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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:17 PM
Original message
What is your cure for insomnia?
I have a sound machine (waves on a beach) and a sleep mask to keep out any light. Other than that, I read until my eyes get tired. I don't like those OTC sleep aids as they make me feel stupid the next day.

My best remedy is to bore myself to sleep. I have two stories that I recount to myself over and over again and that usually works if I do it long enough.

What's your remedy?
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Maine-ah Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:18 PM
Response to Original message
1. weed
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GoddessOfGuinness Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 11:30 PM
Response to Reply #1
57. I'd weed; but I can't see what I'm pulling up in the dark.
It might be something I actually want growing in the garden.
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Inchworm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:18 PM
Response to Original message
2. beer
:beer:
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:37 PM
Response to Reply #2
13. I find that beer and wine keep me UP!
Which is why I don't drink any alcohol after my dinner wine...
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Xipe Totec Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:09 PM
Response to Reply #13
27. They put me to sleep, but only for 4 hours
Edited on Mon Jun-08-09 05:09 PM by Xipe Totec
Then I'm wide awake at 3:00AM
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Kali Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:21 PM
Response to Original message
3. it is so rare for me
but once in a while I wake up around 2 or so and can't get back to sleep right away - reading something boring always works
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supernova Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:22 PM
Response to Original message
4. Listening to spa music
slow quiet meditative music helps, like the Spa channel on XM.
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Xipe Totec Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:23 PM
Response to Original message
5. Pop a DVD into the player
I'll be asleep in 10 minutes.
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littlebit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:30 PM
Response to Reply #5
12. That's the only way I can fall asleep.
I pop in a Law and Order dvd. The minute I hear in the criminal justice system I am out.
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Captain Hilts Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:56 PM
Response to Reply #12
24. I use The African Queen. nt
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elocs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:11 PM
Response to Reply #5
29. Especially if it is a movie you want to see.
"I'll just close my eyes for a minute".
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CreekDog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:23 PM
Response to Original message
6. Driving to Sacramento and back
it's like preparing for a coma. :eyes:

(i have to do this for work somewhat often --100 miles each way, 2 bridges...)
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BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:24 PM
Response to Original message
7. Uhm
:blush:

or booze
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Inchworm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:25 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. *cheers*
:thumbsup:

:*
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NJmaverick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:26 PM
Response to Original message
9. Deep relaxation excercises I learned in Yoga
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SacredCow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:28 PM
Response to Original message
10. I try to keep a consistent evening ritual....
No food after 7 or 8 (depending on what time I go to bed)... Try to stop watching TV at least an hour or so before bed... will often have a cup of chammomile tea soon before bed.

I don't have a sound machine, but I always have a fan on that drowns out most external noise.
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backtoblue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:30 PM
Response to Original message
11. sleeping pills...
you could get dependent on them, though. You could also try reading a boring Harloqoin Romance book - sure to have you snoring in minutes!
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blogslut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 03:42 PM
Response to Original message
14. Melatonin
For me, it actually works.

Of course, I haven't been in a total stress mindset in years. Back when I was, the only thing that worked were prescription tranquilizers.
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:38 PM
Response to Reply #14
16. I had the same experience with stress a number of years back and took medication.
I would wake in the middle of the night feeling a heavy pressure on my chest. Medication helped.

I don't that any more, since I retired.
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blogslut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:44 PM
Response to Reply #16
20. Well, my insomnia/stress was part of a larger problem
Total nervous breakdown. Not my best time. Just the same, I was damned glad that my doctors understood that there was no way in hell I was going to get better if I couldn't sleep.

:hi:
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:51 PM
Response to Reply #20
21. Right. I had hallucinations due to sleep deprivation when I was in the ICU after
surgery a couple of years ago. I take sleep deprivation very seriously now. While I didn't see snakes, I was not in my right mind and it was because I could not get enough REM sleep. I thought it was the drugs but a anesthesiologist told me it was REM sleep deprivation...
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blogslut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:53 PM
Response to Reply #21
22. No kidding
:hug:
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 06:50 PM
Response to Reply #22
36. It was a real wake up call for me to hear that from a doctor's mouth.
My surgeon never said a word to me about it and neither did any of the docs who were coming around every day...smarty pants Yale Med students, ugh. The worst...

So I didn't talk about it at the time. I should have...my loss, I guess...
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lizerdbits Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 11:15 AM
Response to Reply #14
69. A doctor told me to try that
after none of the prescriptions worked. Every night I took it I had to pee A LOT every 2 hours so somehow it wound up being like a diuretic for me. I wound up feeling worse in the morning due to getting up every 2 hours. I tried 4 different brands thinking it was an inactive ingredient in one brand and each time the same result.
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blogslut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 09:18 PM
Response to Reply #69
70. It works differently for different people
Some folks tell me that for them, it has no effect.

I guess I am just lucky because for me, it works and I wake refreshed with no side effects.

You might give tryptophan a try. It's back on the market.
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kimmerspixelated Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:37 PM
Response to Original message
15. I agree about OTC drugs....
I occasionally use just a tiny bit of Melatonin, not too much.. and I...make sure there is a lavendar scented something neer the head of the bed, or on the pillow cases.Many times, if there is something I really wanted to watch on tv, murphy's law states I'll sleep right through it!
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:40 PM
Response to Reply #15
18. I tried Melatonin and it didn't work. Actually, I used it for jet lag.
Funny, I don't get jet lag going to Europe, only when I return. Then I'm sleep deprived for about two weeks. It's awful...
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Deep13 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:40 PM
Response to Original message
17. Rx drugs
Otherwise I just think and think and think all night.
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siligut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:43 PM
Response to Original message
19. Tryptophan and B Vitamins.
It also helps my mood during the day, is OTC and not too expensive. I use a sound machine too.
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RagAss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:15 PM
Response to Reply #19
31. It's great to see Tryptophan on the market again.
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siligut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:59 PM
Response to Reply #31
33. I agree.
Years ago, after the eosinophilia-myalgia episode, you could still get it if you knew the store and they knew you. It was only the one manufacturer that produced the problem. However, I had my concerns that big pharma had a hand in banning it altogether. Now it is widely available though.
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mwooldri Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:43 PM
Response to Reply #33
44. Trazodone.
Although it's an anti-depressant, my pysch prescribed it for its side-effects - it makes me really drowsy. She says it's not that good an antidepressant anyways. I however do need to consume it with food. Along with the citalopram, they help with my mood issues and I get along just fine. Plus they're both generic medicines and on the pharmacists cheap-lists.

Mark.
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Captain Hilts Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 04:55 PM
Response to Original message
23. Running every day. Especially on pavement rather than a treadmill. Other exercise, even
vigorous biking or sculling, doesn't do it for me.

I know I'm not alone in this.
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montanto Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:02 PM
Response to Original message
25. Purple Kush.
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rcrush Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:10 PM
Response to Reply #25
28. Super Silver Haze.
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Moondog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:05 PM
Response to Original message
26. There is no cure. I get up, and stay up, until I am sleepy.
I've been known to go out and take photographs, to engage in a marathon Photoshop session, and to email various friends. If I'm up late enough, I go catch the first output of a local bakery, have breakfast, and read tomorrow's paper.
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RagAss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:13 PM
Response to Original message
30. Melatonin - 3mg a night.
Edited on Mon Jun-08-09 05:14 PM by RagAss
Try for 1 week.
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HarukaTheTrophyWife Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 05:16 PM
Response to Original message
32. Jameson
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cwydro Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 06:01 PM
Response to Original message
34. Melatonin, benadryl, whiskey.
Edited on Mon Jun-08-09 06:01 PM by cwydro
Not necessarily in that order.:evilgrin:
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UndertheOcean Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 06:46 PM
Response to Original message
35. Banadryl , works like a charm these days
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SallyMander Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 06:51 PM
Response to Original message
37. Don't want to get your thread locked

:evilgrin:
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 07:52 PM
Response to Reply #37
38. Really? Why would that be? Surely, what you have to say ain't that bad. nt
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pokerfan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 07:57 PM
Response to Original message
39. count backwards from a hundred by threes
97.... 94.... 91.... 88....
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Hotler Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:10 PM
Response to Original message
40. I find a golf game on tv. Yaawwwnnn
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Lyric Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:13 PM
Response to Original message
41. Dancing in the kitchen to cheesy 80's pop, and then an orgasm.
Works every time.

:hi:
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femmocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:18 PM
Response to Original message
42. I have to keep the TV on at very low volume.
Can't fall asleep without the TV anymore. Bad habit, I guess.
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The Velveteen Ocelot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:19 PM
Response to Original message
43. Cats.
Also, editing aircraft manuals.
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Duer 157099 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
45. Melatonin, sublingual 3mg; but the best is audiobooks
Get one of those tiny cheap mp3 players with comfortable earbuds and download audiobooks from either audible or your library.

The upside is that if you don't go to sleep, at least you learn something while you're laying in bed!

I listen to at least 5 books per week this way.
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no name no slogan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:53 PM
Response to Original message
46. Box of wine
nt
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Initech Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:56 PM
Response to Original message
47. Kenny G
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Skittles Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 08:57 PM
Response to Original message
48. ear plugs, fan, book and Ambien
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kwassa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 10:27 PM
Response to Original message
49. I listen to Pink Floyd.
puts me right back to sleep in no time at all.
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mnhtnbb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 10:44 PM
Response to Original message
50. Last bad attack of insomnia I rearranged the living room furniture from 2-4 a.m.
Back to sleep until 7 a.m.

Usually, I get up and read until sleepy or find a movie on TV.
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DarkTirade Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 10:47 PM
Response to Original message
51. I tend to read before I go to bed.
Helps my mind relax. Probably also helps that I've read every book I own at least a dozen times. Doesn't always help if I find myself reading something particularly interesting though. :)
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armyowalgreens Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 10:48 PM
Response to Original message
52. A small bowl of the finest green or a shitload of nyquil.
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ShortnFiery Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 10:49 PM
Response to Original message
53. The Oxygen or Hallmark Network playing in the background.
:silly:
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RushIsRot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 11:16 PM
Response to Original message
54. Vodka on the rocks. I sleep fine every night.
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JustJeking Donating Member (92 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 11:23 PM
Response to Original message
55. A Lifetime movie usually does the trick.
:)

Used to take Ambien for insomnia but developed an addiction to it so stopped taking it. Just doing mundane tasks around the house usually does the trick.
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nuxvomica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 10:51 AM
Response to Reply #55
68. The version of "As You Like It" with Laurence Olivier...
May be the most powerful soporific ever committed to celluloid.
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Aristus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 11:27 PM
Response to Original message
56. If booze or sex don't work, nothing will. I just stay up, read a book, and wait it out.
I f*****g hate insomnia. I get it once or twice a month...
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ghostsofgiants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jun-08-09 11:56 PM
Response to Original message
58. Real insomnia: valerian root.
Just trouble getting to sleep: Music.
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crimsonblue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 12:03 AM
Response to Original message
59. run into a wall
do it long or hard enough, and you'll pass out.
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ohheckyeah Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 12:03 AM
Response to Original message
60. I have chronic
insomnia. The only time I ever got relief was the short time I was on Dexedrine for ADD. Sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, etc keep me awake. Dexedrine is rough on the body but I may have to go back on it just to get some damn sleep.
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Lucian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 12:39 AM
Response to Original message
61. If I had a remedy, I'd be asleep right now.
:(
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Visine Donating Member (32 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 12:47 AM
Response to Original message
62. I underwent a sleep study. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I now am able to sleep well.
It's a bit of a drag to be sleeping with a small nasal air-flow mask, but MAN!!!!! I am sleeping so good lately! No more tiredness in the early afternoon.

Sleep is so important. It regulates your glucose levels, your heart health, your mental health.

You need to figure out WHY you are not sleeping. That is important.
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CTyankee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 07:21 AM
Response to Reply #62
63. My primary care physician said it was age.
As we grow older, our sleep patterns change, or something like that...I do know one woman in her late 50s who sleeps in 3 hour episodes, then is up for a few hours, then asleep. This goes on early evening to the following late morning. She has some real problems, however, with an aging, difficult husband and LOTS of money woes...I wouldn't want to be her.
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Strong Atheist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 07:25 AM
Response to Original message
64. Read "being and Time" by Martin Heidegger while in comfy in bed. Try to understand it...
It will put you right out...
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Bunny Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 10:43 AM
Response to Original message
65. Getting a midnight PM from someone helps me sleep at night.
:loveya:
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old mark Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 10:48 AM
Response to Original message
66. Retirement. I sleep better, have almost NO stress, lost weight,
lowered my blood sugar and have blood pressure like a skinny old lady.

I owe it all to not working.

:applause:


mark
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nuxvomica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 10:50 AM
Response to Original message
67. My screen name, of course
I also have a sound machine and it's set on "ocean waves".
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Prisoner_Number_Six Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 09:25 PM
Response to Original message
71. Sleep.
Usually clears it right up.

:hide:
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krispos42 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-10-09 03:26 AM
Response to Reply #71
73. 30 hours before somebody posted this?
Man, it was the first thing that popped into my head!


Loungers are slacking... must be watching the playoffs or something...
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-09-09 09:54 PM
Response to Original message
72. Valerian root.
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XemaSab Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-10-09 03:37 AM
Response to Original message
74. If I had one
I wouldn't be posting here. :shrug:
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