OTHER PLANS

I haven't had a half-way decent night's sleep all summer. No idea why. I say "half-way decent" because I'm at that age where that's as good as it gets. Waking up a few times a night for no particular reason is something I've been doing for years, but I used to go right back to sleep. Back in the day I was a championship sleeper. I'd lie down and close my eyes and wouldn't know a thing until the alarm clock or a small kid demanded my attention. At least that's the way I remember it now.

The television tells me there are remedies for what ails me. I could get a Sleep Number Bed, which the real Bionic Woman assures will give me a good night's rest. But what if it's not the bed? I'm not aware of being uncomfortable. Back when I slept well I could do that on any level surface. That's a lot of money to spend if it's not the solution.

Maybe I need a new drug. Maybe I should ask my doctor if "fill-in-blank" is right for me. Only thing is, most of the commercials for "sleep-aids" tell you to "make sure you have 8 hours to devote to sleep before taking" whatever it is you're taking. How do you know that in advance? Those 8 hours haven't happened at the time you take the pills. You have no idea what the next 8 hours might demand of you at any time. What if the house catches fire? What if there's a natural (or other) disaster and you need to evacuate? Much more likely, what if someone has to be rushed to the Emergency Room. Maybe insomnia is the more prudent choice after all. You'll find me nodding off at the office after lunch as usual.