleeping thing. I wish I had something to tell you that would help, but after years of watching the clock pass by at night, I have nothing :( But girl, you look so gorgeous w/ little sleep! How does that happen?! I envy you love! And that ruffle necklace is AMAZING! Hope you have a better night tonight XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  34. I got nothing... I take the drugs. It's the only way I DON'T wake up at 4am haunted by all the things I have to do that day.

    Good luck, my love! At least you look smokin ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  35. In the winter when I'm less busy I have this too... my mind won't stop racing. In the summer when I landscape it's not so bad because my body is so tired it beats my racing mind... I guess my suggestion is to start landscaping? hahaha, bad tips...
    I go to the Holt's Last Call at Vaughn. I just peruse the sections with yellow signs because that's where the deals are. I also use my elbows to keep competition at bay...

    ReplyDelete
  36. haha I don't know what you can do for your sleep issue! I do find it a lot harder when you have to sleep beside another person. and i hate getting up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom!

    ReplyDelete
  37. OH GOD. your mind is like a pinball machine at night! sometimes mine is like that, too, and i hate it. please don't kill me for saying (writing) this, but sometimes i am better off when i exercise. i think this makes me sleep better, as i am so tired from a long day of work plus exercising, that i just flop on the bed and sleep out of exhaustion. sometimes this helps. but if i am stressed or sad or mad, it probably doesn't.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey beautiful lady...I hope your mind shuts down so you can get some zzz's! I would try reading, exercising, drinking some non caffeine related tea or drink, and perhaps listening to some calming music? I also pray myself to sleep or meditate sometimes. Good luck and you look gorgeous as always!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I totally understand you. I feel the same at night!!! My husband is always sleeping so soundly and peacefully next to me but I can't seem to get a wink of sleep! Good luck. I try not to work out three hours before I want to sleep. Not sure if it's working though ;)

    clothedmuch.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Stopping by from SITS. LOVE those shoes!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ugh, I've been having the hardest time getting to sleep myself and the hubby just knocks out the minute his head hits the pillow. I can't stop thinking either and it's pretty random. So unfortunately I can't give you much advice, but I do love that belt and the touches of purple in your outfit! :)

    And seriously, Gere and Harrison??? What's wrong with him? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. doing something boring. read or watch soemthing boring. play a boring game of tetris? i play bejwelled on my cell to wind my mind down, im such a dork ahahah

    ReplyDelete
  43. oh my dear, that sounds like me about a month ago! My mind just wouldn't stop. The only thing that helped me was taking my sabbatical! I was just too stressed to even think about sleeping but once I took time off, I slept so well. obviously, not everyone can take time off like I did but I think what helped me a lot too was just watching what I did before I went to sleep. No reading the newspaper or watching the news, no reading work emails, nothing of that sort so my mind had nothing to stress/worry over.

    hope you get some sleep soon though! I know how tough it is on your mind and your body.

    ReplyDelete
  44. AWESOME tights. nice find :)

    http://thepowerandbeauty.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Penny for your thoughts?
Hmm...let's make that an I.O.U ;)

xx Ela