[Msladyj]

I just finished my sleep diary and am about to start on sleep restriction. I am worried that I won’t be able to stay up until the time I am supposed to get in bed. Any suggestions on how to stay awake would be appreciated. thanks

[JTthemillenial]

Hi Lady J,

I feel safe walking around my neighborhood at night, so at 10pm I walk about a mile. Then I come back, watch Netflix, do something with my hands (ie crafts), have a late snack, and the hour before I go to bed I put away my screens and do some light yoga/stretching, then read, brush my teeth and go to bed. I think it’s good to get some type of movement in, even if it’s light. It helps with anxiety.

Hope this helps.

[Msladyj]

JT,
I swam after work yesterday and managed to stay up till I needed to. I may try adding some yoga. Thanks for the response.

[Martin Reed]

Some good tips here! A few more would include:

* Choose clothes that you can 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 shred them
* Organize collections: photos, old letters, wine, books, or other items
* Catch up on laundry or folding clothes
* Polish your shoes
* Iron or mend clothing
* Do some stretches
* Go for a walk
* Give yourself a pedicure, manicure, or facial
* Sweep or mop the kitchen floor while no one else is there to walk on it!
* 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

How are you getting on, @Msladyj?

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[Msladyj]

Martin,
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I’m doing ok. I find I sleep better and stay awake to my sleep window when I have things going on that keep me active. I will try some of the suggestions like laundry to stay awake. I am committed to the process and I realize that it will take some time. I have been thinking about getting a coloring book.I have also started using the Calm app and been meditating.

[Author]

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