Tossing yet another time in bed, listening to my husband and dogs snore, that pesky voice in my head starts talking again, “And exactly why are you doing this to yourself? MS patients have problems with sleep. Taking sleeping pills keeps MS symptoms at bay.” I toss again and reply to the voice, “I am getting off these pills once and for all!” The little voice is quiet for the moment but I am still awake. I reach for lavender oil for my feet. It often helps quiet the restless thoughts in my mind. “I am beating this addiction!” I reassure myself.

Twelve years ago I began using sleeping pills to fight a life-long battle with insomnia. Little did I know then that sleep disturbances are common for multiple sclerosis patients.  Today I am determined to reduce my medication list. I used to need help with sleep because I was stressed from kids and work. My children are grown and I am retired. I need to try life without them to see if the need is truly there. Boy has it been a battle to quit. At half the dose now! I will overcome this addiction.

Image from: fashions-cloud.com. And yes, I have counting thousands of sheep in my day only mine can dance, twirl, run circles, and on and on and on.