“Sleep”

We all have so much to worry about, now more than ever. We numb our minds during the day, keeping ourselves busy most of the time so we do not have to face all of life’s challenges and bad news.

All of that denial seems to stir and gnaw at us during our evening ritual with the elusive “Sand Man.” We cannot deny, hide or change the state of any part of our lives during the wee hours of the night, but oh, how they haunt us.

As a child we are taught to pretend we are asleep and it will come for us. This works for some. Counting imaginary sheep is another alternative. Falling asleep to a parent’s voice reading a story, or listening to a lullaby seems to work for others. When I was almost a teenager, I cried myself to sleep and that worked for me.

When you grow older, as I have experienced, it is much more difficult to fall asleep. Personally, sleep is much more important now, as I do not wish to carry my mind into the swirling tornado of mania.

For a while, it seemed I had exhausted almost all of my techniques for falling under sleep’s spell. I hope I don’t jinx myself by saying that I have been sleeping well, though it is a difficult balance and does not always work. Here are my suggestions in case you have similar problems.

I take evening medication which has proven effective. I have a bowl of cereal with my evening medications, which helps immensely.

Focusing on my breathing helps the most. Inhale, exhale. Focus on nothing else. Leave the sheep in the pasture. Let your breath be your lullaby.

Exercising during the day has a great effect on my ability to sleep. Not only do endorphins fill my brain with true happiness, but when I am depleted of energy it is hard to stay awake, and I look forward to sleep’s blanket.

When I am really struggling, I think of a happy memory and slowly remember every detail. I don’t mind sharing my happy memory with you.

I grew up loving everything Disney. The movies, the princesses, the stories. I have been to the Disney store in New York City a few times, and have happy memories of Disney World as a child. While those memories are happy and Disney related, my happiest trip to Disney World was with my mom and grandma when I was 32.

Mom and I drove down to visit my grandma in Florida before COVID-19, and we decided to visit Disney World together. The fun began when I got into the car with Mom to begin the long drive, and continued when we met with my grandma. We all set off for the park and continued our adventure with the ride from the parking lot to the admission line. I didn’t even mind the lines because of the company I was keeping. I loved the ferry ride to the park and seeing Cinderella’s Castle as we got closer. I loved walking around with my mom and grandma, chatting, buying expensive food and drinks, and waiting for hours to board rides that lasted less than five minutes.

When I run through that memory in my head, I experience happy, relaxing feelings which help me to fall asleep. I think that is the best advice I can afford you.

Remember this advice so that if you have to chase the Sand Man you have a better chance of catching him. Sweet Dreams!

—SJB