Sleep

It is sometimes elusive, but oh so necessary. I am learning to appreciate the blessing of sleep. I've been missing out on some good strong REM time recently, a by-product of being fifty. Unfortunately, I've discovered many things that happen when a woman of my age doesn't sleep.

First and foremost, it can be dangerous to look in the mirror first thing in the morning. I have scared myself almost to the point of heart palpitations recently. It's really not a pretty sight. Puffy eyes, saggy skin....need I go on?!

I was reminded of a post that read on the YOG last year by Kathryn, who is one of the bravest women I know!. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

The old fifty year old brain doesn't seem to fire on all cylinders when I'm tired either. In my younger days I could fake it somewhat, but that seems to get harder as the year go by as well. I'm also crabby, melancholy and carb craving. A recipe for disaster, to be sure.

For the past couple of nights I've managed to get some good sleep. This morning, I noticed that the woman in the mirror looks remarkably better, and I'm optimistic that my mood will be improved today as well.

That's it. Decision made. No more late nights for this girl. It's best for everyone if I get my REM time.