When I started writing about this journey, I suggested correlations to the Olympics starting at the same time. Amazing things have occurred on both fronts, from world records to a complete lack of side effects.
The Summer Games are over and no longer occupy our television and news feeds. Likewise, the cards have stopped coming and this blog is attracting fewer readers and comments.
It's OK, we're old news.
Tweets limited to 140 words, LOL/OMG texts and news blurbs have shortened our attention spans, and we're just too busy to delve into anything for very long.
Until we're ready to sleep.
Like the cartoon accompanying this blog (from a theme-park I can't recall) says, Editors don't sleep; we nap, doze, drowse or slumber.
Except that I apparently can do none of those in the hospital. Once I brushed away the obvious symptoms of illness, the peaceful escape of sleep began to elude me. Maybe it was being awakened at 12, 3 and 6 am for injections, vital sign checks and blood draws.
I've heard it takes 21 days to develop a habit, but I guess I'm a quick study.
And likely not the only one with this issue. Phone apps and podcasts promising quick and restful sleep are all over the Internet. Even my oncologist had a recommendation!
Of course, nothing in life is free, so the ads and promotions for other bed-friendly products must precede whatever calming, sleep-inducing technique you've chosen. NOT relaxing.
I've tried it all: bedtime stories, nature sounds, meditation, chamomile tea, a lavender sleep mask, even medication. The nurses have been wonderful in delaying or waiving their interruptions. The mind just refuses to shut down.
My brain needs a CTRL-ALT-DEL button.
3 comments:
Continuing to send prayers. This is a rough road you are on and now, no sleep. Keep on writing - put your thoughts on paper with the hopes they won’t keep you up for ever. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Sleep so overlooked but we really miss it when it isn't there. And definitely wasted on the young! Hope it will get easier as time goes on. xoxo
Maybe CTRL-ALT but not DEL ! ! ! Be careful what you wish for… 🥴
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