Reading is FUNdamental!

[thistlechaser]

I recall my subject line from posters in school or PSAs on TV or something.

When I was younger, I devoured books. I could read a 500-600 page book in a day or two. I went through four to six books a week. I loved reading.

After I graduated college and discovered the Internet, my book consumption fell way down. However, back then, an ISP account came with a very limited number of hours, so I still had time to read. Then AOL and a few other ISPs offered unlimited hours, and my time to read books dropped to nearly zero. I usually got an hour of reading in a day: Reading in my car during lunch break at work. However, for the last year and a half, I work close enough to home that I can go home for lunch, so I clean, watch TV, play with the cat, and do other assorted things at home instead of read in my car.

Total reading time: 0
Books read in the last year: 2

However, there were still books out I wanted to read, so I'd order from Amazon now and then. Since lately I haven't been able to sleep, I picked one up to read before bed.

Wow, I forgot how great reading a book could be! I mean, I look forward to reading it at night. And while I have to give up an hour of sleep to gain an hour of reading time (or more), it's totally worth it.

I noticed my lack of reading a couple of years ago, but I made excuses to myself: MUSH RPing is not only reading, you're /writing/ the story as well! Well, while that's not untrue, it's not the same as reading a book. RP is great and fun, but reading is a different sort of great fun.

Comments

[tersa.livejournal.com]

So, just as a possible help to your sleeping problems (which could also be related to the change in the weather, or just the occasional sleeping problems I seem to encounter, too), one recommendation I've heard from sleep specialists is to make a "bedtime routine"--then stick to it. Basically, have something that you do every night before going to bed, and do it the same every night.

What this does is sets up a sequence of events that your unconscious brain learns to connect with the act of sleep, therefore setting your brain up for the fact that it's time to sleep soon. It helps prepare the way for the sleep to happen.

The other thing is to find a consistent bedtime--and STICK TO IT. Difficult, I know, but so is making sure you get enough sleep. :)

It'll probably take a few weeks to set up, but could help.

...and the reason this is in this post...

[tersa.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah, forgot. :) Reading for a half-hour or an hour before bed could be part of your routine.

Re: ...and the reason this is in this post...

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I heard that as well, and I think it's right. When I try to turn off the computer and go straight to bed, that never works sleep-wise. I need a set pattern of stuff I do and stick to that. (It's the sticking to it which is a challenge!)