The Z Factor

No one escapes insomnia. It can be chronic or occasional, or even once in a lifetime, but sooner or later, we have a sleepless night, right?

Sometimes we have a lot on our mind. Sometimes we don't feel well, a headache or something, and sometimes we're just worked up and can't sleep.

Then there's the Evil Insomnia. That's the one that has no discernible cause. Body just says, "Nope, no sleep right now, pal!"

And I call it "Evil" because it is. You go through the whole routine...can't get comfortable...can't stop thinking...noise outside perhaps? Pillow won't lie right under the ol' noggin, blanket feels heavy and bunched, and NOT RIGHT DAMMIT. Then maybe you get the itchy-owwies, sporadic itchy spots on your body. Then maybe that little tickle in the throat?

Uh-oh, is that an itch, or A SPIDER IN MY BED???!!!

Then the To-Do List runs through your mind, and then the FORGOT To-Do list.

Then of course, the thrashing as you try to reconstruct your sleep space. Pillow here, blanket there, it's too cold in here, it's too warm, it's now 1 AM!!!

Counting sheep. Ok, 245,983 sheep and the eyes are open. Is that clock brighter tonight?

Maybe tv? Gotta be careful there, you might find something on that you'll get hooked into, kinda counter-productive, no?

Sigh. Resist reliving your whole life in your mind. That's not good. You can't undo what you did, and that girl really did whup your butt on the tennis court.

Think about all the things you could be doing...no, stop that, you have to go to sleep. You didn't leave the gas on in the kitchen, idiot, you have an electric stove.

Ahh, we all know the drill.

You can't knock yourself unconscious, by the way. You just hurt your head.

Night now....