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Larry Urish's avatar

Great tips, Andy.

It reminds me of the time, in my 20s, when I was unable to fall asleep and I'd be up ALL night *trying* to zonk out. My therapist at the time gave me as assignment: buy a TV (I didn't have one) and make sure I'm up all night watching it; falling asleep was strictly forbidden. Well, you can guess how that turned out. The monkey was off my back, and I snoozed like, well, a 20something.

Today, my issue is *staying* asleep. I awaken between 1 and 3am and can't get back to sleep. Anyway, I'll try your tips, particularly "doom scrolling" in bed (duh...) and no big meals prior to snooze time. Thank you.

Andy Gibson's avatar

That’s really interesting, Larry! And good luck. I’ve actually found wearing an eye mask has helped me sleep more through the night. Worth a shot if your bedroom can’t get to pitch black.

Larry Urish's avatar

Funny you should mention an eye mask. I've been wearing a really good one for about six months – but *only* when I'm behind the wheel. Seriously, I wear one because my room gets a lot a light, even with the blinds shut.

Shifting gears: Ever heard of "mouth taping"? It's a thing. Check it out.

By the way, in a few weeks I'll be taking delivery on a bite-alignment gizmo that may help me stay asleep, since I apparently have mild apnea. If I don't see any improvement, I'll be disappointed. HOW disappointed? Let's just say "$3,500 worth of disappointed." More to be revealed.

Andy Gibson's avatar

Yea my room gets a lot of light despite the blinds being shut, too. And I've heard of mouth taping, but not looked into it.

Good luck with the gizmo!

Stacey's avatar

Good read and got Brett and I talking about anxiety and how it shows up for each of us. Going to start with screens going off at our house before bed so will see how that helps.