The Princess and the Pea
Maybe it’s my age, but I must admit I’ve become a real sleep diva in the past few months. It started with our mattress a few years ago – I am now addicted to a Tempur-pedic and have a hard time sleeping on anything else. Next came the quest for the perfect sheets. I found those online at Ru-Val linens – the softest sheets I have ever slept on. Finally, I needed the perfect pillows – 2 for my head and 2 bolsters for each side to feel really cozy and supported.
Then, I began to notice that I was sleeping much lighter than I used to, waking up with small noises (although my husband’s occasional snoring cannot, under any circumstances be considered a small noise!). I tried earplugs, but they hurt my ears after a few hours, which also woke me up. I tried another style of earplugs that cover your ears, but those left my ears sweaty, which was just gross.
I had no issues falling asleep, but couldn’t stay asleep. This had never happened to me before. And I got to see what life is like sleep-deprived. I don’t see how people can do it. I am completely irritable and unfocused with less sleep than I need (and I need a good 8 hours). Thus, I began my search for a good night’s sleep.
Our move to Sao Paulo did not help. I slept outside my own bed for over 3 months, in a variety of different locales. Each place I slept gave me new challenges in getting a good night’s sleep. At my dad’s house, my stepmom introduced me to a white noise machine, to which I am also addicted now. I discovered lavender spray at the spa, which I also use to induce a restful night. I cried, literally, when our bed finally arrived in Brazil, and I had my first night of good sleep in months.
And, ultimately the CLEAN program was the final straw. It seems that what I eat DOES make a difference in how I sleep (no alcohol is best, but who wants to live like that all the time?)
Which all means that I have become a sleep diva. Each night, the ritual to get good sleep begins and I hope for the best. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. But I feel validated now – I am reading the book “Emotional Freedom” by Judith Orloff and in her section about the power of dreams she advocates taking whatever steps you need to get good rest, including many of the ones I now make.
Does this make me a real princess? I’ve always wanted to be one…
Posted by Stephanie at Monday, July 11, 2011 9:57 PM 
Categories: Life in Brazil, Happiness, Relaxation, Pleasure, Aging with Grace
Tags: sleep pleasure
Categories: Life in Brazil, Happiness, Relaxation, Pleasure, Aging with Grace
Tags: sleep pleasure
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