Results of the Sleep Experiment

We started this experiment two weeks ago because Silent Sam and I can fall asleep but not stay asleep.  There is some evidence that indicates that lack of sleep can hinder weight loss.  I really want to tell you that the sleep experiment went great. 

I can't.

The part that really surprised me was that it was probably worse for me than for Silent Sam.  He slept the first two nights and I woke up many times.  Then he started waking up many times also. One night/morning we were both up and out of bed by 3 a.m.  And getting up in the middle of the night is just not that much fun. 

While we did try and keep to the rules, there were a couple nights that one of us worked later than 9 p.m. Also, SS really missed watching the 9 p.m. news.  We stayed up in the living room watching the news until sometime between 9:30 and 10 p.m.  We usually did not make it thorough the whole show. 

We did not turn on the TV in the bedroom at night. 

I will confess that I did not count weekends into the experiment.  I didn't because I have read in numerous places that having an alcoholic beverage will make it easier to go to sleep but will often wake a person up when the effects wear off.  I think this is right - at least for me. 

So what will we try now?  After perusing many web sites for suggestions, I think I will suggest that we incorporate the following into the experiment.  (Silent Sam will love this....) (Actually, he should be thrilled - you should see some of the nutty ideas I found!) 

1.  Just like what you did with your kids - set a routine that will make you think it is time to go to sleep.  Follow the same steps each night to get ready for bed.

2.  Have the temperature in the room between 60 - 68 degrees.

3.  Make the room as completely dark as possible - not only blackout curtains but cover digital clock faces.

4.  Jot down the top 5 - 10 things on your mind and set it aside for the night.

5.  Wear socks to bed.  (seems that your feet get cold first during the night)

6.  Don't drink anything within 2 hours of going to bed.  (this is to avoid those nightly bathroom trips)

Silent Sam objected to #4 during the last experiment.  I will try to get him to try it this time. 

Do you have any suggestions for us?  Please share ideas and things that have worked for you in the comment section below. 

Thanks for reading!