The last really solid sleep I remember was back in 1983.
I don’t know if it's concern over the endless winter, coronavirus, finances, family or the angst that Donald Trump causes me on a daily basis, but I cannot sleep through the night.
It seems like it’s a huge problem for a lot of people who say their insomnia is constant. Everyone seems to be dealing with this. People of all ages are staggering through life sleep deprived.
There’s whole industry dealing with getting a decent night's rest: Special teas, warm milk, warm bath, candles, soft music, medication...
Some might get me to sleep, but nothing keeps me that way.
Sleep experts always say to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time. I’m not sure how many people can actually do that with family life, shift work and social commitments.
People in the know say we need the right bed for our body type. You can choose firm or soft. If you have enough money, you can get beds where one side can be firm for you and the other side soft for your partner (and/or pet). Some go up and down. Clearly, there is no such perfect bed for my particular body type: round and dense.
Then, you must consider the pillow. I like a cool pillow, but it has to be the exact right squishiness. It needs to fold up in just the right spot so as not to squash my ear or ruin my hair. Sometimes one needs several pillows — a hugger, one to support the feet, and the one for neck support.
I have heard people are trying weighted blankets. This sounds like a form of torture to me. I am a mover and shaker. I personally can’t stand to be totally covered up or still. I am reminded of the Seinfeld episode where George instructs the hotel staff to keep his blankets “untucked” versus “tucked."
This makes sense. I need a very light blanket that can be thrown off repeatedly during the night. One leg covered. One leg uncovered and hanging off the side of the mattress. The thought of a weighted blanket to basically hold you in place sounds only slightly better than a straitjacket. No thanks.
Some swear by a fan running or some white noise to lull you to sleep.
Others try the lavender spray you put on your sheets and pillowcases. I’ve tried it. Not sure I feel any more relaxed, but it smells nice.
Another suggestion is certain plants in the bedroom. Nope, I’d lay awake worrying about watering them.
Don’t forget, no gadgets in the bedroom. This is key. No cellphones, iPads, TVs, ad nothing with a digital display.
That’s where they lose me. I do turn off the notifications, but when I wake up nightly between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., what am I to do? I know I am not supposed to check my phone or go on Facebook because it will stimulate, but I cannot seem to police myself. I think I have company out there!
Even if you do these things:
1. Set the perfect scene.
2. Go to sleep at same time each night.
3. Awaken at the same time daily (even on weekends)
Nature is going to mess with you. Beware the dreaded pee break. It will win every time. Kidneys know when you are finally in a peaceful slumber. Don’t even try to pretend you don’t have to go. If you start to look for a potty in your dream, well, let me just advise — don’t do that!
Many is the night I’ve tried to get to and from the bathroom and back to bed before totally waking up. Never works.
Then, the sleep gurus say do not check the clock at any time.
That drives me crazy. If I don’t check how will I know how much longer I have to sleep before the alarm goes off.
Half my entertainment at night is this discussion with myself.
“If I fall asleep right now, I can get four, three, two hours of sleep.”
(Toss, turn, leg in, leg out, pillow toss)
If I don’t check the clock, I’ll just worry about what time it is. It’s a vicious cycle.
As fast as the days fly by, that’s as slow as the night lingers when you can’t sleep.
All this talk of sleep has made me crave a nap. That reminds me, there are also two schools of thought on the benefits and disadvantages of that.
All I know is the time change happens again March 8.
I have no clue what that means to our sleep schedules, but I’m exhausted by the mere thought of it.
