Z: Zzzzzz. I know it's not a word but I'm going to use it as one. During my early days as a writer when my kids were small and still needed me every minute of the day, I did most of my writing late at night. I sacrificed sleep to write books. I like staying up late. I like the quiet of the house after every one but me and the cat are in bed. Many nights I wasn't getting more than five hours of sleep.
Again research shows that not getting enough sleep contributes to all kinds of health issues like weight gain, increased stress levels and a lower job efficiency. Like my running, I've been making more of an effort to behave in a healthier manner. I'm trying to get no less than seven hours of sleep per night. Once I retire, I'm going to up that number to eight hours every night. That means sleeping in to around 8am in the morning. I want to do it. Being better rested, I'm going to be a better writer.
How much sleep do you get? Does your writing cost you sleep? Did you survive A to Z? And a great big thank you to the organizers of A to Z and those of you who kindly visited me here.
19 comments:
Sometimes I find the more pressure I put on myself to do all the things I'm "supposed" to, like sleeping a certain amount of time, etc, just makes me feel worse. I can't live up to my own expectations! :) So, I do what I can and try to ease up on myself a bit.
I do like your Z word! Happy A-Z!
I love sleep. It is my friend. I don't usually miss it to write, but sometimes I do to run, or other things that I don't have time for because I write.
I don't get enough. Maybe 5-6 hours a night. Just too restless.
i usually get between 7 to 9 hours sleep---haha i know---congrats on a great finish susan!!
I'm one of those people who definitely needs 7-8 hours of sleep a night in order to be at my best. When I don't sleep well, it weakens my immune system and I'm more susceptible to colds. When I'm sleeping well and getting enough hours, I never get sick. Ever! Sleep really is so important and should be a priority.
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
PS) Congrats on finishing the Challenge, Susan!!
I've never been the type to give up sleep for writing. If I'm tried, no writing is getting done anyways so I might as well get the sleep I need. Plus, I get cranky when I'm tired so I'm doing people a favor. lol
Congratulations on reaching the end of the challenge!
I get between six and seven hours a night but I could always use more.
Congratulations on completing the Challenge!
I love writing at night so yes, my writing definitely costs me sleep. But, then again, I'm also an insomniac.
I get about 6 hours. Probably need more. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I do need more.
Congrats on finishing the Challenge!
I prefer writing late a night, as well, when the house is quiet. It hasn't cut into my sleep...so far :)
Hi, Susan,
For me sleep is highly overrated ... Lol . Seriously though, I'd much rather do a hundred other things... I average about 5 hours a night... And the times I do sleep more, I feel AWEFUL. So I honestly believe it's up to the individual and what works best for them.
Congrats on finishing! And all the best in your endeavors.
I used to be the Queen of sleep, back in the good old days. I would like to sleep more, but I wake up.
Congrats on completing the challenge!
My thyroid is underactive and even though I take pills for it I have antibodies that are attacking it (autoimmune), so I am always tired. I sleep more than most people. I am trying to sleep less, but I simply don't function well at all. I am hoping that as my doctor's treatment plan starts making me feel better overall, it will also help with the sleep/thyroid issue.
By the way, I bought The Keepers of Sulbreth. Look forward to reading it when I'm taking my breaks from editing.
Hey, thank you, Jay. So many of the comments lead me to believe writers don't get enough sleep.
A special thank you to all of you who visited me faithfully during the challenge and those of you who stopped in and met me for the first time.
Haha, that's such a perfect choice for the last day of the challenge. As in I'm done! Time to Zzzzzz :)
Sometimes if I get a spectacular idea, I have trouble sleeping. Other times, I have trouble sleeping for no reason at all. :)
Congrats on finishing!
#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
Aargh! I'm dealing with insomnia and, in fact, picked the same Z word you did. ;)
If anyone has some solutions, please stop by my way and share.
Congrats on finishing the challenge!
Barbara
Z is for Zzz-z-z... and an SOS
The Daille-y News
Sometimes I consider staying up late (or getting up early, as our family are a bit of night owls), but the trouble is that sacrificing sleep means I'm not as good a parent. I get impatient very quickly, and don't like who I am on not enough sleep.
It's a tricky balancing act, that's for sure.
Rinelle Grey
Post a Comment