One of my favorite things in the world is climbing into bed. I can’t think of many more things that thrill me so consistently (although flossing is rising higher on the list).
I remember discussing one day with Catherine and Caleb lying in bed at night. They both mentioned that they will often remember something they want to think about in-depth and mentally save it for that time when they are lying in bed, waiting to fall asleep at night.
I had no idea what they were talking about.
Apparently they aren’t blessed with the talent I have. Most people crave the same ability that gives me grief– my natural ability to sleep. Like many natural tendencies, this is a blessing and a curse that affects me on a daily basis.
Blessing:
- I never have sleepless nights.
- I can sleep anywhere, anytime, and (almost) anyplace.
- I can sleep through many distractions (light, earthquakes, sirens, phone calls, roommates).
- I rarely have nightmares.
- I can wake up early.
Curse:
- I consistently fall asleep in movies and as such, I avoid watching movies post 9 p.m.
- Pillow talk is rare with roommates since I can fall asleep within 5 seconds of my head hitting the pillow.
- Late night reading is impossible although every once in a while I attempt it again thinking that perhaps this night is different. Inevitably, I find the book on the floor and the light on when I wake up in the morning.
- No matter how interesting the conversation I’m having, movie I’m watching, paper I’m writing – I don’t function at full-capacity after 10:00 at night.* As a single young adult, this has serious ramifications on my social life.
- I can’t stay up late to finish projects. Waking up early demands that I be realistic about my time-management skills (we’ll reserve that subject for another day).
I’m not convinced the pro’s outweigh the con’s but either way, I’m resigned to my fate and am consequentially trying to embrace my hypersomnia.
*Dance parties may be the only exception.
