surviving on less sleep?

Ames

From your other threads I think you've just had a big pay increase with the new job, would it be possible to pay for help with some things? A cleaner, laundry/ironing service, supermarket delivery... Then you won't have to get up early to try and do stuff, and will be able to sleep on a weekend when your son's at his dad's.

iammumtoone

Ames wrote: »

From your other threads I think you've just had a big pay increase with the new job, would it be possible to pay for help with some things? A cleaner, laundry/ironing service, supermarket delivery... Then you won't have to get up early to try and do stuff, and will be able to sleep on a weekend when your son's at his dad's.

On my wage slip yes I had have a big payrise. However due to how the benefits system works in this country I am still better off but not so much, my working tax credits will stop and I will have to pay childcare.

I am thinking about a cleaner and do intend to start online supermarket shopping. I take your point its probably worse at present as things are still new and both myself and son are still finding our feet in the new routine/schedule and how to fit everything in.

Sncjw

You didn’t say how old he was orginally. Maybe do the wind down earlier than 12.

Spendless

iammumtoone wrote: »

On my wage slip yes I had have a big payrise. However due to how the benefits system works in this country I am still better off but not so much, my working tax credits will stop and I will have to pay childcare.

I am thinking about a cleaner and do intend to start online supermarket shopping. I take your point its probably worse at present as things are still new and both myself and son are still finding our feet in the new routine/schedule and how to fit everything in.

Maybe put aside an amount as a one off earmarked for helping you through this transition period, and use it for things suggested to make your life easier, cleaner for a one off blitz, extra work/school clothes, something like that.

maisie_cat

I have been sleeping less than 5 hours as my girl has been ill, she died yesterday and I expect that I may get more sleep once I get over it, if that ever happens.
I found that as the cumulative sleep diminished I found the net strength got less and less and I was shattered all the time

Tigsteroonie

iammumtoone wrote: »

What is new is the no rest/chance for brain to relax in the daytime with my longer working hours and more demanding job (I did used to have the occasional sleep in the afternoons after work before school pick up )

As you know, I have every understanding for your situation. I am lucky that our son will go to sleep earlier than yours, enabling me to have my 7-8 hours of sleep that I need to feel human. I generally manage about 5 hours before the interruptions start, dozing for the last couple of hours with a definite 'ear' in case I am needed.

My recommendation to you is around the commute to/from work and lunch time. At the moment your head is probably buzzing with the new role, thinking about what needs to be done, eating your lunch whilst remembering that report you need for the afternoon ... STOP. You're not paid during these times, so why spend them thinking about work? Instead use this as 'me' time, it's the only time you're going to get on your own, so do something for you. And as rest is what you are craving, rest during this time. It doesn't have to be sleep, just calming.

So (apologies for waffling!) I suggest that you download a mindfulness app and perform a 5-10 minute exercise whilst commuting; find a quite corner/room and run through a 15 or 30 minute relaxation exercise during your lunch break. The commute refresh works for me, but then I'm on public transport and not driving! Lunchtime might work better for you. The trick is to create some breathing space for yourself, which is as good as a rest.

tooldle

My only suggestion is to go to bed when you are tired. Your son might still wake you up, off and on until he is ready to sleep, but you might gain some sleep and will definitely rest.nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I used to share an office with a colleague who napped at lunchtimes. Put an alarm on and grab a power nap.
Working full time is tiring if you have been used to part time. Try to think of it as an adjustment for you both, rather than the change being just for you.
Another thoughts, are there any melatonin rich foods you could try your son on.

mickeymouse303

I read this article recently about trying to get through the day when you're knackered.

I find that the types of foods I eat are really important in helping me stay alert when I've had next to no sleep.

trailingspouse

Congratulations on your new job.

I know you've got a lot on your plate (sorry for the pun...) but I wonder if an overhaul of your diet might help? Loads of fresh fruit and veg, no refined carbs, no fizzy pop or caffeine - it might make a difference.

Would you be able to grab 40 winks earlier in the evening (say if your son is watching TV)? I often do this if my grandaughter is staying with me - if she's on the floor with her back to me and I'm on the sofa, she doesn't notice... Not ideal, but you need to be in survival mode for a while I think.