Hey, great suggestion on the snoring thing. I never thought of that but my late husband (died of a brain tumor in 2005), used to complain that my snoring was enough to make wildlife restless fifty miles away (we lived on a remote farm then). Will try the breathe right strips.

Hve tried valarian in the past but it seems to cause inflammation reactions in the digestive tract. Not good as I had an emergency intestinal resection in 1978 for regional enteritis/peritonitis and have had digestive issues ever since. Its the main reason I try to stay away from medication. Even NSAIDs cause gut inflammation and throw too much of a burden on an already pickled liver. Had a liver biopsy in 2001 because of changes to liver enzymes on repeat blood testing. That was done during another surgery that was done for GI bleeding and gall bladder removal; and the biopsy showed some liver damage. Since then I really need to stay on top of liver function as bleeding problems (was an issue during surgery), inability to absorb fats (7% on a fecal test) and hormone imbalance have all been connected to that. The GI guy said that it would be best to stay away from most medication if possible. So there is that issue as well.

I stopped watching TV about 20 years ago and don't even own a TV, so that isn't a problem. Have been meditating for 30 years (I am a Buddhist) and that does help with putting things into perspective, managing stress, and sometimes sleep...but it hasn't been helpful in keeeping me in a state of sleep lately.
There are no electronics in my bedroom other than a battery operated clock and I sleep with blindfolds on. Also try to stay off the computer before bed, but when I wake up in the night and am wired and weird, sometimes I end up sitting infront of it. I know that it is not helpful for sleep, but there isn't much to do at 2:00am. Reading is difficult at times, but sometimes I'll do that. Mostly I just meditate or do yoga when I wake up in the night.

Ah yes, the teddy bear. That would be Willy, the dog that never leaves my side (even comes to work with me when I am able to work). I keep telling him that the pamphlet said 'guard dog', but he insists that it said 'bed hog'. We have been living together for 8 years and consistently he cuddles with me in my bed until I am just about asleep, then he quietly moves from my bed to his own.
Similarly, if it wasn't for Willy, I'd probably not get out and exercise as much as I do but he insists on a minimum of three walks or ball play a day; more when I am not working. It is sort of living with a bad mother in law at times, but his sense of order and schedules force me to get moving in the morning and press on with what ever each day brings. He does insist that I consider his needs before my own...yet he is understanding enough not to be a pest when things are not going well.

Thankfully today is turning out to be one of the best days that I've had in a loing while cognitively speaking and I think that off-loading some of what has been going on lately with you folks helped me to get a better rest last night. Thanks so much!

Apparently it is time to go as I've just received a nose poke in the ribs from Willy to say, "Hey, its time for you to get dressed and take me for my walk."

Erika



Thanks for the suggestions.