Insomnia

Chronic Insomnia is what keeps my blog alive. My grama used to talk about Herb Jepco's radio show, which she listened to all night. My dad used to take walks at 2:am. I was always able to stay up 'til dawn reading a good book, or writing the last minute term paper. It's part of my inheritance.

It gets more annoying as I get older. I used to have dates, parties, exams; then babies, sick kids, and teenagers to occupy myself from midnight on. I had energy to carry me through the morning even without much sleep. Now I lay awake anxiously anticipating the wipe-out I'll experience about mid-morning. I can't nap during the day, but I usually get a big burst of energy at the exact time I've promised myself I'd go to bed. My mind's clicking, my heart's racing...I'm like one of those weighted clown toys that pop right back up whenever they are pushed down.

I take Ambien, and it sometimes takes a while to kick in (they are unpredictable that way for me.) Dee often finds me asleep at the computer, or with the lamp on, a book on my face and glasses perched on my nose. When the pill finally hits, I'm out like a light for five to six hours, with another hour to actually accept that I'm really awake. There are worse medical problems, but if you have a cure for me, I'm listening!

I've read a lot of suggestions: take a long hot bath (it heats me up so I'm prepared for a night sweat episode) aroma therapy (I must have bought the energizing scent) hot cocoa (mild caffeine jolt) listen to music (I just sing along in my head and end up at the computer trying to locate the actual lyrics.)

If you have any old wives tales of remedies for my ailment send them along. Those that may have actually worked will be especially welcome. Are there herbal teas, oils or potions, a magic lotion scent, relaxing recordings...I'd love to hear how other insomniacs are coping. Are we all just blogging into that twilight zone that brings anxiety when you read it the next morning, wondering what you revealed to the screen that was dancing before your eyes before you confidently punched Publish Post?

Dee hits the pillow and is asleep. He never lays there and rehashes every interaction he's had through the day or lays and plans out all the conversations he could possibly encounter the next day. He never lays in bed wondering if he can still remember the Gettysburg Address, the 23rd Psalm, his high school pep song, or poems he memorized in 9th grade English.

If you have read suggestions, but haven't personally put them to the test because you identify with Dee, don't send them (unless you used to have insomnia and this suggestion cured you.) If you're thinking about this post as you watch the clock go around again and reach 3:am, you are a person who identifies with me. You're the ones I want to hear from with a legitimate suggestion: some special nighttime snack--like graham crackers and milk---that works for adults. If you are a health guru, who knows what enzymes and minerals would help me relax, leave comments.

You may think you're helping just one whacko woman with body-clock issues, but you would reach hundreds of pajama bloggers who just want to obey their mom and "Go To Sleep!!" It's a cause!