When I first arrived back in Chicago, I found it astonishing that Mom would sleep the morning away. Getting up at 10:30am... really? I just couldn't believe that this was my Mom. She has NEVER had a sleeping pattern like this. Was there something wrong? Why does my Mom sleep for 12 hours?
The answer is not as simple as one might think. In my linear thinking, I saw Mom go to bed at 10:30pm and saw her get out of bed at 10:30am thus equating 12 hours of sleep. In actuality, there is so much more that goes on during those 12 hours. Let's explore:
10:30pm - Mom goes to bed
10:30pm - 12:30am - Mom tosses and turns and tries to get in a comfortable position. If she lays in one position too long, she gets sore. Additionally, her arm really hurts if she lays on it.
12:30am - 3:30am - Mom gets some sleep.
3:30am - Mom gets up to use the bathroom.
3:45am - 5:45am - Mom gets some sleep.
5:45am - Mom gets up to use the bathroom.
6:00am - 7:30am - Mom gets some sleep.
7:30am Mom gets up to use the bathroom and takes her pill.
7:45am - 9:45am - Mom gets the best and deepest sleep of the night.
9:45am - 10:30am - Mom slowly wakes up and decides it's time to get out of bed.
As you can see, in this scenario, Mom gets about 8 hours of sleep, but wakes up several times during the night to use the bathroom and/or take her pill. She always says that she gets the best sleep after she takes her pill in the morning. Since there is not a great reason for Mom to get up early in the morning, I don't intervene in her current sleep schedule. However, I often wonder how much quality sleep she really gets. Maybe we should have a discussion with her doctor to ask why Mom sleeps so long!
sis, im 64 and my shoulder bones hurt alot and soon everything will be hurting. its called aged.....
ReplyDeleteDear Michele,
ReplyDeleteI know at this stage in your moms life, this may sound moot, but have you considered a Tempurpedic Mattress, they are pricey, but it may help with her pain. I have one and I can attest to how wonderful they are.
Trish