Masking up at bedtime

I put on my mask, then I'll watch TV for a bit. I'm still not used to my mask, so it takes a while for me to fall asleep.

Reading has been part of my bedtime ritual for probably about 70 years. I think I started the habit about the time my parents quit reading bedtime stories to me. Unfortunately, I've been unable to read after getting my mask on, as the FFM gets in my way too much. Therefore, by the time I'm tired enough to sleep (or fall asleep with book in hand, then wake up), by the time I check my blood sugar one last time, get my cervical collar on, put on the mask, move the two bed pillows I've propped myself up on the read, and put the pillow I use with the mask in place, I'm often so wide awake again that I don't get to sleep for an hour or two. On those nights I am able to get right to sleep, I always seem to wake up in one hour or less, then am awake an hour or two before getting back to sleep.

I ordered an Amara View FFM today. Perhaps if that works for me without too many leaks it might allow me to put the mask on before my reading, which would cause less disruption to my feeling ready to sleep.

Uff Da wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:32 pm

Reading has been part of my bedtime ritual for probably about 70 years. I think I started the habit about the time my parents quit reading bedtime stories to me. Unfortunately, I've been unable to read after getting my mask on, as the FFM gets in my way too much. Therefore, by the time I'm tired enough to sleep (or fall asleep with book in hand, then wake up), by the time I check my blood sugar one last time, get my cervical collar on, put on the mask, move the two bed pillows I've propped myself up on the read, and put the pillow I use with the mask in place, I'm often so wide awake again that I don't get to sleep for an hour or two. On those nights I am able to get right to sleep, I always seem to wake up in one hour or less, then am awake an hour or two before getting back to sleep.

I ordered an Amara View FFM today. Perhaps if that works for me without too many leaks it might allow me to put the mask on before my reading, which would cause less disruption to my feeling ready to sleep.

I've been reading myself to sleep for about 30 years. The problem for me with the FFM is that I can't wear my reading glasses. Initially would lay on my back, pillow on my chest to elevate my kindle and balance the readers on the mask. This worked OK, and made my wife chuckle. When it became apparent that I need to sleep on my side, I had to stop wearing glasses all together. I'm still able to read by adjusting the text size though.

I use the kindle paperwhite. Very slim and light. Small enough for me to operate with one hand, but not too small. The backlight is some sort of magic, and can be dimmed to the point it doesn't bother my wife. It doesn't disrupt my ability to get to sleep in any way. And it's MUCH more comfortable to sleep on than a hard cover book Used to use booklights - I had a dozen of them at one time. Never did find one that didn't need constant adjustment. Especially on paperbacks. If the new mask doesn't help, you might look into a paperwhite.

If I don't get lost in a book, my mind races and I have a terrible time falling asleep. Going way back. Nothing to do with therapy. Thinking about work. Thinking about the 401k. Forgot to take the trash out. Reviewing what I need to do tomorrow. And what I did today. Did I turn on the pump timer? Hoping my grown children are happy with their lives. When can I retire. And so on.

elastic slacker wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 10, 2018 5:50 pm

I put on my mask, then I'll watch TV for a bit. I'm still not used to my mask, so it takes a while for me to fall asleep.

It'll get better....and you'll get use to it.

Sheriff