I had no idea how important sleep was for my health until my health hit rock bottom. The first time I felt I could sleep for days was after the birth of my third child. I was working full time, dealing with an abusive husband and young children who weren’t sleeping through the night. I took my infant daughter into the guestroom in an attempt to get a little more sleep which sparked a colossal rage episode with my husband who took the move as a sign I was having an affair. Ugh! After the birth of my fourth child, my health took a sharp dive and even after escaping an abusive marriage I still couldn’t sleep. I was riveted with fear that my ex would break in and attack us at night or I was having nightmares that he was already back and I couldn’t get him to leave. My children, traumatized, were unable to sleep and were up sleepwalking and crying out for me in the night likely from their own nightmares. I remember telling my co-workers that I needed to sleep for a few years to not be tired anymore. Sleep has been pivotal in my healing process. Sleep is a priority for me and I can’t imagine getting to this point in my healing journey without it.
Very true. The Joy of Sleeping.
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I would like nothing better than to sleep but it is not always easy to fall asleep…
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It was hard for me to fall asleep at first and sometimes it still is. I had to keep trying until I found something that worked for me – at least most of the time.
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Since I dropped the alcohol, I’ve slept like a baby. It’s bliss. It’s so deep and I actually wake up feeling refreshed, you know? Like we should feel when we wake. I must try not to give in to the wine witch.
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I fall asleep faster if I’ve had a couple glasses of wine – but I don’t sleep well and often wake up in the middle of the night.
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Yup! Apparently it’s something to do with R.E.M. cycles but I’m not sure so am looking into it.
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I’m happy you finally got out of your abusive marriage. I couldn’t imagine what that could have been like with 4 children.
I’m new to blogging and I’m new to your journey but I’m happy and proud for you. I’m happy that you’re getting the sleep you need to be a happier and healthier you.
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What you have been through, woman! Sleep, it’s good for everything.
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I had a vision as I read your post… of a desperate for peace and space … of a spare room and bed and within seconds, a silhouette in the open doorway, arms crossed and legs slightly apart. Silent and staring. I see this is my nightmares and the vision is imprinted on the back of my eyes …
Much love to you xx
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Yes, he did like to hover and stare. It was creepy and frightening then he started yelling and it goes downhill from there. So glad it is in the past and writing about it helps.
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🌸
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They exhaust us physically and mentally and then delibeately try to deny us restorative sleep.
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Hi I’ve nominate you for a Liebster Award https://mavisdee.wordpress.com/2018/02/03/the-liebster-award/
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I hope you fall asleep much easier now, and wish you all things good. I know how good sleep is for the mind and the body and yet still it eludes me. One day…
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Thank you. Sleep seems to coencide with the up and down journey of healing. Right now, it eludes me too. I’m looking forward better sleep – hopefully, soon.
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