I open my eyes and look at the clock on my husband’s side of the bed. It’s 9:35 am! Having slept very little last night, I was hoping that the clock would say 7:30, or 7:00 which would give me permission to go back to sleep. But that was not the case. It was now well past the time I needed to get up. “I overslept!” I say aloud to my cats who don’t even feign an interest in my circumstances. They both want me to turn on the faucet in the bathroom so that they can have their morning fresh water drink.
Saying out loud that I had overslept started me thinking. There are people who “oversleep” their lives away or at least part of their lives. They sleep through the night, get up in the morning but never really “wake up”. They go through the motions of the day like a ceremony they have memorized, reacting like robots until the day has ended and it is time to go back to bed. Do you know people like that? They sleep their days away, weeks or even years.
It’s very sad. I know. I’ve done it. Certainly not years, but days or maybe even weeks. When your life has taken a downward turn or you have recently experienced a personal tragedy, you move through your day by rote. It’s a defense mechanism designed to keep you from losing your mind, to keep the pain from consuming you.
Sometimes your zombie like state is enhanced or sustained with drugs or alcohol, maybe both. Some people literally sleep for days. I remember a time in my life that was so miserable the idea of staying in bed and dreaming was much more inviting than facing my reality. Real life can be tough. Remember one of my grandmother’s expressions – “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.” How true! Getting up every day and living your life in the real world can be challenging.
There are small things you can do when in such a slump. Temporary fixes. Things that can get you through the day and maybe even bring a smile to your face. Here are some suggestions: Say a prayer, read something inspirational, watch a favorite movie (my go-to is “Bridesmaids”), call a friend, take a bath, light some candles, listen to music, play with your dog or cat, help someone else in need. (The last one is the best.)
Maybe you are “sleeping” through your life because you don’t know what to do next. You’re at a crossroads. A decision needs to be made but you are afraid to make it. Been there. How did I solve it? I didn’t decide, which meant others decided for me. Not a good way to go. I remember my father telling me 90% of all decisions can be unmade. Think about that.
Sleeping through a day or two of your life isn’t the worse thing you could ever do. But if it is much more than that, it is a clear sign that something is not right. Get help if you need to. Reach out. However, if it is simply a case of “oversleeping” like I did this morning, forgive yourself and get on with your day. No one will be the wiser. :))