Every couple of weeks, I try to bring you health or beauty issues that relate specifically to women. Usually, I don’t have a problem finding something to write about, but this month I struggled. Not that there isn’t anything that isn’t health relevant to discuss...for example, I could have easily blogged about it being Diabetes Month and brought some helpful information about the deadly and disabling disease—however, I am not!
The truth is I struggled with writing the blog this month because I have been simply to TIRED to think or do anything!!!!
As many of you may already know, I am a work-at-home mom who recently began homeschooling my 12 year old, 7th grade, daughter this fall. In order to accommodate this new venture, I changed my work schedule. God granted me the wonderful opportunity to work from home in 2008 and this past September, I made the decision to work during the night hours so I could not only teach my daughter but have more family time during the day. My work leadership allowed me to change my hours of work to 8pm - 4am, Monday-Friday. By working these hours, I am able to make sure my son gets up and out the door before he goes to school, get a few hours (very few) worth of sleep before I begin my day again around 9 am. My day is nonstop until I finally crash at 4am the next morning—with very little downtime. So most days, I get about 4-5 hours worth of sleep. Basically the plan has been pretty good.
However, I started noticing a few weeks into my schedule that my memory was beginning to slip. I began to forget simple tasks (like deadlines for this blog) and as time went on, I struggled constantly with fogginess and it became harder and harder to concentrate or remember anything. Next came the irritability which was followed by what I quickly identified as depression. I had no energy, constant body aches and pain, and I even began to pick up weight. It felt like I was constantly letting down family and friends because of my failure to meet my commitments or because I was too tired to talk or interact with them. I felt like I was going downhill fast. Honestly, originally I thought I was going through early menopause…LOL!
One day, the light bulb went on, “Girl, this isn’t menopause! The problem is you aren’t getting enough sleep!”
Sleep Deprivation is such a serious condition that it has it’s own website, (yep, found it during a google search) According to the site, “Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on your health in the form of physical and mental impairments.” Several of the “symptoms” that I was experiencing were listed as side effects of not getting enough sleep. The site goes on to say that lack of sleep can even be fatal! Check it out; there is some interesting information on there.
www.SleepDeprivation.com
As women, we tend to deprive ourselves of one of the most precious gifts that God has given us, the gift of SLEEP! I am willing to bet that there is not one of us who hasn’t sacrificed sleep to make sure that household chores are done, to stand watch over a sick child, and or meet the many other obligations and commitments we have outside the home. I think we are all guilty of trying to be superwoman at one time or another. As women, we will wear ourselves thin and often sacrifice our sleep in the process.
While writing this blog, I felt prompted to say something to the single mom’s out there who are struggling to keep it together and who are quite frankly, just TIRED. Don’t lose hope that things will change. As our children grow and become more independent many things do get easier. God hears our prayers and He sees our tears. Continue to trust in the Lord to get you through this season of your life. Stay encouraged!
I am still trying to figure out how to have a better work/life balance and I’m working on getting more sleep. I try to schedule naps throughout the day, even if it is just a 30 minute power nap. On the weekend, I am learning as well that it is okay to retreat to my bedroom and take a LONNNNGGG nap without feeling guilty about it. I'm still struggling with the side effects from lack of sleep, but hopefully I will see a change soon from incorporating these small changes.
Pray for me! ~smile~
Be blessed Sisters!
Sasha
Tuesday's Blog: Encouragement!
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