By the way, I'm not sure it's a good thing that the Instant Pot has made it so very easy to make a cute little cheesecake. You could make one every day!
Last night Heather, the grandson's wife, invited us to join them for supper. It was her mom's birthday. We had a delicious meal, with mashed potatoes and fried chicken just the way I like it. I'm impressed when somebody makes decent fried chicken, since I always had trouble with it.
Here's what I've been thinking about lately: I'm not one to take a lot of pills of any kind. The only meds ordered by my doctor are blood pressure pills and a baby aspirin. I do have problems sleeping, and in the past, over-the-counter sleep aids have helped a little, although I only used them occasionally. As I grow older, I sleep less. Part of the problem is my aging bladder, which wakes me at least four times nightly. But lately it's gotten to the point of ridiculous, with me waking up, then being unable to go back to sleep. I do have a couple of things on my mind currently, and it seems our brains want us to ponder such things when we should be sleeping. So I'd ponder and wonder, which only made me more wakeful. I know this situation is common, especially with women over a certain age, because if I get up at three AM and check Facebook, there are always some of my lady Facebook friends already there. Misery loves company.
The Internet has no conscience when it comes to sharing unsettling news items when a person least expects it, so I couldn't help but see an item recently letting me know that over-the-counter sleep aids can lead to dementia. Well, so much for the one tiny, not-so-efficient crutch I used. That isn't the only culprit, though. I have tummy problems occasionally, and some of the anti-acids like Pepcid and Zantac have been quite helpful; Walmart has those in generic form at a reasonable price. But, thanks to the Wide World Web, I know now some of these are tied to stomach cancer AND dementia.
I didn't ask for any of this information. I was perfectly happy in my little bubble, taking cheap, simple pills for relief. But the bad news was thrust at me when I least expected it, so I can't crawl back into the bubble. Now I struggle with any decision to take a pill.
No wonder I have trouble sleeping.
I hope your weather is as lovely as mine today. May you always sleep peacefully and well.
Your friend, Donna
Here's what I've been thinking about lately: I'm not one to take a lot of pills of any kind. The only meds ordered by my doctor are blood pressure pills and a baby aspirin. I do have problems sleeping, and in the past, over-the-counter sleep aids have helped a little, although I only used them occasionally. As I grow older, I sleep less. Part of the problem is my aging bladder, which wakes me at least four times nightly. But lately it's gotten to the point of ridiculous, with me waking up, then being unable to go back to sleep. I do have a couple of things on my mind currently, and it seems our brains want us to ponder such things when we should be sleeping. So I'd ponder and wonder, which only made me more wakeful. I know this situation is common, especially with women over a certain age, because if I get up at three AM and check Facebook, there are always some of my lady Facebook friends already there. Misery loves company.
The Internet has no conscience when it comes to sharing unsettling news items when a person least expects it, so I couldn't help but see an item recently letting me know that over-the-counter sleep aids can lead to dementia. Well, so much for the one tiny, not-so-efficient crutch I used. That isn't the only culprit, though. I have tummy problems occasionally, and some of the anti-acids like Pepcid and Zantac have been quite helpful; Walmart has those in generic form at a reasonable price. But, thanks to the Wide World Web, I know now some of these are tied to stomach cancer AND dementia.
I didn't ask for any of this information. I was perfectly happy in my little bubble, taking cheap, simple pills for relief. But the bad news was thrust at me when I least expected it, so I can't crawl back into the bubble. Now I struggle with any decision to take a pill.
No wonder I have trouble sleeping.
I hope your weather is as lovely as mine today. May you always sleep peacefully and well.
Your friend, Donna
Unlike your I sleep more and more these days. With it getting darker out I can hardly stay awake until 9:00. The shorter the days the more I sleep. I often take a nap in the afternoon too. Yes, they do say every medicine does have it's downfall.You have to choose your options wisely. Having a cheese cake a day would be okay in my books! Ha ! Enjoy yours!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, Donna!!! I know exactly what you mean about the unwelcomed news. I experience the same thing and add to it the fact that I'm a retired RN, who knows WAY TOO MUCH as it is, and.... well.... I enter any doctor's office with skepticism in my heart and on my mind.
ReplyDeleteI long for the days when people used to (be able to) simply trust whatever their doctor said to do. They took pills without questioning and never worried whether or not the pills they were taking were going to make them sicker rather than better.
I've read some books on "worrying" and why/how not to do it. Perhaps doing a bit of a google search for those types of things will help you to reign-in your thoughts at night.
Lovingly, Andrea xoxo
Although it's important to weigh the risks, the amount of medication you take should not be alarming. I know people WAY younger than you who are on tons of pills, which is scary. I cried for days when the doctor put me on 5 mg of bisopropol for my blood pressure, but I've felt much better and my BP is normal now. Sleeping is important so if you need help sometimes, try not to worry about it, which will keep you up fretting. I haven't given into the Instant pot craze because I have no one to cook for and it would be a waste. But I love its versatility.
ReplyDeleteMany of us struggle with sleep as we age. Warm milk and honey at bed time has helped us. Also taking magnesium every day helps with sleep and also helps with leg cramps. Magnesium helps with relaxation, therefore sleep. Did you know that benadryl and some sleep aids are made from the same ingredients? Isn't that interesting? I take as few medications as possible. Aspirin for the aches and pains is about it for me, based on need.
ReplyDeleteThere is a powdered product called CALM that is made into a drink. We also use that at bedtime to help with sleep. We mix it into warm water. I find it a little pricey, but it does work. It has natural magnesium in it. I am not home to look at the bottle to tell you what it is. Sorry for the double comment. No edit option in comments!
ReplyDeleteHello Donna. Would you please share the Cheesecake recipe you used? I would love to try it for our family get-together coming up next month. Hugs, Tango
ReplyDeleteSleep is very important for your health. That is when your body heals. I would take the sleeping pill or melatonin. You need your sleep. Please talk to your Dr. about this.
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