Dear Vitty,
So many of us, obviously, can relate to your distress. I never sleep more than three or four hours at a stretch, that much if I'm lucky. That's why I keep my PC operative, so that in the wee hours, I can see how my friends here are doing. Bit by bit I am arranging my life to accomodate my erratic sleep schedule. I try to arrange my daily activities a little later in the day and stretch them out through the week. Since I am no longer raising a family, paying a mortgage and being consumed with body- and mind-numbing "theocratic" activity, I can deal better with what I construe to be sleep insufficient to my needs. I guess it amounts to managing stress. In a family situation like yours, however, you really need understanding and cooperation. Being pushed to fill every moment of your day with activity is intolerable for many of us now. And having learned the real "truth" has in many ways added to our anxiety. Prior to dealing with shattered faith, I had a nervous breakdown as a result of a non-stop and relentlessly- driven ministry. I have vowed to not let that happen again. My point is, I am growing old in this S of T, my body is wearing out, so nobody is going to deprive me of my naps!
I do hope, Vitty, that your friends' suggestions and empathy will ease your burden. I have peace and contentment for the first time in my life, and it's largely due to our freedom to vent without fear of censure or reprisal. Peace and love and sleep to you....
Somnolently yours,
CoCo