I have been on my new sleep schedule for about two months now and I think it’s safe to say I see some changes in my life.

First, lets take a look at my aformentioned confounding variables. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, please read Part I of "Reflections on an Erratic Sleep Schedule": https://thatssokathlyn.postach.io/post/reflections-on-an-erratic-sleep-schedule-new-beginnings).

Right, back to confounding variables: Lack of electricity and a new puppy. Good News! My house has had electricity for almost two months now! Hot, sleepless nights and mosquitos no longer plague me whilst I do my favourite activity, sleeping. Similarly, my puppy, though gassy, is also now sleep trained and no longer wakes me up at odd hours of the morning to go wee-wee. Funny story, Arfie had a UTI that prevented her from being able to hold her urine for long periods of time, that’s why she was having so much trouble sleeping through the night, she always had to wee-wee.

Since my confounding variables have been controlled for, my sleep schedule has been quite effective. I no longer have dark circles under my eyes, I have a smile back on my face, and my weight has stabilized. This is a huge benefit because if you’re like me, then you know you can wake up and your body can be a completely different weight and shape than the ones you went to sleep with. My weight being constant is a huge benefit because it means that I’m less likely to literally pop out of my school skirts—a recurring problem with my old system of sleeping.

Another added benefit of my new schedule is that I’ve been able to complete my homework at a higher quality than before, even while putting in less time than before. This is because I’m not tired. Taking advantage of my brain’s optimum work time really makes a difference and has given me something that I have not had in a long time, free time. From 6:30-8:00 p.m. I am able to enjoy myself. I can watch a tv show, listen to a book, or gab with a friend.

Another added benefit of my new sleep schedule is that it leaves me with daytime free on school breaks and holidays. I can hang out with friends, sleep, read... or do anything else I want to do.

As amazing as my new program is, it hasn’t all been fun and games. My friends, amazing and diverse as they all are, seem to have three things in common: they give great hugs, they sharpen my abilities, aaaand they’re all night owls. This is a problem, especially considering that a couple of them live in different time zones. They will call me when it is 8 or 9 o’clock my time and want to chat for hours when my brain is already commotose.

Despite some challenges, I would argue (do you see my debater coming out?) that the new sleep schedule has been a plus overall! I like being able to feel good in the mornings and sleep heartily in the night.