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To Sleep, Perchance To Dream
Shakespeare, Hamlet (1602)
Sleep is an elusive activity for many people. The sleep experts recommend that everyone needs a good six to eight hours of sleep each night to optimize both mental and physical health. I cannot remember when I had a “good night’s sleep.” Sometimes I dream I am asleep when in fact I am in a kind of semi-asleep, semi-conscious state.
I have always been a light sleeper and over the years, have tried all the supposed cures and tips for getting a good night’s sleep including the following;
Going to bed at the same time every night
Getting up same time each morning
No napping during the day
No coffee or tea after 12.00PM
No alcohol
Blackout drapes, especially in the summer time
White noise
Quality ear plugs
Sleeping mask
No snacking before bedtime
A warm bath before bedtime
Prescription sleeping pills
Tested for Sleep Apnea. Negative
No screens in the bedroom including a TV
No TV watching an hour or so before bed
Guaranteed to “be asleep in minutes” sound clips on YouTube. Useless. Actually, worse than useless. They just kept me awake.
Changed the mattress
Bought “Sleeping pillows”
Yoga
Meditation
Lots of exercise and fresh air
