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I AM NOT A LARK!!! JUST A POOR OWL

by Jackie Garrett
(Aberdeen, NC, USA)

I am 80 years old and I have had this forever... I can't remember when I didn't have it, I remember I used to scrub my floors and do the wash... all at night when I "came alive." When I have to get up early for something I am so worried that I can't sleep. Then I end up not sleeping at all and then it's Zombie time...Yet when that night rolls around here I am still awake and ready to paint or sew or computer like right now.

The worst part is people don't believe you thinking you are lazy or weird and say "oh you can change its just a habit. Well I have never been able to become a "LARK" I am destined to be an "OWL" for what is left of my life. So finally I found a place to share, with people who understand.

Kevin: Indeed you have Jackie, indeed you have. Remember, if you're going to remain an owl, you do not have to be a *poor* owl. Try to set up a lifestyle for yourself that still lets you get enough sleep, just not at the same time most other people are sleeping. This may take some equipment such as blackout curtains (Amazon), but reducing the amount of "zombie time" can still be done.

Good luck in doing so!
Kevin




Comments for
I AM NOT A LARK!!! JUST A POOR OWL

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Jan 25, 2012
 My Sympathy NEW
by: Anonymous

Your story rings such bells with me.
Jan 25, 2012
 My Sympathy NEW
by: Anonymous

Your story rings such bells with me.
Feb 23, 2012
 Night owls NEW
by: Naïssa

Hi Jackie,
I just want to share my sympathy. I read you are 80 years of age... I can't imagine myself wondering so long 'what is wrong with me?'. I'm 37 years old and I have been asking myself for years that I was crazy. I too find it difficult to cope with the judgement of others that we are lazy and that it is all a matter of discipline.
I hope you have made peace with our shared condition and that you now may find joy in the night.
Best wishes and good luck!
Mar 05, 2012
 Another owl, but sometimes wannabe lark. NEW
by: Bonnie

Dear Jackie, I'm 68 & have had this sleep delayed onset for most of my life. I've always loved the QUIET of the night, but have many memories of cleaning, baking, sewing, painting (furniture) & reading (my favorite!) late, late, late at night.

While I was still working, this was a hellish struggle. I'd been diagnosed w/depression & numerous other conditions, but noticed that after nine hours sleep & a nap, that I was cheerful (not indicative of depression). The last few years I worked, I kept getting more and more chronic illnesses & was put on more and more medications. I'm guessing at least 50% of my 'problem' is just not fitting in with most of the world. So glad to hear I'm not the only 'Sr.' with this issue.

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