Sleep, or lack of it affects us all, probably dictating many of our moods, concerns and perhaps even behaviour and actions. Some of this may be down to the fact that it is etched on our psyche for the paramount need to have a really good nights sleep. I’m not sure it’s as simple as that and clearly like many things in life, what is a really good sleep for one person may not be the case for others.
Of course we all feel better after a sound and restful sleep, but are we going to suffer that much without it? Not long periods without sleep obviously, and the well documented use of “sleep deprivation” for hostages and prisoners highlights this, but no I mean our ordinary and everyday person, if they actually exist. Well whether they do or not it doesn’t matter, for again I believe the answer comes down to individuals and their varying ability to sleep, and perhaps more importantly, their concept of it!
I suspect, like most people I have friends and acquaintances with a variety of sleep contentment, or lack of it, (see it IS very much discussed), with some sleeping for quite a few hours, others much less. Obviously if there is a pattern of unsatisfactory or disturbed sleep it can have adverse reactions, but before we consider that I think we should look at the whole picture and not worry or panic as some people seem to, which naturally exacerbates the situation.
Time for my first poem and aptly called “Awake” and from my 6th and latest book…
Awake
Oh why am I fully awake?
When the world around me sleeps,
So what is going on in my head
That from my slumber keeps?
I was tired when I went to bed
With my eyes trying to close.
But I still awoke very early
Which started off my woes.
Because I just couldn’t return
To that lovely land of sleep,
With many thoughts disturbing me
And from any peace did keep.
So at first I just lay there quietly
As my mum had said, was resting.
But the failure to drop off again
My agitated mood was testing.
For I was now needing to resort
To my tried and tested ploys,
Like a hot milky drink, and music
And a return to sleeping joys.
But sadly all attempts failed
As I couldn’t get back off again,
Which started to cause concern
In case I went insane.
Thus another tactic was needed
In attempt not to shout and curse.
For I just started to write again,
And produced this piece of verse!
–
So that’s about staying awake should you stir from your slumbers, but I guess many people would settle for that as they complain of not even getting to sleep in the first place. Other complaints I’ve read or heard consist of very light sleep that is easily disturbed so they wake, very early waking, (often a feature of depression) even if not getting off to sleep until late, fractured sleep patterns, short term sleep or in extreme cases, none at all. These problems can involve all ages apparently, although it is a generalisation that you need more sleep in younger than older years. A much bigger problem if it ia allowed to become a major issue is to let it become an obsession, but of course that again depends on any resulting knock on effects!
Another poem then and this is from my 4th book “Life Scene in Verse” with the poem called “Sleep Perchance”.
Sleep Perchance?
We all love and need our sleep
Perchance to dream as the bard said,
So just relax and prepare to rest
When you put yourself to bed.
For sleep they say, is a great healer
And recharges both body and mind,
To feel refreshed in a healthy way
Maybe to solve problems too, I find.
For we’re also advised in life
To “sleep on” a decision I hear,
But whether this is true or not
In the morning things seem clear.
Thus allow yourself to drift away
And to slip into a world of dreams,
Maybe to caress those hidden thoughts
So all will not be as it seems.
Then allow the visions of your deep
To take you soaring to the moon,
In a fluttering of warm sensations
You awaken from much too soon.
So just relax and prepare to escape
When laying down to sleep,
For if you can lose yourself in peace
Great councils you will keep.
–
That is all well and good, but if you do have a sleep problem it will invariably get worse the more it’s worried about, and whilst easier to say than do, it is recognised as being very true. My mum had an answer, as many wonderful mothers do with problems, and used to say to me not to worry too much if I couldn’t sleep, but just lay there as at least you are resting, and if not sleep well tonight, you will probably catch it up tomorrow.
I am sure her advice was correct for me because apart from on odd occasions when I had a serious worry, I have always, and continue to now have, an excellent sleep pattern.
Maybe this next poem from my 3rd book is a bit too abstract if you cannot sleep, but with tongue firmly in my cheek I repeat that I have an excellent sleep pattern. Some clues, suggestions and advice given a little further on in this article, so if you need it or are still awake, read on!
Poem is entitled “Beam of Love”
Beam of Love
In the darkness now I think of you
Though you may be near or far.
And if I saw you would I know,
If you’re my missing star?
For it is very hard to find someone
If you don’t know how they look.
For I have never seen or met you,
Or found a description in a book.
So maybe that’s why in the dark
I fantasise I feel your breath,
Because I’m denied sight or sound
Thus think you’re a gift from death.
Though you are not here to touch
And however hard I try to see,
I know you, my mysterious spirit,
Are watching and waiting for me.
In the darkness now I think of you
Though you may be near or far.
So if I saw you how would I know,
If you’re my missing star?
Why do I feel your shadowy form
As if you are all around my bed?
So where have you come from,
To be inside my head?
Thus I’m making a request to meet
Whatever time, or in a dream.
Perhaps you’ll come and take me
To love by the moons night beam.
For now I know what the truth is,
You’re a figment of imagined love,
Someone I met, though didn’t see
Who’ll be there in the stars above!
–
So perhaps that is not for you, but I enjoyed it and I sleep the good sleep nearly every night, so over to you then!
I will though keep my promise from earlier and repeat some advice on getting a good nights kip, and these include good exercise during the day, a milky drink before bed, trying to keep a clear conscience or more rationally putting things into context, (when awake in the night the problems will seem much larger), so try to deal with, or at least have a practicable plan for resolving, any ongoing concerns and worries. Again easier said, but if a problem exists it has to be dealt with.
For my part, possibly with my “30 years working in psychiatry” hat on, I believe that if you have a “happy heart and head” you will generally have quite good health, sleep well and be all round a content and settled little “bunny” or person….
Last poem coming up, and if you cannot sleep, then this poetic “advice” maybe ideal for you? Yes alright I have now removed my tongue totally from cheek, but will continue to smile as I mostly do.
All Through the Night
Sometimes only just to kiss you
Won’t make you feel alright.
So I have to state my intention,
To hold you through the night.
Which I hope will delight you
As much as it does for me.
So we must wait for morning
When we can then clearly see,
If our ensuing love was great
For both of us to have gains,
As it’s now my main ambition
To ensure our love remains.
So don’t be shocked at my ardour
As it is meant for me to show,
How much I want to love you
And not let our ecstasy go.
Because sometimes love is taken
For granted, causing disgrace.
But you can see I’m determined
That ours will stay in place.
But you need now to do nothing
More than you think is right,
When I tell you once again
I will hold you through the night.
Which I hope will reassure you
How my love is always bold.
So just lay back and enjoy it,
Along with my night long hold.
–
Apart from “The Commercials” here ends “my epistle” on sleep, and knowing you all to be veritable society “pillars” I’m sure that you all sleep well and like the proverbial baby, but if not, goodnight and I will think and dream of you! I’m that sort of poet, goodnight then, ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
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Poetic Views of Life
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Reviews of Life in Verse &
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
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Poet Reveals All (in your world).
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