TO NAP OR NOT TO NAP

Phone conversation, two weeks ago.

“Julie, what’s wrong? You don’t sound too good.”

“I’m just tired. I’m not old enough to be this tired every day.”

“Why don’t you take a nap?”

“I never take naps, Mother.”

“Don’t I know it. Even as a baby, you fought sleep.”

“I’d be wasting time and energy. My mind wouldn’t relax. How long have you been taking naps?”

“Since we developed autoimmune illnesses. I think the tiredness is because our immune systems are busy attacking healthy cells. Lack of energy goes with it. The weariness is real, Julie. Not like normal tiredness.”

“I actually tried to take a nap the other day. I laid on the edge of my bed and pulled a corner of the comforter over me.”

“How’d that work for you?”

“You know the answer.”

“You need to plan to enjoy your naps or going to bed early as much as you do growing tomatoes. You know, prepare the soil.”

“What?”

“Take a bubble bath. Turn down the covers. Buy new sheets if you want to. Unplug the phone. Think only good thoughts.”

“I don’t think I could do that. I’m too…”

“The world will keep turning while you rest.”

“Okay. I’ll try again. Will you pray I can get some extra sleep?”

“I will, but I believe it’s going to happen. Your body needs it.”

[Three days later]

“Mother, guess what? Part of the problem is our bedroom is so bright. Katie (my daughter) has darkening curtains. I bought some—green, suede from Walmart. My bedroom is a totally different place now. Such a peaceful escape. Who would have thought I could nap?”

“Maybe God. There’s a scripture that says, ‘He gives His beloved sleep.’” (Psalms 127:2)

Sleeping hints from Marion:

1. Don’t use your bedroom as a workspace.

2. Make your bedroom as clutter-free as possible.

3. Go ahead and get linens/curtains you enjoy.

4. Try a sound machine or humidifier.

5. Take a warm bath or sip chamomile tea.

6. Put barbed wire around your mind—no unpleasant thoughts—only ones that soothe.

7. Be kind to yourself. You need this.

We pray an extra dose of sweet sleep for those who need it .

With love,
Julie and Marion

*Marion has Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, and Julie has Sjogren’s syndrome, and celiac disease.

Read more from Julie at juliegarmon.com and girlsgodgoodlife.blogspot.com, where she blogs on the 3rd and 17th of each month.

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