We’ve been talking about it since December, but last night, Angie and I finally booked our tickets for Scotland. We leave in exactly three months, three hours and ten minutes. And knowing that Angie is scarily like my mother about such things, we’ll probably be spending at least 94% of that time planning our adventure. Not that I mind. I can be sort of la-di-dah about foreign travel. As long as I understand enough of the language to order lunch, I’m good. But Jen is a big planner, and I have every reason to believe she’s the only reason we made it out of Morocco alive. Well, Jen and Immodium.
Anyway, after all that kilty excitement (we’ve both read the Outlander series, and I don’t know about Angie, but I fully intend on falling through some standing stones to collect my own brawny highlander), it was bedtime. After tidying up the kitchen, I popped a pill, climbed into bed and waited. For Mr. Lincoln and the beaver to show up. See, on Monday, my new doctor gave me some Rozerem samples – with the hope of getting my sleep cycle back to normal. For the last eight weeks, every time I’ve gone to bed, my brain thinks it’s power nap time, and without fail, twenty-five minutes later, I’m up. Wide awake and punching my pillow. And an hour after that, up again. Repeat, until daylight starts seeping into my bedroom, when my body’s ready to sleep in earnest.
Go on and guess just how cranky this makes me.
I’m not sure I’m sold on this new wonder drug — I still woke up during the night and Mr. Lincoln was a no show — but if my dreams missed me, they sure found me last night. Lost passports, confusing itineraries, sinking ferries and Barcelona having somehow relocated to Canada. It was perfect mayhem. And not at all what I’d had in mind.
I suppose it doesn’t matter what drug you take, if your psyche is a big ole mess. I get it. I was really looking forward to sleeping with the 16th president though.
Oh, and by the way, yesterday was my five-year blogging anniversary. See? I am capable of commitment.
Happy blogoversary! Sounds like Scotland will be an awesome trip!!
Happy five-year blogoversary (you’re two years ahead of me :[)! I’m going through the same thing…summer always screws with my body. I’m never hungry and I never sleep. It sucks.
Happy Anniversary Fish! I hope you get some restful sleep soon. Have a great trip. Scotland is amazing.
Holy first overseas trip batman! I cant wait. Is it possible to hyperventilate for 3 months and not die?
No one can call you a commitment phobic… 5 years is impressive!
5 Years! Congrats. Good luck trip planning or menu planning, whichever suits.
Happy Anniversary!
And sorry. Honest Abe? Not so honest…he was with me last night
sorry for stealing, you can have him tonight.
I imagine this represents your desire to go:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jha0dxEAmLQ
Just remember, in Scotland, headbutting a dude is a show of affection, not rejection.
My doc also gave me Beaver Lincoln samples, with the caveat that they do not effect 1/3 of the population. He, however, understands my reluctance to engage with Ambien or Lunesta, lovely moth commercial notwithstanding. My problem is staying alseep, not falling asleep (perimenopause being the culprit), and Rozeram did not to the trick. What SEEMS to be working (I’m probably jinxing it right now) is eyeshades and earplugs, which makes no sense because I live in the country where it’s dark and quiet. But I’ve slept through the night 5 nights out the past 7. So I’m sticking with it.
My doctor gave me the same thing. I found that after a while of taking it, if I didn’t, I didn’t sleep…AT ALL. Plus it didn’t seem to really help me get a full nights rest anyway. I had crazy dreams and still woke up multiple times. I finally just quit and am now doing about the same as before. Maybe I’ll ask him for something else next time, or just keep on with the random sleeping pattern I have now, I think I’m starting to get used to it, unfortunately.
Wow. 5 years…where does all the time go? Totally kickass that you’ve got so many memories archived in a blog.
I don’t sleep as well in the summer, usually. It helps, though, if I eat less meat/high-fat foods and exercise regularly aka if I let my inner health freak dominate.
Europe in autumn weather sounds amazing *envious* =)
sleep is for puny mortals.
Goe, avoids it.
happy anniversary fish! when i found your site last january i read your archives all the way through (let’s just say i had a lot of downtime at work). can’t wait to see what the next 5 years bring!
also, how did you book your costa rica trip? i’m having planning difficulties…
I have the best of luck with Ambien, and don’t know about any problems taking it. I heard some people sleepwalked and pigged out in front of the fridge, but I think I’m willing to chance that.
Two doses of Dramamine usually knocks me out for a while.
Heather- You still haven’t changed your “About You” section. Shame Shame!
From This Fish: I thought I told you last time that I can’t change it. Only iVillage can. And it’s not a priority.
I didn’t think it was possible to like Mike any more than before.
Nice reference. Do you have your blancmange spoon ready?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=08jOGYFZCkM
- A Scotsman on a Horse -
Congrats on the big 5 years!!! I’m on day 3 of my blog and its exhausting. haha
As for the sleep, I’ve suffered through periods of terrible sleep patterns for years. Usually it goes with life stresses and changes — your big move probably has something to do with it. I find that giving yourself an hour to prep for sleep (weird, I know) works — stay away from bright lights (i.e. TV and computers) and get your mind ready by doing relaxing activities (bath/shower, reading). If all else fails — pop the pills!
Congratulations on your anniversary! I look to you and other pro-bloggers as inspiration that someday I will find such joy and interest in what I do. I hope the pills help you get back on a normal sleep cycle. Erratic sleep/insomnia bites the big one.
Happy Anniversary, Fish…and thank you for sharing…. well… everything.
Cheers!
happy anniversary! thanks for all the great reads.
I used to have problems until the children arrived, now I sleep like a babeh
Something about them having endless energy helps I’m sure!
lol, this made me giggle. I love that commercial. And yes, HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY! ^_^
For you: the Crowne Plaza’s Sleep CD (with Dr. Michael J. Breus’ magically relaxing voice). The first time I listened to it, I woke up 9 hours later in exactly the same position…and missed a very important meeting. But, wow, was I rested! I have recommended it to many friends that had sleep troubles – no more! (And they’ve all been fired too.) Seriously, it just mysteriously works.
Find a Crowne Plaza, make like a guest and ask for one at the front desk. You can chuck those pills.
Ah…I don’t remember you telling me that but I will stop bugging you now.
Sometimes when I can’t sleep I will have a teeeeeeeny cup of Jack Daniel’s warmed with honey and sugar added. It is also a great cure for a sore throat.
If Rozerem doesn’t work, I’d highly recommend Ambien. I tried Lunesta, and I gotta tell you, when they say there might be a metallic aftertaste, they are not kidding. I woke up the next morning afraid that I’d eaten a steel mill in my sleep.
Tylenol PM and some red wine work, too.
Oh no no no no!!! Sleeping pills are not the way to go! They might knock you out, but they won’t allow you to get the REM sleep you need to feel rested! Try adding vigorous exercise to your day and that will usually help wear you out enough to sleep through the night.
From This FishWhile I appreciate the kindly advice, I’ve already tried vigorous exercise (an hour of cardio + an hour of power yoga daily). And, if you want to argue about what will, and what will not, bring on REM sleep, I’ll let you have that discussion with my doctor. But she seemed to know what she was talking about.
Shirtless lifting guy probably works better than all of these.
There’s always Benadryl…..
Try Dreamerz! It’s a new product and it is awesome! Basically, a natural hot cocoa that helps you sleep, and it is YUMMY! http://www.dreamerzfoods.com
Happy Blogoversary! And good luck on getting the sleep lined out. My sleep problem results from my 6-month-old experiencing separation anxiety.
Fish – have truly enjoyed reading..you have a fantastic ability to tell stories! thank you for sharing! For what it’s worth, I’ve been doing the Ambien thing, and whew…sleep! (and Outlander series? a guilty pleasure of mine!)
Same sleeping probs here as well, got my cycle off kilter and tried a couple things including some herbal cures…Ambien CR was the winner, knocked me out, kept me asleep, no weird dreams and no hangover, but must dedicate at least 7 hrs to it…8 preferrable in my case…
congrats on the blog anniv, I saw a woman with a fish tshirt at a breast cancer walk and giggled…where do I get me one of those????
When my ex started taking Ambien he wouldn’t go straight to bed (as instructed), but instead would turn into a HUGE asshole. Imagine a drunk idiot walking into walls and jumping on the bed when I had to go to work the next morning.
Actually after thinking about it, maybe it wasn’t the Ambien that turned him into an asshole…
Kudos to you on the big 5 year anniversary! Hope you get lucky tomorrow with Abe! Whew! What a hottie!
Why sleep with a dead president? Linden tea the natural cure for anxiety. I drink 20 b/f plane flights. Cheers or bottoms up.
I had some massive problems sleeping when I went onto Claritin-D. Are you on any allergy meds that might cause the sleep probs? Might want to think about that…
Heather, when are you going to be there? I’ll be there from the 12th to the 22nd. First trip to Scotland and first trip overseas, so if you have any recommendations, I’m all ears.
Oh good call on wanting to hook a highlander. I have one myself and cannot recommend them highly enough. Tall, broad-shouldered, able to hold their liquor and once they’ve fallen for you they’ll never let you go. Go find those standing stones!
I’ll add another unsolisited suggestion to the list…the Brookstone Tranquil Moments sound therapy system. This thing works wonders, something about NASA research and space sounds…this always puts me out within an hour or so.
Heather –
Congratulations on the 5 year anniversary!! I really enjoy checking and reading your blog.
and to someone’s earlier comment about Claritin D, the “D” is the decongestant pseudoephedrine which can cause insomnia. However, it works wonders for bad allergy/chronic sinus sufferers like me. Your body does acclimate to the pseudoephedrine so sleep shouldn’t be a problem forever.
I have tried Ambien, Soma, Nyquil and Tylenol PM for those nights I can’t get to sleep and they all work for me.
Good luck trying to get those zzzzzzz’s.
It cracks me up that the internet thinks fish would go and take sleeping pills without considering it just *might* be some allergy drug she was taking, or something in her diet, or exercise. It further… ahem, *delights* me that the internet public would think she would go to a doctor who wouldn’t consider the same things. What kind of doctor doesn’t consider drug interaction?
By some of your comments, you must think she’s a total idiot.
I am soooo envious of your trip. My sister and I have long had the plan to go to Scotland and snag ourselves a couple of lairds. I think it’s possible that we read too much…
Hey Fish…that’s nothing. Last night I had a dream that I had to make a go-cart with my ex-landlord.
Well at least you didn’t have to get it on with Taft, our 27th president. For that event you would most certainly have to be on top.
Good luck with your zzzzzzz’s tonight…
Congrats on the five year mark. I’ve been with you for three years, and I feel like I know you personaly. I’m a nurse, so with your sleeping patterns, just follow the instructions your Doc gave you. She would know best. I love the Highlander series, just finished the last book. Good Luck finding yours.
Heather,
happy bloggoversary!
I am a longtime reader, but never commented, so I thought this might be a good occasion to ‘delurk’. I come from accross the pond and I thoroughly enjoyed your NY blogs. I experienced the city through you a bit, I guess. Now, I look forward to Dallas. You are a wonderful writer. Good luck!
Been a long time reader, and never commented. But you’ve read the Outlander series! I knew there was some sneaky, underlying vibe I was picking up. Goodness I do love those books.
And I’m now totally jealous of your Scotland trip.
I personally think Mike is onto something… shirtless lifting guy. I’m sure you’d get to sleep eventually… ha!
Benadryl totally puts me to sleep too! (Although I’ve got that Crowne Plaza cd and I have to say it is pretty relaxing). Usually it wears off after just about exactly 8 hours so if I time it right I don’t feel groggy in the morning. It’s my secret weapon for falling asleep.
Yay, we just got back from Scotland. You will love it!
never posted before but had to because every major trip you’ve taken in the past (costa rica etc.) i took just before you posted your plans about it. just got back from scotland two weeks ago. crazy world. i was in edinborough and st. andrew’s for a graduation. if you want any advice on those two cities, i would be happy to help
The only good side-effect of a messed up psyche (or in my case, a broken heart) is the easy 20lb weight loss…
mazal tov on the blogiversary.
hey, did you ever try valerian for sleeping? a few dropper-fuls of the tincture works wonders.
regarding outlander, my mother-in-law recently gave me the book. i read it a third through and had to put it down, it made me feel dirty (dirtier still that my mother-in-law read it and figured, “hey, let me give this to the girl who married my son!”)
good luck, sassenatch.
Happy 5 year Anniversary!!! That is fantastic. I love reading your blog and have even gotten some of my friends to read. We are all hooked. Looking forward to the next five years.
I wouldn’t take Ambien if I were you. I tried taking it for awhile and would wake up in the middle of the night with horrific hallucinations, and at least three times I know of sleepwalked (barefoot! through filthy city streets!). My doctor just kind of shrugged and was all, “Eh. I thought that might happen.” I took Celexa (anti-depressant) for awhile, and taking it right before bedtime usually made me drowsy enough to fall asleep and stay asleep. Now I take nothing, but my busy work schedule keeps me exhausted at night. Good luck
I know Mr. Lincoln personally! Really. He goes to my church out here in LA! Too funny.
I knew I was lucky but I didn’t realize how lucky. I sleep so well, at times I’ve thought maybe too well. I can sleep anytime, anywhere, through almost anything. I’ve slept beside snorers even if they’re asleep and snoring before I go to bed, I’ve slept on the tailgate of a pickup truck while construction was going on around me (I used to be a construction worker so I could afford to buy my house and I would sleep while waiting for someone to get out of the way so I could do my job)
If I lay my head on my pillow and have a thought then my next thought is “What’s wrong, I’m still awake”. But the danger with this is that if I’m anywhere, a doctor’s office, a meeting or church and relax and close my eyes…that’s it, I’m asleep. Totally embarrassing!
I think the reason for this is that as a child I didn’t sleep good. I was a light sleeper, always on guard for my perverted father to creep into my room.
Sorry for creeping anyone out but it’s not something that was my fault so I’m not ashamed to talk about it.
Happy bloggerversary! I’ve been reading for a few years and really enjoy your writing! Be happy for a travel companion like Jen. I am that person for a few of my friends, and when I ask if they have any objections to my plans, they smile, sip their cocktail and say “I’m all good, cheers!” Have a wonderful trip to the land of men in kilts, yum!!!!
“Jen is a big planner”
Ha! Could not be truer.
I’m with misinformation when she wrote “If Rozerem doesn’t work, I’d highly recommend Ambien. I tried Lunesta, and I gotta tell you, when they say there might be a metallic aftertaste, they are not kidding.” — Rozerem not only didn’t help me sleep whatsoever, if I did fall asleep, I had horrific nighterrors. I hated it. Lunesta is my favorite if I overlook the taste…
good luck – sleeplessness is awful.
Sounds like an exciting trip! Sucky about the lack of sleep though. I have never been able to sleep well if it is chemically induced. I find I tend to wake up groggy as hell the next AM.
Wear the fox hat!