I love my sleep, so when it is interrupted I’m not a happy camper. Whenever I take a Red Eye flight, interruptions happen all the time — never have been able to sleep well on a plane.
Besides parenting a sick child, there have been times when I had to stay up all night. One was a video training film that went awry. Each of the three cameras broke at different times. We filmed from 8AM to 3AM. It’s not easy looking fresh when filming the first scene (out of order) at 2AM. I had to be in Iowa later that day for another shoot. My nonstop flight was cancelled, so I went through Minneapolis and arrived, in time, for a noon shoot. By then, acting the part of a tired and overworked factory worker wasn’t method acting.
Ever notice how actors on long-running TV series seem to gain weight? Shooting often starts early, ends late and the food is scrumptious and abundant. I complain about those long shoots, but I love the work when I can get it.
But for many, sleep is a luxury.
My husband reminded me of an often ignored group of the sleepless—the men and women who protect our freedom. His 12 on, six off cycles on a submarine (and once for 31 hours straight) were minor compared to those in ground combat, where soldiers fight nearly continuously for several days.
It’s no wonder many experience PSTD — sleep is a vital part of a healthy mind, body and spirit.
I’ll continue to take the Red Eye and be out-of-sorts the next day. And I am thankful for individuals willing to work long hours protecting us and looking out for our safety. I’m especially grateful to those who serve on the front lines to make the sleep I get truly restful.
