April 14, 2018

Greetings My Friend,

I continue to relearn how important it is for me to be active so I am able to sleep at night. Tuesday after my nap, I got up made dinner, washed the dishes, since my neck was tight, my lower back was hurting I sat down. I did some exercises to relieve the tightness in my shoulders, put a heating pad on my lower back then I put magnesium oil on my shoulders which really helped relax them. It was getting near time for our TV program so I did some crocheting instead of finding some sort of activity like cleaning, dusting etc. At bed time I had a hard time falling asleep, I had the air diffuser on with lavender and cedar wood essential oils, I drank two cups of chamomile tea and I could not stay asleep finally I took a melatonin. After that I slept 4-5 hours, so I occupied myself with a cross stitch app, did my quiet time in the Word, still no sleep. By then I decided I wanted to take my medications along with eating my breakfast. Sleep still alluded me. My lesson from all of this is to make sure I am physically active for two hours in the morning, two hours after my nap. I would have needed to be on my feet another half an hour to an hour then I would have been able to get to sleep. When I miss my sleep, my legs start to spasm, once in awhile even my body will spasm. I have a medication that will help me with the spasms although I had taken melatonin I was leery of taking that medication. Through the years I have found ways to occupy myself in those wee hours of the night which I am grateful for. At first I watched TV, then I flitted around social media, finally I got my journal out to begin my morning quiet time routine. I knew sleep would come at some point so I took my medications, ate breakfast then began writing this blog. God has been teaching me how to deal with these awake moments, I found myself praying for people I know and around 9:00 am sleepiness came on. I only was able to sleep a couple of hours on and off throughout the day then I was tired at bedtime slept fairly well. At this point in my Parkinson's journey my disease is manageable I am able to keep our home in order, cook and do the dishes by hand. I am greatfull I am able to maintain my activity level with the help of an afternoon nap, my wakeful nights are infrequent of late. I am able to be active, to sleep most nights my symptoms do not appear all that much. As each stage progresses I know God will guide me so that I will be able to cope, to have the best quality of life I am able to have. May God bless you and keep you make His face shine on you. Love Janet