The springtime change has caught me by surprise. Normally, I would take a week to adjust to the longer daylight hours. This year, I have not been sleeping through the night. Often, I awaken at 2 am thinking it is morning, only to hear my watch announcing the time. I take some melatonin to try to sleep.
Studies of sleeping indicate that we lose thirty minutes of sleep time for every decade after fifty. We sleep lighter and dream less.
Finding a bedtime routine has helped me. I listen to a radio show or quiet music on a timer in case I fall asleep. I try to relax with deep breathing. I inhale through my nose, exhaling through my mouth. During this slow breathing, I empty my thoughts, letting my body relax. It doesn’t always work; that is when I take melatonin. Another option is to get up to do a quiet activity until I tire. I prefer to stay in the warm bed.
Taking a short nap in the afternoon can help readjust your inner clock and give you more energy. Whatever you choose, don’t worry about an occasional sleepless night. As a friend commented, “It’s all in your head.”
Sandman Blues
It’s two in the morn.
From sleep, I am torn.
My mind is awake.
For sleep, the body aches.
Deep breathing I try.
Until there’s light in the sky.
Give up with a sigh.
I give pills a try.
Carolaspot copyright 3/9/26
traveling up and down the blind highway 