Happy Home Tip #1: Handling Insomnia...

...Productively!

But First, a Question:

Are you sure you have it?

Insomnia is defined as "an inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness" and is easily mistakenly diagnosed, especially when the sufferer is self-diagnosing. From what I noticed during my high school days, many of my insomniac (quote/unquote) classmates were simply plain worn-out or didn't give themselves enough time for sleep or both. And from what I noticed during my working days, the trend has continued.

So before running off and declaring yourself an insomniac, research Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Sleep State Misperception and ask yourself if you're merely not planning for the absolute bare minimum of 8 hours of sleep and if you just have too much on your plate. Click here for more information regarding healthy sleep.

In the meantime, reading the rest of this tip can't hurt. Whether or not you're actually an insomniac doesn't matter. Heck, I'm not (technically).

(Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. These are my personal observances and opinions - follow at your own risk.) 

Using Myself as an Example:

Every two weeks my schedule switches from days to nights and vice versa. Obviously, this can make getting enough sleep difficult. Luckily, it's consistent(ish) and I average about 9 to 10 hours a day. Some days I may only get around 5 though - this can be due to a smorgasbord of factors, the likely culprit being caffeine. 

On the day schedule, after dropping off hubby, I get all of the cleaning done and out of the way, FIRST. Depending on my diligence on previous days and speed, this can take anywhere from an hour to 3 to 4 hours (I tend to go overboard with the disinfectant). At the end of cleaning sessions and subsequent TV/videogame/reading/goofing off online "reward time", I'll have been awake for approximately 9 hours. 

Commence nap time! 

2 hours or so later I'm awake to either prepare a scrumptious feast or to run off to the stable. Afterwards, it's pick up hubby, feed him, make sure he bathes, make sure phones are being charged and alarms are set, have more downtime/goofing of online time... then sleep. Rinse and repeat. 

Night schedule is the same, just flipped. I find I actually get more done at night than I do during the day - makes sense, considering I was born around 2am - and is how I know I'm not a true insomniac. I just function best between 11pm and 11am. I wouldn't be surprised if my ancestors were the ones selected for the night watch. 

The trick to surviving? If you absolutely CANNOT sleep, then clean, cook, organize and have some "spa" time. 

Treat it as you would your normal awake time, 

minus the interruptions from family, friends and pets. 

This is how I keep my home sparkly and organized when I actually follow my own advice. Believe me when I say there have been mornings I've stared at the walls, puzzling over what to do. Plus, you would be surprised how relaxing it can be.

How This Can Apply to You:

If you don't work, take a nap in the middle of the day. And if your children are at home during the day, make it clear to them if they disturb your nap and it isn't an emergency that there will be consequences. 

If you do work, focus on sleep the minute you get home. Preferably you won't stop anywhere on the way home. Don't turn on the TV. Don't pick up a book. Don't get on the computer. Put down all technology, close the blinds, soak in the tub, etc. This is your downtime. You can clean and organize and finish other unfinished work when you wake up.