Thanks for giving me something to think about. I always realized how much more stressed I was with not sleeping enough but had not considered the regular hours question so much. Thanks!
You are absolutely right about the stress connection and sleep cycles. Sleep is so important and is a basic need. It is the time for repair and healing and we really must listen to our bodies more.
Thanks for sharing the insight and for highlighting the importance of good quality sleep.
Well, I am starting to understand the difference between getting enough sleep and getting to sleep at regular hours. It all goes back to that primative part of the brain that no longer has light cues. If we are hard wired to live by the sun and not we live by the clock we have to simulate some of the cycles.
Stress (good and bad) is a release of adrenalin. The body is worn down and 'damaged' by the the surge. So it needs rest after an emotional ordeal. Hence, the roller-coster of moods. Adrenalin again activates that primative brain part that we have little control over. If we do not allow a rest and healing period the body and the physical brain areas do not have a chance to come back to the 'usual' functionings. When it runs dry, it crashes.
Fear, anxiety, and phobias are part of that primative brain that kept us alive way back when. Now, they are misplaced and part of a system we have little control over. We have to regulate the input that reaches this bit of brain.
Take the
time to post how you are doing, even if it is not positive. We learn from one
another and the members may be able to give you some support and advice to help
you through.
Prepare
for those tough times and learn from the previous ones.You have the pieces to complete the puzzle,
let us work together to finish it.