Sleep Like a Baby

Somewhere I have heard that youth is wasted on the young.  As much as I am now beginning to understand that those whippersnappers don’t fully appreciate their boundless energy, flawless figures and undefined, unlined faces, the real bonus lies in that they can boast about their snug as a bug, good night’s sleep.

I am familiar with the whole melatonin phenomenon which supports sleep patterns throughout the ages, but, honestly, is there someone I can file a complaint with?  Sleep deprivation was proven to be one of the most effective ways of torturing prisoners and breaking them down.  I comprehend fully, I have learned in the last couple of years that I would probably do anything (and I mean anything) for the assurance of a good nights sleep and waking invigorated and revitalized.

By being wakened numerous times throughout the night, from reasons ranging from an unwavering snoring partner to having nature call, one would be fortunate to stay awake past 9PM – which means you better get your eating in by 5:30PM (6:15, at the latest), so at least you have a fighting chance with your digestive system.  Besides, if you have been awake since 4:30AM, your whole day is skewed and you seem to be hungry at weird hours anyway.  No wonder “early bird” specials are such a big hit with the senior (at this point, anyone over the age of 45 should be considered) crowd. Very Pavlovian, but if you ring a bell (with a discount), they will come, they will eat and they will take home the leftovers for a later time, perhaps their 12:17AM “feeding”.

Which leads me to, what are you supposed to do when you wake up during the night.  There are those, my love muffin to name one, who fall instantly back to sleep after a quick trip to one of their friends, the refrigerator or porcelain goddess.  I, on the other hand, toss and turn and give in to just getting up.  Then what? It is too early to empty the dishwasher, do a load of laundry or vacuum.  The newspaper hasn’t been delivered yet and knitting doesn’t seem quite like an early morning thing. TV is an option, but the stuff that is on at 1:22AM, 3:46AM or 4:04AM is even worse that what is on at prime time.  And you never seem to wake up when a show starts, so either you are stuck watching something you have no clue about or get sucked into watching for much longer than you wish.  Keeping you from your foremost wish and desire… sleep (remember when it used to be something else?).

As I obsess about obsessing and ponder the slumber that eludes me, I can only promise that I will try to hide my contempt and disdain for sleeping babies.  My appreciation and admiration for the dozing, daring daydreamers has increased tenfold and the motto “get it while the getting is good” has taken on a whole new meaning.  And never again will I not be thankful for the beckoning call of an afternoon nap.

I don’t give up easily, and vow to hunt down sleep and take it with a vengeance (then I will have to deal with my anger management, but one thing at a time).  Sweet dreams… however you may find them… and to all, a good night.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-