#update11

Ok so this one’s basically for the last 24 hours or so, now that I’ve covered the symptoms I’m experiencing updates will likely only be daily now unless something happens (oversleeping, schedule change, etc.)

First thing, I overslept again last night, I went down at 1:30AM and woke up at 6:30AM. This is seriously, seriously bad and I need a way to stop it ASAP, because it’s halting and possibly even undoing any progress I’ve made.

I’ve added another, louder alarm at the end of both my 1:30AM and 5:30AM naps, because they’re the ones I know I oversleep on. If that doesn’t work, I’m planning a schedule change in the next day or so that will either: A) Lengthen night time naps by 10 minutes B) Shorten day time naps, which I often feel the urge to skip (I haven’t, but I deffinitely feel like I could) C) Both D) add in a longer sleep, possibly of one hour, at my 9:30PM sleep, in order to aleviate the build up of SWS pressure, which is what causes me to sleep through my alarms for hours.

It’ll likely take a few days of experimentation, and I’m not sure if any of it will help.

If you have any suggestions or advice, send them my way, I’d love some input.

Ok, on to the less negative stuff. During the day I have next to no negative symptoms asside from some slight occasional groginess. I’ve noticed that I am begginning to fall asleep slightly faster, often within 5-15 minutes as opposed to starting to fall asleep around the 20 minute mark. While not yet at the standard I’m aiming for (under a minute or two) this is a definite improvement. I’m feeling significantly more rested from my naps, and they’ve started to feel a lot longer than they are. I think this is for a combination of these reasons: A) falling asleep faster B) going to sleep more often, as opposed to once a night, I’m going to bed every 4 hours, or 8 times every 24 hours, this gives the impression I’m actually sleeping more (contrary to what my body tells me) C) my body may be begginning to adapt, skipping stages N1 and N2 and entering SWS and REM faster D) your mind works faster when asleep, especially while dreaming, which may make the time feel longer

And finally, while on the topic of dreams, my dream retension is getting better. I find I’m waking up and usually remembering at least one dream I’ve had. This is especially noticeable when I’m woken from REM, in the middle of a dream (such as just then), which is the goal anyway. This is a best case scenario: -I lie down for a nap, not feeling overly tired -I fall asleep quickly -I enter SWS for roughly 20 minutes -I enter REM for roughly 10 minutes (note that when I reduce the naps to 20 minutes ideally it’ll be about 12:8) -I have a dream -I’m woken from REM the moment my alarm goes off, feeling refreshed -I remember my dream

Every single one of these occured in the nap I just had. the only downside to this is that the reason I wasn’t feeling overly tired was because I overslept last night/this morning, which essentialy makes most of this progress void.

With more than 1,500 people supporting VCU Massey Cancer Center through fund and friend raising with the Massey Challenge powered by HDL, Inc., we need you to join the party leading up to and on race day by volunteering!

We are recruiting volunteers for March 27, 28 and 29 for a variety of needs outlined below. Volunteers must be 16 or older, or 12 if accompanied by an adult.  To sign up for available volunteer opportunities, please [email protected] or call 804-828-1450.  Volunteer needs March 27 and 28: Massey Challenge Booth @ the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k Expo Shifts available: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m., 4:30-6:30 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Five volunteers per shift. Enthusiasm encouraged! Help promote the Massey Challenge, assist with performance shirt sales and distribution, prize wheel spins for donations, and provide markers to sign the annual Banner of Hope. Must be able to stand for the duration of shift. March 29: Massey Alliance Waterstop @ the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k  Shift available: 7:30-11:30 a.m. (four-hour shift; please arrive promptly at 7:30 a.m.) 100 volunteers total! Volunteers help set up, maintain and distribute water and PowerAde to 10k participants as they run and walk by. Groups are encouraged to volunteer together. Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. March 29: Massey Mile Cheer Group @ the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k Shifts available: Flexible! Anytime between 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  We need more than 500 people total!  Appearances by special guests throughout the morning! Join the Massey Mile Cheer Station where more than 500 Massey and 10k supporters will join us to enthusiastically “put cancer on the run” and pay tribute to those who have battled cancer along miles 3-4. Grab your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors, and wear your VCU gold and black attire and meet us there! BYO food, drink, chairs, etc. For more information on the Massey Mile, check out our Facebook event.