Summer of Sleep
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I took a break from this challenge. I have taken off my tracker at night because I felt it was making me too obsessive about the numbers. Does that make sense? I make a mental note of what time I roll over to sleep and what I time I rise. The good news is that I am getting about 7 hours now. I think removing the tracker and not worrying what it might or might now indicate was a good idea for me.
I haven't been keeping track much lately simply because I'm dealing with jet-lag and the heat, so I found the numbers too depressing. I'm still trying to use good practices. The read out is just the way to keep you informed, but if tracking stresses you, that sounds counter-productive.
I couldn't agree more, @77tes! The sleep tracking data is meant to guide, inform, and help us. If it stresses you or has some other negative feeling, let it go and move on. At that point the data becomes counterproductive to getting more sleep. Most of us need more sleep and less data in our lives. I'm focusing on the broad strokes of when I go to bed and having a relaxing pre-bedtime routine.1 -
MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Yep, that’s why I switched to phone, not the watch (and the fact that REM can only be obtained by measuring brain waves!)
I’m focusing on my bedtime at the moment!!
Eve of July 24
Bedtime: 1:01 AM (thought it was going to be 12:30 — got lost on phone again)
Woke up: 8:12
In bed: 7:11
Asleep: 6:43
It says I took 10mins to fall asleep but I think it was 30 mins. (Ate my 1/2 oz dark choc too late!)
I can so relate to you, @MadisonMolly2017! I KNOW a reasonable bedtime is my key to getting more sleep as well, but dang...there are so many interesting time grabbers! It doesn't help either that I don't get home from work typically until 7pm.0 -
themedalist wrote: »MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Yep, that’s why I switched to phone, not the watch (and the fact that REM can only be obtained by measuring brain waves!)
I’m focusing on my bedtime at the moment!!
Eve of July 24
Bedtime: 1:01 AM (thought it was going to be 12:30 — got lost on phone again)
Woke up: 8:12
In bed: 7:11
Asleep: 6:43
It says I took 10mins to fall asleep but I think it was 30 mins. (Ate my 1/2 oz dark choc too late!)
I can so relate to you, @MadisonMolly2017! I KNOW a reasonable bedtime is my key to getting more sleep as well, but dang...there are so many interesting time grabbers! It doesn't help either that I don't get home from work typically until 7pm.
Yes, exactly @themedalist0 -
Been reading these...I think the the sleep tracking is interesting. I like to look at my deep sleep, but don't seem to get enough, IMO. I should be going to bed earlier, not getting wrapped up in MFP forums.
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Hello! I'm back under a different username! Lol. Ever since I got my fitness tracker a few weeks ago I've been tracking it. Most nights I get between 7 and 8 which is perfect for me. I can usually get up when I want if I get that much.1
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7h 35 min
Slept from 11:00 - 8:15 with 1h 35 min awake
Tossed and turned a lot with hot flashes2 -
10hrs 26min...lol. I got up at about 1130. Lol2
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HEGoddard0928 wrote: »Hello! I'm back under a different username! Lol. Ever since I got my fitness tracker a few weeks ago I've been tracking it. Most nights I get between 7 and 8 which is perfect for me. I can usually get up when I want if I get that much.
We are glad you are back, @HEGoddard0928!
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From National Geographic. A fascinating read on what happens when we sleep:
When We Sleep, Our Mind Goes On an Amazing Journey
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/08/science-of-sleep/
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RetiredAndLovingIt wrote: »Been reading these...I think the the sleep tracking is interesting. I like to look at my deep sleep, but don't seem to get enough, IMO. I should be going to bed earlier, not getting wrapped up in MFP forums.
Same here, @RetiredAndLovingIt
And now I have proof...last night, put my phone way away from me & had no WiFi. Cozied up with a book. Quickly felt drowsy... slept 10:02 hours.
I must read more books & get on my phone less. I’m going to look into apps that “lock you out” of your phone. I’m thinking 9:30 PM until 8:30 AM.
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RetiredAndLovingIt wrote: »Been reading these...I think the the sleep tracking is interesting. I like to look at my deep sleep, but don't seem to get enough, IMO. I should be going to bed earlier, not getting wrapped up in MFP forums.
This made me laugh because I do the same thing! I have the best intentions of going to sleep early at night, but that is when I usually curl up in bed with my iPad and catch up on my MFP groups. I never seem to have time during the day... 2 -
7/26 5:30
7/27 10:15
7/28 9:45 (I think I only really slept 6)
7/29 10:02 Quality Sleep: 8:11
7/30 9:42 QS: 7:50 (seemed like less)
7/31 8:15 (great nite’s Sleep)
Must Achieve earlier bed time/no screens...
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I got just over 8 hours sleep! Woot!1
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7 hours 50 minutes! I actually fell asleep at 10:18 last night and slept until 7:20 this morning (after hitting the Snooze about 8 times, unfortunately). I'm just really happy that i fell asleep earlier. My husband falling asleep early and being able to turn the TV off and read for a bit really helped!2
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First night in months 6 hours of light sleep rest is awake.3
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So happy for you @PinkyPan1, @PackerFanInGB, and @travelling_lots! Sleep is downright magical, isn’t it?1
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Last night my tracker was off and said I fell asleep at 1am. I actually fell asleep around 11. So that's 6hr14min.2
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My sleep is going much better...still working towards earlier bedtime 1
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I’m still having bad sleep. 21/2 hours deep sleep and 31/2 light sleep the rest is all awake everywhere through the night2
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Did not so well a couple of days, but am now back on track1
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I can't seem to get better. I've cut down on my naps and seems I'm more drained and exhausted. Today I tried to nap not even that happened. As if my body is on overdrive and can't get off that gear now.1
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Was sleeping by 10:30 so that was good. Awake over an hour around 2:00 a.m. Seems to be a pattern of waking up a lot around that time. I'll have to pay attention to what is going on around me at that time.
7H 2MIN
1H 8m awake
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Simply horrible night’s sleep. Late night work stress.
Slept 3:15-7:30 (hubby got up)
I finally got to sleep by playing g soothing music and repeating, “Let it goooo!” As I breathed deeply, exhaling as I thought “goooo.”2 -
Sleep really is a process, isn’t it? I’m trying to create a buffer a few hours before I turn in, where I do nothing stressful. My husband was watching a movie the other night and suggested I watch it with him. It was a movie about World War II. I knew the last thing I needed before I went to bed was a war movie... that’s certainly not conducive to restful sleep.2
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@themedalist
Yes, it is! I remember that my in-laws took brief warm/hot baths each night *right* before turning in. Have been pondering trying that as 1) relaxing, 2) I’ve read a drop in temp can help us fall asleep (ie as we get out of bath) 3) is force myself to put phone on charger etc prior to bath ie no screens after bath.
I’m also considering getting a. bedside light that dims over time (Oprah mag) so if I’m reading my not-too-engaging book, I will get cues it’s time to sleep.
Finally, I have a message set that tells me “You’re approaching your ideal bedtime” and I find it helps me disengage from phone/reminds me of my sleep goals...so am going to move that 15 mins earlier! The things we have to do sometimes to change our habits!! Haha!4 -
MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »@themedalist
Yes, it is! I remember that my in-laws took brief warm/hot baths each night *right* before turning in. Have been pondering trying that as 1) relaxing, 2) I’ve read a drop in temp can help us fall asleep (ie as we get out of bath) 3) is force myself to put phone on charger etc prior to bath ie no screens after bath.
I’m also considering getting a. bedside light that dims over time (Oprah mag) so if I’m reading my not-too-engaging book, I will get cues it’s time to sleep.
Finally, I have a message set that tells me “You’re approaching your ideal bedtime” and I find it helps me disengage from phone/reminds me of my sleep goals...so am going to move that 15 mins earlier! The things we have to do sometimes to change our habits!! Haha!
All inspirational ideas.
I used to take baths everynuggt before bed. And yes used go sleep like a baby. Maybe something to look at again. Thanks1 -
travelling_lots wrote: »MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »@themedalist
Yes, it is! I remember that my in-laws took brief warm/hot baths each night *right* before turning in. Have been pondering trying that as 1) relaxing, 2) I’ve read a drop in temp can help us fall asleep (ie as we get out of bath) 3) is force myself to put phone on charger etc prior to bath ie no screens after bath.
I’m also considering getting a. bedside light that dims over time (Oprah mag) so if I’m reading my not-too-engaging book, I will get cues it’s time to sleep.
Finally, I have a message set that tells me “You’re approaching your ideal bedtime” and I find it helps me disengage from phone/reminds me of my sleep goals...so am going to move that 15 mins earlier! The things we have to do sometimes to change our habits!! Haha!
All inspirational ideas.
I used to take baths everynuggt before bed. And yes used go sleep like a baby. Maybe something to look at again. Thanks
Oh great! I will definitely try it then!! Thanks!1 -
I think a relaxing pre-bedtime routine is important for sleeping well. Baths, light reading, crossword puzzles, simple stretches all work well for me. I can’t read up on news or watch news on TV in the hours before bed. Too stressful.3
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I listened to a really great podcast by Dr. Steve Orma, a psychologist and noted sleep therapist. He stressed the importance of having a nightly bedtime routine at least an hour before bed, but preferably 2-3 hours before bed. Nothing stressful or invigorating, just calm and relaxing. Practiced nightly, this pre-bedtime routine becomes the trigger that tells our body that it will soon be time to go to sleep.
We will be winding down this "Summer of Sleep" challenge the end of August. I would love to hear what your takeaways have been. Has the challenge helped you in some way sleep better?
I've learned that for me, getting good sleep boils down to going to bed every night at a reasonable hour. I can't control how much REM sleep or deep sleep I get, but I do control my bedtime.3 -
I have been sleeping much better since I started sleeping with little or no clothes. Limiting the technology has worked wonders. Also, eating at least 3 hours before bed. My stomach is not so worked up when I go to bed. Definitely not arguing, or having life changing conversations before bed, watching maybe a little tv ( I choose uplifting shows or travel shows) calms me down.
Thanks for this challenge. I had never paid that much attention before to my sleep routine and was always sleeping 3 to 4 hours. Now it has been 7 minimum. This is life changing.4
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