Episode XXXII: Rest & Relaxation

Alright folks, this post is designed to be an interactive post, meaning that you, the reader, are expected to do a little itty bitty bit of activity in contributing to the post. Do you think you can do it? Are you up to it? Ya think so? Okay, let’s get started.

One unexpected change that has occurred upon moving into my own condo is that I am sleeping better than I ever have in my entire life! Basically I have been hitting the pillow and falling asleep within five minutes, every night, no exceptions. In fact, I have even been doing things like consuming caffeine or sugar, or playing volleyball right before bed, none of which seem to have an effect on the rapidity with which I go to sleep. Even when I went through a bout of food poisoning, I slept great, with just an occasional trip to the restroom.

I have discussed my newfound sleeping prowess with a number of individuals, and they have submitted a number of theories on why I am sleeping so well. I will describe the theories below, and then your job, oh interactive reader, is to tell me which one(s) you think most likely, by participating in the inaugural Epic Ballade Poll.

Here are the theories:

A- Quiet. It is absolutely true that my condo is quieter than the Jayhawker Towers, which should allow a more peaceful sleep (in fact, it is remarkable just how quiet this place gets). However, it is not radically quieter than when I was at home in California, or when I spent a month at the Griffins’ out in the country, and yet I never slept this well at either of those places.

B- Peace of Mind. It has been suggested that now that I have a steady work environment, as well as my very own domicile, my stress and anxiety levels are down, and I have a peace of mind which leads to good sleep. While I see some value in this argument, I contend that I have always had peace of mind, but who knows? I guess it’s hard to be your own psychoanalyst.

C- Less Sleep. It is true that I have been spending less total time in bed, but I have difficulty determining which is the cause and which is the effect. Perhaps I am sleeping better, so I do not need as much time in bed, or perhaps I am not getting as much sleep, so when I do get in bed I fall asleep quickly.

D- Harder Work. I have indeed been “working harder” than I have in the past. I am working eight hour (or greater) days for the first time in my life, I am playing volleyball at least weekly, and am walking to school more often than I am driving. Perhaps, as Solomon had it, the sleep of the laborer is sweet.

So there you have it! And now you get to contribute! You should see a polling station near the top right-hand corner of the page. Check the box or boxes corresponding to the theory or theories which you find most likely, and let your voice be heard! Anonymity guaranteed! Please also feel free to suggest additional theories explaining my newfound sleeping success.