Insomnia — simply the worst

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash

My whole life has been a struggle with sleep. In my mid-fifties now, my sleep struggles are slowly getting worse and worse.

As people age, they tend to need slightly less sleep and sleep can come a little less easily. Lately, for me, the struggle is getting real.

As far back as I can remember, I have had many nights of tossing and turning. I lay in bed unable to fall asleep.

There are many reasons for insomnia.

• Mood or mental health reasons like stress, depression and anxiety.
• Situational reasons — difficult situations at work or in your personal life.
• Physical reasons — restless legs syndrome, pain, cancer, reflux disease, Alzheimer’s, and several other medical conditions.
• Some medications affect sleep, for example decongestants, some heart medication, meds for depressions and many others.
• Ingesting substances like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and some recreational — illegal or otherwise — drugs (cocaine, speed, etc.)
• Jetlag or shift work can contribute to insomnia.
• Poor sleep hygiene:
• Being too active before bed.
• Eating too much late at night.
• Watching TV or working late, or TV or work in…