Dear Mari

i heard 2 things from the pdoc...
one about establishing a pattern and one about a means to doing that.

why is it that you don't go to bed...
-- afraid you'll fall asleep 'accidentally' or
-- don't see the point since you don't intend to sleep?

could you go to bed, and just agree with yourself that you are going to rest, not to sleep (even if you are sleepy)?

if you could get into the habit of going to bed, albeit with the drugs on the shelf or never bought, i think it would be a step forward.

and i do think this has to go in steps. little ones too. phobias are always treated with baby steps. i don't understand why he wants to do this in two weeks.

i think i'd try the bed thing. and if you can't... maybe you could think of a step towards that, that feels ok to do.

you would not "get" someone who is afraid of heights to jump of a cliff or even get near the edge, with or without vertigo drugs or a parachute strapped on.

Drugs.com claims chloral hydrate should only be given for up to 7 days to avoid addiction. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/chloral-hydrate.html. if you decide to take it hopefully you won't have problems.

i wonder if pre-op dosages might be lower - that could cause sort of in-between-states which aren't always pleasant. i agree with having someone with you the first time you take it at least.

good luck. i hope the long weekend does you good. ((((hugs))))

~ waves ~