TexMom85

Bethsheba,

I've gotten a lot better at coping with the exhaustion and stress of sleep issues. The biggest factor that helped me was leaving corporate America. It's not that I didn't like my job (well, actually I hated the last one); I'd enjoyed my career for 25 years and worked while raising my daughter. It was ironic to her that I quit working after she graduated from high school. But I know that the stress of corporate politics, commuting, worrying about getting up in time for a meeting, etc., was contributing to my sleep issues. Now, unless I have an occasional appointment with a doctor in the morning, I don't have to worry about getting up and that has helped me a great deal. Not all the time, but at least on those really bad nights, I comfort myself with the thought that nobody is relying on me being anywhere at any time the next morning.

Up until recently, my husband was working out of town all week. This was both a good thing and a bad thing. The good was, I didn't really feel compelled to clean the house until later in the week. I also settled for eating cereal for dinner instead of cooking for him. And, I rarely did my hair or makeup, unless I was feeling a burst of energy or was going out for a dr appointment or to the grocery store.

The bad was, there was no one else to take care of my pets (a dog and three cats). I had to make sure they were fed, dog out, cat box cleaned, etc. Had to drag myself to the mailbox every day, take the trash out myself and go to the store by myself. Also, if I was having a very bad night, there was no one else in the house to comfort me. Or if there were bad storms, no one else to keep an ear open for tornado sirens, keep the candles ready or herd the animals into the bathroom (with a can of tuna and dog treats). It is a lonely feeling.

God had blessed me in so many ways, though. We had new neighbors move in on both sides of us, and while they are younger than me and still raising their kids, they aren't into keeping "House Beautiful" and are down-to-earth, with their priorities on their families instead of showing off their homes. I have become especially close with one of the gals, and she and her family check on me often, careful not to call too early, inviting me to dinner or sending one of the kids over with a plate of whatever she's made. I can go over there and just hang out, without being too energetic, and they all understand. My greatest blessing is an understanding, compassionate husband who truly cares much more about my health than the clutter and dustbunnies accumulating. His only fault is that he can fall sleep sitting up and sometimes his eyes will close while I'm talking to him....aurgh!!

I try to make the most of the days when I've had a good night's sleep and am not feeling too much pain...those are the days I jump on the laundry, go through the piles of mail and maybe even vacuum. Since I've been battling tendonitis in my dominant arm, there hasn't been much vacuuming lately, and it's even difficult to do the dishes. But, since hubby is working locally now, he gets a workout on the weekends. (Honey-do list is getting longer!)

Some days I just try to push through the fatigue, but years of doing that helped get me to where I am now, so I try not to do it very often. I would recommend a good vitamin, but for me personally, they interfere with my sleep...bummer. I've worked out 3 times in the past MONTH....not too good. But the sleep thing is just so intrusive into your daily routine, not to mention my pain issues (I post often on the Pain Management boards...)

So, make the most of your good days, and cut yourself a break on the others. Remember your health is the most important thing. If someone really cares about how clean your house is, then I'd be spending less time with him/her. Kick 'em to the curb, if you have the energy!

Blessings to you, my friend!
Tex