There’s good evidence for a “natural” sleep pattern of two sleeps with a break – 4 hours asleep, 1-2 hours awake, 4 hours asleep (search for, e.g., “Thomas Wehr”, “Roger Ekirch”, “second sleep”). It seems to have disappeared more or less as societies pushed the evening darkness further back artificially, starting (in Europe, anyway) in the 17th century – but you can still find references to it as late as the middle of the 19th century; we’ve simply forgotten it. So waking somewhat in the small hours is likely normal, and probably the best thing to do, if it happens (and if it’s a viable alternative), is not to fight it. Read a book, or do something else (it used to be considered a good time to conceive, for example). If there’s something on your mind, sort it out if that’s an option, or do something else until you’re distracted. Then go back to bed and have your second sleep.
If anyone needs a sleeping pill in my house it’s the cats. (No, I would not drug my cats) They wake me up at 4 am yowling at heck knows what. One is hyperthyroid (on meds) so I spend all day trying to wear her out so I can get sleep at night. I love her to pieces but I think she’s my last pet. I’m too sick for this.
wjones over 3 years ago
I think Ario was suppose to talk her out of taking one
Robin Harwood over 3 years ago
It is, Janice. It is.
Tyge over 3 years ago
No! It’s only us! 8^ )
Da'Dad over 3 years ago
Sleep is a nowin topic, apparently it causes typos half the time.
Aladar30 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Poor Janis.
Colonel B over 3 years ago
I’m reading this at 3AM so I know the feeling.
moosemin over 3 years ago
When I wake up at 3AM, I feel that the world had judged me, and found me guilty on all counts! (probably from being raised Catholic!)
fredd13 over 3 years ago
There’s good evidence for a “natural” sleep pattern of two sleeps with a break – 4 hours asleep, 1-2 hours awake, 4 hours asleep (search for, e.g., “Thomas Wehr”, “Roger Ekirch”, “second sleep”). It seems to have disappeared more or less as societies pushed the evening darkness further back artificially, starting (in Europe, anyway) in the 17th century – but you can still find references to it as late as the middle of the 19th century; we’ve simply forgotten it. So waking somewhat in the small hours is likely normal, and probably the best thing to do, if it happens (and if it’s a viable alternative), is not to fight it. Read a book, or do something else (it used to be considered a good time to conceive, for example). If there’s something on your mind, sort it out if that’s an option, or do something else until you’re distracted. Then go back to bed and have your second sleep.
John Smith over 3 years ago
I will not sleep
until I find a cure for my insomnia..
trainnut1956 over 3 years ago
When I wake up at 3 am the cats all want their breakfast early and won’t let me go back to sleep.
Grace Premium Member over 3 years ago
If anyone needs a sleeping pill in my house it’s the cats. (No, I would not drug my cats) They wake me up at 4 am yowling at heck knows what. One is hyperthyroid (on meds) so I spend all day trying to wear her out so I can get sleep at night. I love her to pieces but I think she’s my last pet. I’m too sick for this.
Gandalf over 3 years ago
No.. Just get up and read a book for an hour, which she ought to have done a few hours earlier.
joedon2007 over 3 years ago
I’m surprised that Arlo didn’t suggest another activity that might have helped her go back to sleep
GovernorOfCalisota {LoveBozobyFoxo} Premium Member over 3 years ago
Excusatio non petita, accusatio manifesta. :)
Michael G. over 3 years ago
What makes you think you’re wrong, luscious lady?
Forest Dweller 54 over 3 years ago
Benadryl works for me.
snookdog69 over 3 years ago
The real arlo would say well as long as your awake.
Out of the Past over 3 years ago
So he gets awakened for that and goes back to sleep.
coratelli over 3 years ago
Arlo want to sleep!
Going Nuts over 3 years ago
Although Zquill and the store brand equivalents say they’re natural and non habit forming, we sure go through a lot of it.
cosman over 3 years ago
Quincy Jones & i share the same picadillo..he wakes around 10 pm, and goes to bed around 4 pm the next day.
morningglory73 Premium Member over 3 years ago
I may feel apologetic about taking a Xanax at times even tho’ it’s made for the purpose I take it. But apologetic to whom? IDK.
poppacapsmokeblower over 3 years ago
Not sure about everyone, but when I get up at three AM the dogs judge whether they will get to go outside.
gpantzer over 3 years ago
Janis and/or Arlo must use a sleeping aid from time to time or they would not have such an aid in the house in the first place.
formathe over 3 years ago
No dogs or cats or ANY pets in this house so when I get up at 3 to pee I can go right back to sleep with no guilt. I sleep 9 hours a night in general.
Chrisstopher over 3 years ago
Only your faithful fans Janice. I’ve heard indica helps, but I’m sure she already knew that.
Steverino Premium Member over 3 years ago
Sleeping pills are nasty. Especially when you wake them up.
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
Not judging. Sometime you just have to take those sleepless nights or have a warm glass of milk to help. Not so sure about that pill thing though….
rlaker22j over 3 years ago
cocktails
Uncle Bob over 3 years ago
As Snoopy said, “when you think about a problem at 3 o’clock in the morning and again at 9 o’clock, you get different answers”…
dv1093 over 3 years ago
I may have my own set of problems – but falling asleep has never been one of them.
jarvisloop over 3 years ago
Many potentially harmful things are made for a reason, such as tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol.
Opium, heroin, and morphine all have a beneficial purpose, too, but I won’t touch any of them because I know myself too well.
3cranes Premium Member over 3 years ago
Try a tab of simple painkiller first. Works for me.
Ceeg22 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Not a good idea, you’ll still be asleep late into the morning