a rant about weekend sleep schedules

I try real hard to keep a sleep schedule , go down same time get up same time ever weekday . But the problem is the weekend , it hurts me to get off schedule , however it is so tempting to sleep late and those late night movies . It sucks to go to bed when others are still going strong , and get up when the house is still dark and quiet .

Guess I am just feeling sorry for myself , I sleep so poorly anyway , I know a "schedule" and sticking to it is the best "only" way to go .

Anyone else have this problem or feel this way , with my "new start" I really want to do what is best for me . I feel like cheating on my schedule is like saying my illness is not "real" or not "serious" enough to warrent such actions . But now that I have accepted myself for who and what I am . I have to take it seriously .

sorry for the ramble ... my bp has become very real for me now , I'm completely med complient , have stopped lying to my medical team , I just feel this is as important as the other things I do to keep myself safe and sane ...

just a thought from the Tigger ...

Hey Tigger. Do you have TiVo for those late night movies?

Depends if it's worth it to go off your sleep schedule,if it's triggering then,
Politely kiss everyone good night& finish watching movies in the early mornings with headphones.

It gets dark real early here and light real early. 5pm and am. So I always follow that. My problem is that I wake at 10 pm every night hungry from my Meds, then have a snack and back to sleep. Then again at 3 am. Then fall asleep and wake at 5. But that's how it goes on Seraquel.

nope no TiVo , no cable either , .. I have been keeping a sleep log lately ... I average 3 to 4 at a time , then another 1 or so most nights ... one night got 6 straight ... a couple of 1 hour followed by staring at ceiling all night ... keep same routine but sleep varies so much ... no rhyme or reason that I can find ...
maybe someday they will find us an answer ... I am going to start trying natural stuff ... anybody got suggestions ...

It's definitely going to be an adjustment after so many years of a lack of a sleep schedule, so don't beat yourself up over it. Start slowly. It's easier to regular during the week because of work schedules (assuming you have a 9-5 type of job). It's basically like carrying that into the weekend.
Is your TV in your room? For most people, that is the distraction. Maybe that's a start to remove it so your room is only for sleep instead of entertainment.

If you allow yourself mild variations in the hours you sleep during the weekend, that might be better mentally than feeling understimulated following the same routine over and over. Just set clear margins within which to allow for that variation (we also need some of that, or depression might hit you).

I would further suggest listening to some music or the radio when you go to bed. Maybe for a fixed time (say an hour after which the radio might switch off automatically). Find the right type of music. A realise you asked what kind may help you best.

I'd still suggest you try Beethoven or some other classical music. If this works on your nerves you might better listen to something else, of course. Some jazz maybe. There are even (quite many) jazz versions of Beethoven's symphonies and many of his other well-known works.

Edit:
I just realise I gave the opposite advice as Gina. I personally think radio should be allowed, TV is probably going to be counterproductive. Settle for less, not nothing at all (of course if you can, do so, but you wouldn't ask advice then, I guess).

Sending HUGS and good wishes your way!!!. I know the feeling.

I had a terrible night sleep last night. Went to bed at 10:30PM, ate 4 times in between
and finally fell sleep at 4:30AM. That is taking Trazodone, Remeron and Xanax
Can you take naps?. I can't.

I have no trouble going to sleep ... only had two nights lately where xanex would not turn my brain off ... but the norm is straight to sleep ... just can not stay asleep ...


... if I listen to music I listen to Soon-kyu ... but that obsession is almost gone ... too bad ...

due to my alergies I sleep in a recliner ... yes in the tv room ...

Thanks guys ... but staying asleep is the issue ....

Are you on an atypical antipsychotic or antihistamine? It can really help with sleep quality. Some reach therapeutic levels faster: quetiapine might do the trick (immediate-release and in the evenings, obviously).

Obsessive interests don't help either.