If Only For One Night

If Only For One Night No one understands how each of us handles stress—on the outside it appears as if we are coping. Little did I know that my stress would manifest as nightly insomnia. I’ve tried natural remedies including aromatherapy, herbal teas, warm milk, soothing music, making list, reading and praying to no avail. I’ve exercised thinking that I’ll be exhausted and fall asleep, but sleep eludes me. My companion, insomnia, is a constant. Do you have any idea how maddening it is to walk from room to room nightly hearing all the sounds of snoring, clocks ticking, traffic and wondering why precious, needed sleep will not come? I’ve tried to go to bed early thinking that it will help, but as I watch the clock move from hour to hour, I realize hopelessly that it will be another long night. Morning smacks me in the face when the sun beams through the window and I stumble out of bed sleepily yet falsely invigorated to begin another day. I’ve researched the medical effects of prolonged insomnia and discussed this with my physician. She says she can prescribe medication to help me sleep, but “you have to reduce the stress in your life or nothing will change.” There is a heaviness in my chest and I am not as patient as I should be. My energy sags at midday, but I keep going. I have meetings and appointments to keep which leads to another form of stress... All I ask for is one night of peaceful sleep.   Beverley Francis-Gibson National President & CEO Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) Baltimore, Maryland