Friday, October 5, 2007

Sleep, depression, Peter Krause, and procrastination

I know what you're thinking: what an ambitious topic! I can't wait to see what this is all about!

Ok, after sleeping for 10.5 hours for 3 days straight, I think this just isn't working. I mean, I do feel well-rested! And I don't feel groggy or anything. It's just that after sleeping that long, then putting in 8.5 hours at work, and my 1.5 hour round trip commute, there's just not much time left. And I really don't like that. Plus, I was thinking that I cut back too radically when I tried the 7 hour/night plan. Now I am going to try cutting back gradually and see how it goes. I'm going to start by RADICALLY cutting back to *9* hours per night, and then each week cut back by 15 minutes, with the goal being to get down to 7 hours, or to find some kind of happy medium that works for me. I'll keep reporting. Part of the problem that I haven't addressed on the blog before is kind of fundamental (and a bit scary to confess): I have depression and I need to take sleep meds in addition to antidepressants. And the sleep meds account for the morning grogginess if I get up "early," i.e., before I've slept for 10.5 hours. This is a constant source of tension for people with depression. The meds allow for a superficially normal life, but still leave one with other difficulties. But hey, at least I *am* getting up in the mornings, which is an improvement over the past.

And fall brings the beginning of the unfortunately acronymed SAD, seasonal affective disorder. Most people with depression have a problem during the winter. Mine starts when the light starts changing and hits its peak at the solstice -- then improves as the days grow longer again.

On less weighty subjects, I mentioned in an earlier post that I was afraid to finish Six Feet Under, because how would I live without Peter Krause in my life? And then I discovered he has a new show on ABC, Dirty Sexy Money (I just typed "Monday" -- don't you wish Mondays *were* dirty and sexy?? oh, maybe for some of you they are...). I've seen both episodes and I'm not too sure it's going to last. Anyone else watching this show? What do you think of it? It could be one of those shows that's kind of a mess at the beginning and then grows on you, which is how I felt about Studio 60 last year, but of course the networks don't tend to like that kind of show...

I had another good non-procrastinating day on Thursday, and I'm feeling really good about that. I hope I can build on these good feelings so that this habit becomes ingrained. One place I often fall down is needing to think about things, to let them percolate. That technique is necessary for some projects, and it doesn't really happen if I'm working on another project that's fully occupying my mind. I'd be interesting in hearing how other people deal with this aspect of work. I'm thinking that I could just sit and stare at the problem, forcing myself to think about it, thus perhaps speeding up the process, but I have often found that not thinking about a problem for a day or 2 is the most efficient way to solve the problem! It's a pair-o-ducks, I know...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saw your post on LifeTwo. I am a baby boomer, too. Wanna trade links?

Catherine said...

Thanks, Rhea -- I added your link.

Catch Her in the Wry said...

I really enjoy Peter Krause too and haven't been that impressed with Dirty Sexy Money. I always give new shows 3 episodes, especially character driven ones, because sometimes it takes that long to get to know them all. So, one more show and then I'll make my final decision.

Catherine said...

I know what you mean, Dirty Sexy Money has not been too great. I don't think the premise is great, the title is just embarrassing, but what a cast! It's a pleasure to see not only Peter Krause, but also Donald Sutherland and Jill Clayburgh. I feel like, if PK signed on for this, I will stay devoted for as long as it lasts.

Thanks for writing!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I found your site through LifeTwo and I'm so glad I did. It's so good to know there are others going through exactly the same stuff.  I love your comment about SAD! I can't wait for Dirty, Sexy Money to return.  No wonder this winter is so depressing...no new TV shows, waaahh!