*fingers pointing at me*

That's right. I'm a zombie. Maybe not the 'eat your face off while naked' zombie but one none the less.

I am more of the 'haven't slept for more than 7 hours the past 4 days' zombie. I am rocking the nice dark eye circles and I'm pretty sure if I were to come back to this post in a few days, it might just be blabber.

I can't even tell you how much I want to sleep. More than I would want steak and potatoes on any given day. And anyone that knows me, knows that's a whole heck of a lot. But for some darn reason, I can't seem to stay asleep.

Here's my routine the past few nights. I'm tired. Go to bed. Sleep for an hour. Wake up. Lay there. Think about why I'm not falling asleep. Think about my day. Think about how I want to fall asleep.

Tick, tock. Another hour.

Then I make my way to the couch with my pillow and blanket for hopes of bringing on the ZzZzZ's. Still counting sheep. Turn on some late night television.

Let me pause and tell you about late night tv. It really stinks. Nothing but infomercials and shows that don;t really matter. Although, I might have been convinced to buy the tube top thing that covers your jeans when you bend over. It really could come in handy.

After watching these, you think I could doze off or want to sleep. But nope. I even write blog posts in my head while trying to make myself fall asleep. It's like I think I'm some kind of genius writer when I'm sleep deprived. And this post is my prime example of my genious

But folks, it turns out I have zombieitis. That's right. Zombieitis. And it is a rapidly spreading epidemic we need to stop.

(Ok, so this isn't a real epidemic but it is a really funny way to get across the importance of getting a better nights sleep)

In my searching for zombie and sleep, I stumbled across this nice little press release

The Better Sleep Council Launches Campaign to Combat Sleep Deprivation, Termed Zombieitis!

The Better Sleep Council (BSC), in conjunction with the International Sleep Products Association, wants to warn the public that, across the globe, the number of people suffering from sleep deprivation, or Zombieitis, is growing. 

Mission acccomplished, Better Sleep Council. Got my attention and I clicked my way through to the website, "Stopzombieitis.com" (This is why I love PR) It's a clever website set up as a slide show that describes symptoms and effects of zombieitis. In reality, it is just effects of sleep deprivation and the importance of a good mattress. But definitely plays at the funnier side of it.

Basically, I have learned that if I don't start sleeping I could start drooling or gaining weight. Not acceptable. Tonight I will sleep. And put my inner zombie to sleep.

DISCLAIMER: FUNCTIONING ON FEW HOURS OF SLEEP, THIS MAKES SENSE TO ME. HOPE YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG ;)

ZzZzZzZzZzZzsssssssssssss

After a night of tossing and turning and just a horrible sleep, I came across the article titled, "rest easy, Your Guide to Better Sleep."

It gives some very helpful tips on how we all can get better rest. Some I can see doing. Others are questionable.  But first let's throw some statistics your way about this sleep thing.

A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that on average people sleep one and a half hours less per night than they did a century ago. While most of those in the poll said they feel best if they've had at least eight hours of sleep each night, the number reporting actually getting eight or more hours of sleep per night fell from 38 percent in 2001 to 28 percent in 2008.

That raises a big hmmm. I'm a thinker so when I read this I automatically try to link it to something and think of a reason why. Naturally it occurs to me why after reading down further in the article. 

A suggestion for better sleep: 

Keep a notebook and writing utensil next to the bed. Use them to clear racing thoughts, calm the mind and promote peaceful sleep.--BINGO!

---People are sleeping less because they are worried more now than they were back in 2001. Many people are being laid off and finances are going down the tube. So I'm sure many people go to bed thinking of their credit cards, bills and possibly losing their job in the near future. 

Another suggestion: 

Remove stimulants (television, stereo, computer, bright lights) from your sleeping area. Keep the bedroom clear from clutter -- remove any unnecessary furniture, piles of clothes, papers and books so things are kept out of sight and the space looks and feels calm and simple.

---Hasn't it been said people have liked to continue to live in fantasy during the economic recession because it lets them escape from their own lives? So could this be reason number two of the decline in sleep because people are watching more television at night thinking it will help them forget their problems before bed? Perhaps.

Or maybe you could:

Shut down your computer and turn off your cell phone and television 30 minutes prior to sleep. Create an environment that is quiet and calm.

---Blackberries anyone? They constantly are attached to you and have you connected 24/7. Until that last email is sent or Facebook status update is sent is the time people put it down for the night. Usually a minute, not more, before their heads hit the pillow. I am guilty of this same thing. I also enjoy falling asleep to my TV. Oops.

Bottom line is, WE NEED SLEEP! And I need it. I love sleep. Aside from turning off the television completely, I might step away from the computer earlier tonight and let my thoughts stop going. See if I can stop the tossing and turning. 

-It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it. ~John Steinbeck