What a difference a good sleep makes.
I haven't been sleeping well lately; no surprise I supposed given everything that's going on. Most of last night wasn't much better. In addition to stress, I've started having some pre-menstrual sleep disturbances due to (probable) perimenopause. At this point in my cycle nowadays I wake up throughout the night drenched in sweat and then I shiver because it's cold and my nightclothes and hair are damp. I have stressful dreams, too. It was that way last night, but then at sunrise I dropped back off and slept like a stone for three more hours. Now I feel almost human again.
Thanks everyone for your support on my last couple of posts. I haven't responded to each of you individually because it's just too emotionally draining, but know that I appreciate all the kindness.
A couple of book club friends have invited me to lunch in an hour, and I'm planning to go. I need to get out of the house for a few. I'm actually looking forward to going back to work next week because sitting at home stewing over everything isn't helping me or anybody else. Of course I'll take whatever time off my mom needs for me to be with her, but except for that I'd rather be busy and try to distract myself. Right now I'm just taking one day at a time and dealing with things as they come.
Thanks again for all the kind words, everyone.
Lunch with friends sounds perfect! I hope you enjoy it. You are way behind in any sort of enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteThe lunch was okay, but somewhat overshadowed by the fact that a third friend couldn't join us, her sister had died the night before. We're all so sad for her. :( It's been a shitty holiday all around.
DeleteI think it's a great idea to get out of the house and get your mind on other things. We're all thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI often wake up around 3 a.m. feeling so HOT. If I stand up and walk around a bit and then go back to bed I can often fall asleep and then, like you, sleep really well. I've always suspected it has something to do with natural biorhythms, but I'm sure in your case perimenopause would also play into all of that.
I wouldn't mind so much if I just woke up hot, but the real problem is that I wake up drenched in sweat! Then of course I shiver from being damp and cold. And I haven't even really started menopause yet.......God help me if this is how it's going to be for years and years yet!
DeleteOh yeah, night sweats and sleep disturbances -- that sounds like peri-menopause alright!
ReplyDeleteLucky me.
DeleteWe're all here for each other when need be. You did in my thoughts and hope and everything's going okay. My mother is going through the same thing that you are granted hers was years ago. Let's us hope for a nice New Year Jennifer!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you I hope we all have a good new year!
DeleteI thought of you today Jennifer and the difficult days you are going through. I hope you feel better after meeting your girlfriends.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to see them.
DeleteHope you had an enjoyable lunch with friends today!
ReplyDeleteBe kind to yourself.
Thank you.
DeleteSo glad you're going out (or have already gone) with the book club. Take good care of yourself and consider yourself hugged from here whenever you need it.
ReplyDeleteAll hugs gratefully accepted!
DeleteI just now saw and commented on your last post. I'm glad you will see your friends. Take care of yourself. Keeping you in my thoughts. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie. It's good to see you around again.
DeleteI am glad you went to your meeting. Your mind needs something else to think on. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteDistraction is a blessing right now.
DeleteEnough sleep is essential for our wellbeing, and the menopause (no matter which phase of it) combined with stress is NOT helpful - I know that only too well.
ReplyDeleteSeeing some of your bookclub friends for lunch is good, and work can be good, too, as long as it does not put too much pressure on you.
Work at this new job never feels like too much pressure, I am lucky. Also my principal and assistant principal are wonderfully kind and supportive, and if I need time off to be with family it won't be a problem. Thank goodness work is no longer a source of stress in my life!
DeleteSleep and friends - there are no better drugs than that. I suffered for 15 years with all the menopause symptoms. I wish I'd known then the Dr. I have now. She put me on HRT and my life changed. I can sleep, and go back to sleep if I wake up, my mood is better, no flashes and no anxiety. Don't listen to the people who say it gives you cancer; do your research. That study was old and flawed. I feel like I am HRT Woman, the superhero for HRT therapy, because I tell any woman that I can that it saved my life, and I hope I can help other women save their lives, too. If your dr says no, find another one.
ReplyDeleteRight now I only have symptoms right before my period, which is still regular as clockwork. But I will bear your advice in mind! I'm in need of a new gynecologist and I'll try to find a good one who will consider this. Thank you!
DeleteA good sleep makes all the difference. Glad you are getting out to meet with friends.
ReplyDeleteSleep is so important!
DeleteWe go back to work January 2nd.
ReplyDeleteSome people say that laughter is the best medicine but I think it is probably sleep.
ReplyDeleteOh my! It sounds like you are dealing with all the things! I love that you have such a wonderful group of people supporting you
ReplyDeletehappy new year! May 2024 be good for you !
ReplyDelete