What is your bed time routine? Has it changed over the years?
By cynthiann
@cynthiann (18602)
Jamaica
September 9, 2009 3:24pm CST
I was thinking last night, as I was taking my meds, at how much my bed time routine has changed over the years. At fist being newly married and experiencing all the delights of bathing and going to bed with my husband. 
Then came the children, 3 in 3 years, but my husband was a caring man with the children but now, after bathing I would go into their room to check on them and we both would take turns to tend to them in the night.
Then came the teen years and I would want to stay up until they came home and even if I went to bed, I would always hear the car come up the driveway and call out, "Is that you boys?". They would always ask why I could not sleep. Then I would frequently check their bedrooms to see that they were okay bit never told them!
The came the years of looking after my sick husband and making sure that he took his meds etc before giving him a cuddle to help him through his sleepless pain filled night. I would wake to hear him groaning and then several times in the night I'd give him a massage to ease the pain in his muscles.I did not sleep one single night for years. Even when our dughter took over the massaging I was still awake.
Now it is my turn, and now I take the meds after bathing and get into bed. I watch television sometimes but always watch our local news on television and then try to sleep by 10:30 pm. How boring and predictable I have become!
The only thing consistent is that I still bathe.
Hot country so I cannot sleep unless I bathe. How time and events has changed everything about bed time. Has your routine changed over the years?
Then came the children, 3 in 3 years, but my husband was a caring man with the children but now, after bathing I would go into their room to check on them and we both would take turns to tend to them in the night.
Then came the teen years and I would want to stay up until they came home and even if I went to bed, I would always hear the car come up the driveway and call out, "Is that you boys?". They would always ask why I could not sleep. Then I would frequently check their bedrooms to see that they were okay bit never told them!
The came the years of looking after my sick husband and making sure that he took his meds etc before giving him a cuddle to help him through his sleepless pain filled night. I would wake to hear him groaning and then several times in the night I'd give him a massage to ease the pain in his muscles.I did not sleep one single night for years. Even when our dughter took over the massaging I was still awake.
Now it is my turn, and now I take the meds after bathing and get into bed. I watch television sometimes but always watch our local news on television and then try to sleep by 10:30 pm. How boring and predictable I have become!
The only thing consistent is that I still bathe. Hot country so I cannot sleep unless I bathe. How time and events has changed everything about bed time. Has your routine changed over the years?25 responses
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
9 Sep 09
I guess it has changed somewhat. After the kids go to bed instead of going at 10 PM I sometimes stay up and play poppit until I'm to pooped to pop. And sometimes I shower in the morning instead of at night. Other than that, it hasn't changed all that much I guess.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
9 Sep 09
Yep, it looks like your routine has changed as well. I think that what I miss most is not having my husband there to cuddle. I like cuddling. It's the closeness that I miss. Of course when the house is packed then Rachel and even someone else will be in my bed. It is a king sized four poster. I love that as we all giggle and chat until we sleep and I do not feel alone anymore. It is only at nighttime that I can feel alone. Blessings
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
Am sending you a tissue and giving you a hug!
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@coolcat123 (4387)
• India
10 Sep 09
its not fixed , i sleep when there's no electricity bcoz there is no work without it like I cannot watch TV or sit on my PC so better I sleep but thats my biggest mistake as I sleep and wake up in the morning as I cannot wake in the middle and my whole work remains pending.
yes, this wasn't before, i used to sleep on time thats is about 11 pm and would wake up at 6am , this was my daily routine but now everything is mixed up, i sometimes sleep in the afternoon and the while night i wake up.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
I can no longer drink coffee after mid day! If I drunk it in the afternoon then I would be too wired to sleep. So I just drink 2 cups in th morning. Take care of yourself though and try to get enough sleep. I need 7 to 8 hours a night to feel refreshed
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
Hi coolcat, Please take care of yorself and sleep at a regular time each night to develop a sleep pattern. Take good care of yourself. I am sounding like an anxious mother - which I am!
@idaantipolo (472)
• Philippines
10 Sep 09
Yes, of course, it has changed a lot since I started joining in work-at-home programs over the internet. Actually my having a computer around changed my sleeping habits. I couldn't seem to sleep without going online to update my blogs, check my email, login to social sites...endless...sometimes it makes me awake till wee in the morning!
@idaantipolo (472)
• Philippines
11 Sep 09
You are absolutely right...it can be addicting :) but I do get some power nap in the afternoon to recharge...:) take care, too
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
It can be so addictive can't it? But your health comes first so please get enough rest and look after yourself
@EliteUser (3964)
• Australia
20 Sep 09
Hey,
Yea my bed time routine has actually changed dramatically. Over the past few years I have been going to bed later and later, and I sort of find that as I get older, I get less and less sleep. It is really bad for me. Make sure you have a good day, God bless and Happy Lotting!!
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
21 Sep 09
Thak for your good wishes. I still need sleep and I am old! wish that I didn't need so much sleep to function!
@killer04 (282)
• Australia
10 Sep 09
Yes my bed routine has greatly changed over the years. Before I would just take a book and read til I fall asleep. Now I cannot go to sleep If I do not spend time on the Internet. I have to surf a few sites, check my mail and watch some online videos to feel satisfied. That greatly messed up my sleep pattern.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
Our sleep patterns do change as we progress through life. I do hope that you are getting enough sleep now though!
@Battletech (16)
• United States
10 Sep 09
Oh sure, my sleeping routine has greatly varied over the years.
Starting out, I used to go to sleep very early and wake up very early. I think that part was natural to me.
But it wasn't until I got to the university that my sleeping habits changed. They loved to give us complex programs to write, and math proofs that would take 2-3 pages to prove that something existed or not. During that time, I lived on coffee and had very little sleep. One week, I remember clearly, I only slept 7 hours.
Now that has passed, sleep is very important to me, and I try to go to sleep before midnight.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
That time must have been so stressful for you and I am glad that it has passed. I donot think straight when I am deprived of sleep. Mnay thnakks for your input.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Sep 09
I can't think of my routine changing much, but I haven't been through everything that you have. In my late teens and early 20's I did go out a lot and wouldn't get home until 2am or so. I'd crash then, usually in my clothes, and get up early for work the next morning, then do it all again that night. I had my first son back then, and if I went out he'd be in bed before I went (my mom watched him). If I stayed home he'd stay up as late as I did. This was before he was in school though.
Now my routine is just to get the kids in bed around 8ish. I'll hang out with hubby for awhile after they're in bed, watching movies or playing a game or just talking. I try to go to bed by 11 so I can get up with the kids the next morning. I'm too tired if I stay up too late.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
Oh, those late night and early morning feeds - I do not miss those at all! I like to get sleep as I am not a morning person ands usually only wake when the alarm clock belts out one loud song. Blessings
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
10 Sep 09
You are in a contemplative mood aren't you? Your question although sounds so incredibly simple it has thoughts and emotions engraved deep. It is very difficult to bring out emotions in words and to express them. There has been so many things I always wanted to say or express but I invariably fall short of words.
Well my sleeping habits.... hmm during school days I was disciplined but I hardly can fix a particular sleeping time for me or a routine to talk about. I sleep past 2 in the morning. I like the quiet of the night and I tend to do things which requires my optimum concentration. I usually have some milk before I sleep. I dont usually bathe in the nights I would fel even more energetic then and there won't be any chances of catching sleep then. To put it in a jist I tire myself extra hard before I hit my pillow.
Nice post
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
You are getting to know me very well my friend! You picked up on what only 2 other people noticed. I have friends who prefer to bather in the morning too as they say that the shower wakes them up and they cannot sleep! The milk will help to make you sleep too - especially if it has a little honey in it. Blessings my dear friend
@sblossom (2168)
•
10 Sep 09
When I was in university we were force to sleep by 9:30, now I always go to sleep by 11pm. usually I watch BBC news about half hour before I go to bed. However I can not keep the routine time, especially after flights. I need more times than other people to adjust the time differences. I have had a two month that was a miserable and harsh period. I went to sleep in day time and got up in night time. I felt very tired and my husband was bothered too. So now I feel scared to fly long distance.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
so it is the time change that you have a problem with when travelling. This can be very upsetting and takes a while to settle into a new routine of sleeping. Take care of yourself
@jules67 (2788)
• Philippines
10 Sep 09
Hi cynthiann. I do not have a specific bedtime routine. I do keep on changing from time to time. It all depends on what is going to transpire for the day. Sometimes I do try to follow a specific time schedule but then it changes when there is something important that I need to do. When unavoidable things do happen, I get all mixed up. I was thinking earlier prior to reading your post that I guess I have to follow a specific guide. There are things that I need to do every single day. I have to at least read 5 chapter of this book that I am currently reading. It has been with me for 5 months now and have not finished it yet. And I do have to spare at least a few minutes to say my rosary. Every thing else will come later after that like going online and watching tv.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
I am glad to meet another person who also says the rosary. It is a beautiful meditative and contemplative prayer. I usually say it throughout the day a decade at a time so that I can say a,ll the decades by the end of the day. I feel lost if my day has been frantic and usually fall asleep saying it. Many blessings.
@mohdehtesham (140)
• India
10 Sep 09
Not only because we come across many stages in life like teenage or married life or childhood or blah blah , i think the generation also changing earlier we used to sleep at the time compared to these days like i am teenager and i used to sleep and get up at a regular time when i was in school but now it has changed and yes my routine is changed even though i am not married .
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
I honestly think that people are not getting enough sleep. Everyone rushes around at a frantic pace these days - they do not enjoy the rest of the hours in the day. Rest is essential to good health. If I am sleep deprived my personality changes
@KaraKATAD (246)
• Philippines
10 Sep 09
Well my bed time routine has changed over the years with age for me, just like you. When I was younger I would watch tv after doing my homework and go to bed early in the evening. But now that I'm older, I go home and use the computer while doing homework and go to sleep after dinner. I also bathe before I sleep every day, since I live in a hot country too.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
I see that you are a new member so welcome to Mylot. I do hope that you make many friends here and enjoy the friendships. I just cannot sleep unless I bathe!
@jscaz1314 (82)
• China
10 Sep 09
I will go to bed in 11:00 evening in the years.Everyday I must go to bed at this time,because I must get up early in the next day morning and read something important.This is my life,so I can consistent to do it in the year long.
hope you goes well.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
Many thanks for responding. Yes, I think that it is important to have a regular routine before sleeping
@shuying8710 (260)
• China
10 Sep 09
on May 1 of last year, i bought a washing machine.
before of that time,after took a bath,i had to spend about half of hour to wash my clothes,it is really a hard work to wash clothes after a busy work day.
but now,every night,firs take a bath and dry hair,then brush my teeth and wash face with face cream,at last,wipe the lotion and skin cream onto my face.then go to bed for a deeply sleep.
i like to finish all my daily work before go to bed, so after finish the last work-cleaning, then i can go to bed without thinking anything.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
A washing machine can make such a difference in your life. I remember how glad I was to buy my first washing machine. You really have a good routine going for you. Congratulations
@Shebang (244)
• Philippines
10 Sep 09
There's only one thing that has changed with my bedtime routine and that is to read a book before I go to sleep. The rest remains the same. This habit just came to me recently when I started to work. But earlier in my life, I am not a reader. After dinner, I watch a little of tv. Then after tv, I go to my bedroom, grab a book, and when I feel sleepy, I go to bed.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
Yes, if I cannot sleep then I do the same as you and ead. until I am sleepy. It is a great habit to have. Many thanks for responding
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
10 Sep 09
I agree having kids really changes up your routine. Even tossing in a kid who's a co-sleeper and freaks if she notices I've left. I miss sleeping w/ my hubby. I miss taking my shower either before bed or right away in the am. You recall how that went...
Nowdays it's just watching a lil tv, giving the kids a bath, reading a couple stories and curling up with them. In a way it's kinda nice because otherwise I'd be up later than I should seeing I work 2nd shift but I"m drained if I get up early w/ them. So it's easier to just go to bed with them and get up a lil earlier than them when I"m off.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
So I brought back memories? I hope that they were good onesenjoy the children and cuddling them. I love it when my daughter shares my bed and gives me a cuddle too. and she's 27!!
enjoy the children and cuddling them. I love it when my daughter shares my bed and gives me a cuddle too. and she's 27!!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
10 Sep 09
My routine has changed over the years. When I was in school my bed time would be much early, but during the summer I would stay up late at night. On Friday night's I stayed up later because that's when the family got together, but even then I would go to bed early too... can't say how often though, I don't remember! I'd stay up later on holiday's too. After I got out of school and started working (I haven't go to college yet) the times I'd sleep would vary, though I was still one to get up early and go to bed later... Then it got later and later I'd go to bed... With my fiance, I've gone to bed late at night, or early in the morning... sometimes early in the evening, it just depends. Now that he has a job, and I've got one in the works (hopefully will get)... I may be having to get up earlier to be ready for work! Luckily though, keeping my fingers crossed and praying, I'll be with my great grandmother in law... so while I can't sleep, I won't have such a tedious job... some parts of the day will be, but it will be like I do at home, cleaning (okay I'll clean more on the job)... Lol sorry for babbling on.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
You are not babbling - I love to hear from you. did you get the photos that I sent to your email? I am so happy that your fiancee now has a job and that you will be having one too. This is good and will bring your wedding day much closer. Many blessings and congrats to your fiancee for getting a job. Last week we heard that another 30,000 people on this Island are without a job and we do not have social security so it is getting critical. Seeing that we have less than 3 million on the Island you can imagine how devastating this is to us. Blessings dear friend
@dknkyle (446)
• Singapore
10 Sep 09
My bedtime routine is never a fixed one since the day I entered college to do my Diploma in Fashion Design. Reason is because in the fashion industry people are always rushing to meet datelines as well as for the lead time for production, so even in school, its the same with project datelines as well as time for preparations. From then on, I've always been either sleeping after 12 midnight or even not sleeping the whole night when there're major projects to rush.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
wow! In that industry it is unlkikely that you will get sufficient rest. You must be young to be able to keep up with that fast pace. Please take care of your health, please.
@nijolechu (1842)
• Canada
10 Sep 09
No, my bed routine hasn't changed in many years. I am like you. I can only sleep when I take a bath or shower beforehand. It makes me feel less dirty and makes me more likely to fall asleep. Then I would brush and floss my teeth and then go to bed.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
I just have to feel clean before I can put the sheet over me too!
@junmae (1586)
• Philippines
10 Sep 09
i do have a routine evry night because I put toner and moisturizer in my face after i take a bath at night. When im done with my toner and moisturizer I drink my vitamins and after i prayed and thank god for the wonderful day and I go to sleep after. Ive been doing this for almot 4 years already, sameroutine every night.
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@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Sep 09
I also pray and give thanks for the day and for fsamily and friends. This is a good routine. Scientists say thazt there should be a regular routine to get sufficent sleep. Many blessings
