Midnight Art

So ironically, I decided to start blogging right about the time when my life became as unstable as ever. Hence the unreasonable time lapse since my last entry. But in case anyone out there was wondering, (I like to believe there was at least one perplexed individual [aka family member] who thought, 'hmm I wonder why in the world Audrey has not updated her Cereal Digest in EONS?') I spent a week coaching baton twirling in Richmond, 10 days providing medical aid in Jamaica, 3 days in the Outer Banks, 4 days leading another summer camp, and all the other random days unpacking all my wretched suitcases. BUT, on to what really matters today---

  SLEEPING PILLS!!!

While watching a DVD conference about sleep health earlier, I learned that sleeping pills have an insignificant impact on improving daytime functions. In other words, they help you to technically 'fall asleep,' but with none of the normal benefits. What a wonderful deal! Not... Needless to say, this startled me for several reasons:

1) The major concern over sleep quality stems from the fear of the negative impact it can have on one's performance the next day

AND

2) Countless people must be under the false impression that sleeping aids are what they need in order to cure their functional shortcomings (daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, bad mood, etc.) since they are so heavily relied on.

SO

3) What are sleeping pills doing then if they are not actually aiding in the sleep restoration process?

Well, they're not really solving the problem, that's for sure. In fact, one of the side effects of several hypnotics (sleep medications) is... daytime sleepiness? Interesting.

So here's another perspective that was presented by one of the guest speakers of the Women's Health Virginia Sleep Conference- "Getting Good Zzz's." Maybe the brain's extra alertness during inopportune hours of the night should be harnessed for good use rather than seen as a health burden. A hyperactive mind could potentially be the source of great productivity, creativity, and insight. So maybe next time you're lying awake at night, seething angry huffs of air into your pillow, try going along with your body's natural energy. Brainstorm for a new home project, write a letter to someone, tidy up the kitchen, BLOG! Who knows, you might come up with some pretty good midnight artwork!