[Joyous56]

I’ve been trying to practice Sleep Restriction for about 2 weeks. It’s about 9:30 pm, and I desperately want to get intp bed, but that would not be consistent with the plan to restrict my sleep. I would like to stay up until 2:00 am. I think I need about 6.5 hours of sleep, and if I go to sleep now, I’ll probably wake up about 4:00-5:00 am.

Getting up that early kind of freaks me out. I don’t know what to do, and I feel like I’m in the twilight zone. I know a lot of people get up at 4:00-5:00 am. Since I find that sort of creepy, I’ll just stay in bed and drowse….I know that isn’t productive at all.

How do I stay awake? Make a sandwich? Someone said walking, but I don’t like to walk outside at night. Pace? Maybe. Nothing I do keeps me awake.

I want to stick with this, but it’s a challenge. This kinda sucks, but I’m determined.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Martin Reed]

Why does the idea of getting up at 5:00 AM freak you out? I wonder if you could add some kind of enjoyable activity or routine to your day to make that out of bed time a bit more appealing, and to make your days a bit more productive?

When it comes to waiting for the start of the sleep window, I think the best approach depends on the challenge. If you are finding it hard to stay awake, then movement is usually the best strategy. If you are just bored then try engaging in a relaxing and enjoyable activity. What are your hobbies?

Some evening activity ideas might include:

* Choose clothes to wear the next day
* Make your lunch
* Marinate or start to prepare food for dinner the following day and store it in the refrigerator
* Gather old bills and statements and recycle/shred them
* Organize collections- photos, old letters, wine, books, or other items
* Catch up on laundry or folding clothes
* Do some stretches
* Go for a walk
* Sweep or mop the kitchen floor
* Sort out junk mail
* Play solitaire with cards
* Call friends who live in other time zones
* Clean out the refrigerator
* Make a grocery shopping list for the week
* Create a detailed menu for dinners
* De-clutter your coffee table, dining room table, kitchen countertops or desk
* Create a list of activities that you’d enjoy doing on weekends and vacations
* Work on photo albums or scrapbooks
* Choose one or two drawers to clean out (in your desk, kitchen, bathroom)
* Organize collections of CDs or DVDs and choose some to donate or sell if you no longer enjoy them

I hope this helps!

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