That elusive... SLEEP!!!

Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or absent consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles.[1] It is distinguished from quiet wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, and is more easily reversible than being in hibernation or a coma. Sleep is also a heightened anabolic state, accentuating the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. It is observed in all mammals, all birds, and many reptiles, amphibians, and fish. – Wikipedia

For those of us who have been working graveyard for the last few years of our lives. Night sleep is essential and priceless. Since our careers do not allow us the luxury of night sleep; here are a few tricks I have learned to make your day sleep seem like night. After being on graveyard shift for almost a decade now; here are some best practices I have tested which can work on you. (Yes, I’m sure you have noticed the effort now...  I am really trying my best not to make this sound like a Wikipedia article.)

1.Recreate the night. For those of you who have been to my place, you would notice that when the lights are out; day or night, the room would be in total darkness. I have read somewhere a few years ago; that recreating the night during the day aids in a better sleep. It does something to the brain to condition it, that’s all I can remember now.

2.Avoid stimulants before bedtime. When you are less than 4 hours away from your anticipated bedtime, forget about drinking coffee. They will most likely keep you awake beyond your needed waking hours. Try washing your face, taking mints and lozenges, or any other technique as long as it’s caffeine free.

3.Have a sleeping schedule. Drop any task you are doing when the clock strikes bedtime. Turn off laptops, TV, cellphones and anything that may distract you from your good day sleep.

4.Have a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking. Exercise and have a healthy diet.

5.When the first four fails, having been diagnosed of rhinitis; I normally resort to drinking medicine for the colds. These meds originally created to provide relief of runny nose, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, itchy & watery eyes, fever, body pains & headache associated w/ common cold, flu, upper; may take you into your much needed Rip Van Winkle state.

 Please take in moderation and only when necessary, walang rehab para sa adik sa N3oz#p!

That said, goodnight everyone. I hope to get an hour or two of sleep before I officially start my day...