(no subject)

[blissfish]

So, psylent1 and salembroomrider - do we have a gym plan tonight?
I really want to go out for Tex-Mex, but need to base that on what time I need to not be a cheese-induced sloth.  (Anyone in the mood for Tex-Mex?)



A brief update to the continuing series Adventures in Modern Psychiatric Medicine:

Dr. S:  I think you should sleep at night, and wake up in the morning.  That is how nature made us (insert unnecessary explanation of melatonin and light frequencies and circadian rhythms).

Blissfish:  I've tried it.  I'm really a night person, I always have been.  My own rhythm doesn't move much.  I'm getting enough sleep.

Dr. S:  I think it would be better if you changed your sleep schedule.

Blissfish:  Something more or less diplomatic that translates to "Bite me!".

Dr. S:  You artists are all a little...different.  (yes, he really said that).

:P

Comments

[sistrmoon.livejournal.com]

yeah, I am an avowed night owl and I still refuse to work anything but night shift in the hospital...but I have to say(grudgingly), I DO feel better sleeping on a day schedule since I've been out of work. Not to mention the disease rates for night shift workers don't lie. It still isn't enough to make me change my schedule(yet).

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

The disease statistics are interesting (read: scary). I wonder how much difference they would show if they controlled for people who are naturally owls, and for those who are forced into it by employment. I can easily see forced shift work, especially rotating shifts, being a killer. But what about naturally dark-oriented folks?

[psylent1.livejournal.com]

No doubt. This week's temporary 6 hour shift forward is killing me and one of my co-workers. I had to apologize to one of the trainers for dozing this morning (and he's a *great* instructor). It's destroying my mood during the day, and of course I perk up after 8pm and have a hard time getting sleepy, even by 1am. I hope next week isn't as bad.

[sistrmoon.livejournal.com]

yeah, some hospitals do rotating shifts and that is just shit. But most of the night shifters I work with work that shift by choice, not simply because of the money differential...they tend to be natural night owls.

[jenndolari.livejournal.com]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_sleep_phase_syndrome

If they'd just do a case study on my and my dad's family, they'ed realize it's some sort of familial genetic thingy.

I'm currently fighting with it right now - I'm doing pretty well, but totally losing the battle today.

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

I've read a lot about that. I've never discussed it with a doctor or anything (because I don't really regard it as a problem at this time), but it sounds a lot like what I go through when I have to move my schedule. And one day off and I'm right back where I started.

[salembroomrider.livejournal.com]

Hummmmm.. good question. I'm not sure of the departure status of the rest of the family (today | tonight | tomorrow morning), and I cannot afford to join for foodage at this point in time. I'm definitley game for a gym run but cannot commit to anything just yet sooo... let me know when you/y'all make a decision and I will see if I am able to join. :)

[salembroomrider.livejournal.com]

Come to think of it, I'll probably be going to the south gym in an hour or so to take Libby swimming if nothing else. She just had her hair colored and we'd rather the initial de-colorization run be assisted by the large volumes of chlorinated water available.. ;)

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

Oops. I don't think I'll be able to make it down there an hour ago. It looks like John will be going out for awhile after he gets off of work, so I'll be going later tonight. Want me to ping you when I do?

[salembroomrider.livejournal.com]

Sure... Libby fell asleep on the way there, so I came back. Gimme a hollar when you go and I may join. I'm guessing I won't be available till around midnight, though.

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

Looks like I'll be able to head down the South gym around midnight if you're interested.

[salembroomrider.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you bet. I can't promise any times -- Jen is at that thing I mentioned the other night -- but midnight-ish seems like a reasonable time for her to be back.

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

Awesome. I'll mosey my way down there midnightish.

[serendipitygirl.livejournal.com]

Damnation, now I want Tex-Mex.

Really said that? Tell him to take a number, ring the bell, and say "next please."
But I don't think you need me to tell you that. :0

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

He said that. He wasn't being mean, and from a few comments, I think he is having the same argument with another patient who is a nocturnal musician. I left half irritated, half laughing.

[serendipitygirl.livejournal.com]

Half irritated half laughing.
I think you may have found yourself a therapist. ;)

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

Dr. S is my shrink, and you know how well I typically get along with those. So we're doing pretty well. :p

Hmmms

[endiron.livejournal.com]

I wonder if you could purchase SADs lights to help combat some of the symptoms that come with off day cycle sleeping.

Bane

Re: Hmmms

[nobodobodon.livejournal.com]

That's worth a shot. My SAD light makes a huge difference for me if I'm getting enough sleep. If I sleep less than 6 hours a night, I don't need it. My mood's stable, but grumpy, and I gain weight.

I've also found that sleeping from 10pm-6am is much better for me in every way than sleeping from 2am-10am, and I've read that the same is true for "many" people. So, maybe SOME adjustment to your sleep schedule is worth experimenting with, to find your ideal range.

Re: Hmmms

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

I've been looking into one. During spring and summer I get enough daylight/sunshine that I don't worry too much. In winter it may help just to nudge the brain some.

I usually can't move my sleep schedule, unless I am sick, very drunk/high, or completely exhausted. My circadian clock marches with jackboots.

[daddio914.livejournal.com]

I think I would have gone with less diplomatic. ;)

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

Thankfully it wasn't an adversarial exchange. He seemed almost charmingly confused by a night owl who wasn't an insomniac, liked being a night owl, and really couldn't change it much even if I wanted to. It was funny.

[juliarandolph.livejournal.com]

My impression is that the biggest problem with your natural sleep cycle is the social pressure from people who Don't Get It.