What do you do with the hours between midnight and 2 am when sleep is elusive ?
If I'm up that late I'm either sewing or reading an absorbing Kindle book. I was up that late last night reading the Kindle book, The Help, after watching the movie on Netflix two days ago.
It took me two days to decide to buy the novel, because of the high Kindle price.
@Katastrophe1969 Excellent writing. I was so absorbed I didn't notice the time until it was past 2 AM.
Books I don't want to buy but want to read, I check whether they are available through the eLibraries I have access to. I have a card for the regional library and the state library so can get quite a few titles to read for free. I just started reading "Sleeping Beauties" ( King) from the state library. They will load into multiple types of devices.
If it is a work day then I drink some herbal tea or some alcohol and hope I can get to sleep. On a weekend I might just get up and start the day. On work nights I try to avoid turning on anything electonic. I might read, or knit, or play with the kitties. Or masturbate. Or meditate. Self hypnosis. I've tried hot baths with epsom salts and lavender. Or I might just say F it all, drink a crap ton of coffee and get ready for work. BTDT, got at least 1 T shirt, likely quite a few more.
@Katastrophe1969 it isn't very much different than meditation except for concentrating on a mantra. Use a two syllable word or phrase, first syllable on the outward breath, the second on the inward. I used Jah Weh as a xian, and now it just aggravates me but it is the sound of the breath going in and out. And just try to keep it as slow and as smooth as possible and concentrate on the breath, try to let go of other thoughts. It takes practice, but it does help your heart rate and brain waves slow down to where you can drift off. I need a better mantra. This site has more good information: [wikihow.com]
Video game, post on here, argue on facebook, or read. It just depends
There are otber people in my house so I try not to go into common areas, otherwise, I'd be doing laundry, cleaning, etc. I usually go soak in a hot bath & read a book & let the water elevate my body temperature. Once out of bath, I go to bed in the all together & as my body temperature falls, finding sleep becomes easier.
I put on a podcast or audio book with a sleep timer, and if it's not too interesting, I'll fall asleep. I always set the sleep timer for just shy of the end, so I can rewind to hear it again when I'm awake. It's nice to close my eyes and just have a book read to me - or a discussion on a podcast with a soothing voice. Zzzzz...
Read any political stuff I can find, Read in my groups on Fetlife. Watch Netflix on my Kindl
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If you’re doing Netflix, ‘the joy of painting’ is soothing ..till the guy starts up about something religious.. Otherwise, I can hardly go 10 minutes before nodding off … which actually sounds good ~
I usually don't sleep until 2am anyway. Even though I wake up at 7am, I like staying up late to unwind alone in silence and darkness.
I'm either on my cell on here or in a word game or I'm watching Friends or Family Guy and American Dad
I know not really intellectual stuff between those hours here
Lay in bed and overthink.
@Katastrophe1969 My glasses have not come in yet. This pic is from trying them on. In 2 weeks or less I'll have them with a new pic.
I have a motivational tape that I listen to, sometimes more than once! It must be something that I found to bring me clarity, before and not something I am trying out for the first time!
If im alone I keep the lights low including the computer and I try to prevent stimulating my brain to much. However if I am with someone then there most likely will be an interactive approach.
I browse WWII history and space, macro and underwater photography threads on Reddit. This in no way, I'm certain, allows me to get back to sleep any sooner.