I was thinking of you when I read an article yesterday about how we over-estimate the amount of sleep we require.
I have used successfully the tension and relax method: one works all the muscle groups up the body from the toes - stretch (without getting cramp), hold, relax. Into the calf muscles, into the thigh muscles; belly, arms ........ I have never got to the arms as I drop off. I also had the radio on by the bed, softly playing music for years ......... gave my brain something to focus on.
Now if I get a 'bad' night I try not to worry ......... I have never made mistakes in my job due to being tired. I have never been dangerous on the road due to being tired, in the years I was ill with depression I simply didn't get behind the wheel, in case. The more I focussed on not being able to sleep, the worse it became - if that makes sense?
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If all else fails, do some housework? Exercise can encourage sleep - apparently
The noise I wouldn't have by the bed is the sound of the tide, 'cos I would need to get up to the bath room too often.
