For once, I really don't think this has to do with my disability, but as I've gotten older I've noticed I've become more of a night owl. I do remember growing up at first being an early bird, especially on Saturdays because I wouldn't dare miss my morning cartoons. When I became a teenager, things started to change in my sleeping habits. I found myself staying up later and when Jaimee and I first got together then we REALLY stayed up late! (That sounds kind of naughty.) As an adult, I've really had to be more of an early bird because of college and later teaching. I will admit that in my college life, there were days when I did stay up late to write term papers, but other than that I tried to get to bed at a good time.
I have often thought to myself why I do this? The only thing I can think of is routine...again. It seems if I get started late then it takes more time for me to go to bed. I just can't simply go to bed; I have to do all the little quirky things before I can call it a night. Now mind you that it would help if I took my nightly medication a little sooner as well, but it starts with the routine. I'll notice that if I have to do something later than normal, say going to the grocery store or take care of some task, it can set me back an hour or two on getting to bed at a decent time. I will sadly admit that there are times when I would drink a Starbucks or a Coke a little later than I should; that would jeopardize my bed time ritual as well. The only other thing I can think of are naps. I have to be really careful with naps because if I take too long of one then I'm doomed for the rest of the night!
This might sound little nuts, but the other factor that is involved here has a name and that name is Jaimee. She is just as much of a night owl as I am. I think if she would make it a point to go to bed earlier, then I might have found myself going to bed early as well. There has been a time when Jaimee was fighting insomnia and losing the battle. I knew I had to go to bed for work so Jaimee just couldn't go to sleep with me at the same time. As I've watched Jaimee, she doesn't really seem to have a full blown routine like I have when it comes to getting ready for bed. So I can't go off of her example or establish a bedtime ritual based on her motivations and decisions.
I realize the lack of sleep is not very good for my health and there are times like the summer that can make it even harder because we're out for three months. During that time, I can remember my sleep ritual would be from 2 am to 11 am; and that was on a regular bases! As I get older, I really need to work on getting into a better routine of sleep, but effectively following through is another story!
Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes/Android!]:
Song: "Evil Never Sleeps"
Artist: Above Only
Album: Self-Titled
(By the way, I've finally joined the Smart Phone Allegiance...that's why I'll include Android now.)
Here's Jaimee and Lukas having a sleepy time...well, at least Jaimee is.