So many of my posts lately have been about my current struggles at work, and the all-around stress I’ve been feeling. One of the side effects of said stress has been really broken sleep. Since I work shift work, my sleep cycles are all messed up anyway, but lately it’s been far worse than normal.
This weekend, for the first time in weeks, I actually slept well for three nights in a row. I mean, pretty darn well (except for the dreams – I’m still having strange dreams). Thursday night, we were in bed by about midnight, and I got up around 10:00… wow, did that feel good. Friday night, again we went to bed just before midnight, and I got out of bed just after 9:00. Saturday night, we were in bed before midnight again, and after the alarm went off at 7:30 (we were supposed to go running), we turned it off, and got out of bed after 10:30. Considering I had to work nights on Sunday, this was probably the smartest move we could have made.
Although I’m still tired, after almost a month of poor sleep habits, it was wonderful to have three straight nights of solid sleep!
Aside from writing here about money, I also write a health and fitness blog, and the importance of sleep cannot be overstated. Getting enough sleep helps you maintain a healthy weight, gives you energy, lowers your risk of health issues (including high blood pressure and depression) and reduces your cognitive function.
How does this affect personal finance? Well, in my case, the lack of sleep contributed to the blues I was feeling, triggering my desire to spend emotionally. Was I making poor spending decisions? Well, I came close several times – I almost ordered half a dozen books online, I’ve been eating a lot of takeout for lunches rather than my own food, etc. As well, being sleepy can cause accidents – behind the wheel, in the kitchen, even while at work. Finally, I work in customer service – being grumpy and irritable due to lack of sleep impacts my ability to do my job. Having little or no patience means that when a customer wants to complain, I’m in a less than positive frame of mind to help them resolve their problem. Now, I may want out of my job, but I don’t want out of it by getting fired!
I’m hoping this new pattern holds. Now if only a good night’s sleep would cure writer’s block…
I’m glad you hit the snooze button–sometimes a run is just not worth it
I always disliked shift work because I tend to suffer random bouts of insomnia. I find that having a schedule does help me with it so when I couldn’t have a schedule that would stay the same, I’d suffer for a lot longer or more often. And yes, it definitely affected my spending.
That snooze button was the best idea – I still got a run in later, and it was better and faster because I got the extra rest.
A good night’s sleep is the best! Glad you finally caught up with some good zzzzzz’s.
Thanks, yes it was good to finally feel rested.
This is something that I need! I only got 2 hours of sleep last night and I feel like death.
Ugh! That was me three weeks ago. I was a zombie by evening. Hope you sleep better tonight.
I’m glad you’re sleeping more! Sleep is the first thing to make you healthy or unhealthy.
For sure! I know when I don’t get enough sleep, I eat poorly and stop exercising. Bad combo!