Sleep … why does it hate me?

Recently my Doctor told me that she was not going to renew my prescription for sleeping aids. She told me that the medical profession is concerned about today’s reliance on drugs to help us sleep.  What the hell do I do now?  When I was a young child I would obsess about sleep.  For as long as I can remember my mind has always been hard to quiet.  Many a night I would toss and turn while simultaneously checking the glow of the digital clock on my bedside table.

As I grew I found some tricks that helped me fall asleep at a reasonable time.  By the time I was in my early teens I would turn the radio on and let the music of the seventies lull me to sleep.  This seemed to work for several years but sleeplessness would return to my life with a vengeance.

                                                               

Sometime, in my late forties, sleepless nights returned.  I was still young enough that it didn’t bother me that much.  I would use the inability to sleep to my advantage.  I would get up, turn on the computer and start writing.  But over time, going without sleep robbed me of my ability to think clearly when I wanted to write or converse with family and friends.  

                                                               

When you start a google search with the words “Why can’t”, google finishes it for you with “I sleep?”.  That didn’t surprise me in the least.  Studies show that 40% of Canadians have problems sleeping.  It’s a problem that doesn’t seem to be going away.  Today’s technology is pointed out as one of the likely culprit.  It seems that our phones, tablets and televisions are keeping us up at night.  I guess I can see this.  I try to shut down the electronics an hour before bed.  I get comfortable in my warm bed, turn on some music and read for 30 to 45 minutes. Other things you should try are, keeping a very dark room.  Keep your room cool.  Don’t eat three hours before you want to fall asleep.  Don’t workout in the evening.  Spray lilac on your pillow.  There are dozens and dozens of sleep aid solutions.  It’s enough to keep you awake at night.  

                                                               

For many, this problem is not going away.  What is your experience?  Do you have any tried and true solutions?  Share if you can.  In the meantime, get plenty of rest.