A good night’s sleep is a rarity. For me, the nearly complete lack of sleeping through the night started nearly 40 years ago when my daughter was born. I think most mothers will agree, once your child is born, there’s a little part of your brain that stays awake and alert for any little noise at night.
Obviously, once my kids moved out, they were no longer to blame for my sleeplessness. I think my body had just gotten so used to sleeping light, that it didn’t remember how to crash hard.
When I look back, I can only remember a handful of nights when I was able to lay my head down on the pillow and sleep, uninterrupted, for more than about four hours.
Last night was another night like that … but there was something different. I woke up in the middle of the night (the clock read 3:03), got myself a drink of water and, while I was up, peed. Then back to bed. The difference is that the two chunks of sleep before and after my sleep intermission were solid. I slept well.
If I tossed and turned, I didn’t notice. If I dreamed, they were calming enough to sleep through. The next thing I remember is the sun rising and spreading its light through my bedroom window. It was just before six and I was rested and refreshed.
The house was still. My husband is away for a single night on business. The puppy was quietly and sweetly curled up next to me. The temperature was blissfully chilled. Was the reason for my sleep success one of those things? I wish I knew so I could replicate it.
A good night’s sleep is an elusive thing, especially as you get older. Whenever I’m with friends my own age we all share a common craving for just one good night’s sleep. The occasional gift of one is a blessing. I am feeling peaceful this morning and grateful.
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Sleep when you can.
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