The Stages of Sleep Deprivation

I have been blessed with amazingly awesome children. They eat, sleep and poop like pros, which is all that I can ask for at their ages! That said, I have done 100% of the night feedings for the twins. So, considering I slept approximately 4 hours a night the two weeks before they were born and they are eight and a half months, I am going on nine months now of sleeping, on average, about 4-5 hours of sleep... From someone who cherishes a solid eight hours and could nap anytime previous to having kids, this is not the easiest thing to deal with.

I have noticed a distinct pattern developing whenever I get to my breaking point of 'NEED SLEEP NOW.' It repeats itself over and over, and I must say that it is kind of entertaining.. Each stage can last for a number of days (at least for myself), and the result always ends up the same.. going through all the stages over and over.. back to stage 1.

Stage 1 - Just feeling tired.
     Last night, I just didn't get enough sleep. I feel kind of sluggish. A nap would be awesome.

Stage 2 - What (yawn) was that again?
     Last night, I just didn't get enough sleep. I keep yawning, and that interrupts life a little bit. I yawn, which makes others yawn. Now the dog is yawning. Maybe I should make an effort to get a nap today. Nah, it's not that bad.

Stage 3 - The drinking starts....
    Last night, I must have been partying instead of sleeping, because my eyes are so red and watery! Nope! Just didn't really get any sleep. I can still see straight, so, obviously, a nap isn't necessary. Maybe, if the opportunity presents itself, I will take one.

Stage 4 - My brain is about to explode.
    Last night.... wait a minute as I apply pressure.... I didn't get that much...... more pressure.... sleep.. Ok, it's passed... These headaches come and go, so nothing worth worrying about. Probably should really start to try to get a nap. Maybe I'll try to get the kids down at the same time so I can rest.

Stage 5 - The twitch.....
     Last night, I don't think I slept at all. Well, I know that I did, but, man, I need to get back in bed. Hey, why are you in the fridge? You already have a milk cup? <Eye twitch> Why are you guys crying? <Eye twitch> Please, wear your pants outside! <Eye twitch> Ok, I concede, I officially need sleep. Right now.
    
Now, this is when I know that I have reached the end of my sleep deprived state. When I reach this point, there is no question. I WILL be falling asleep that night or the next. I will not have a choice. Head will hit pillow and I will be out. The boys will have to cry a bit harder to wake me up if needed. It isn't often that I hit the twitch stage anymore, as I have realized that developing an eye twitch because of being tired is probably not a very healthy habit to keep.

On the flip side, can't eye twitches be intimidating? I will have to keep that in mind in case I need to deal with anything in the future.. :D Have a good night!