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Clarke Fountain's avatar

In order (at 75) to work even halfway awake at a 40-hour/week job, which I do, I take an herbal medication (Deep Sleep), Trazodone, Duloxetine and Melatonin coupled with L-Theanine. Along with gabapentin as needed. So, to take bridge terminology, I'll see your melatonin and raise you a bunch of other things! Honestly, I feel your situation keenly. In the past I'd get onto a topic or a book (I read a lot of science and fantasy fiction) and read it however long it took until I'd finished...at five in the morning! Now, I can't do that. But even going to bed at a ridiculously early hour and staying at it (sleeping is hard work!) until I've had the recommended hours, I sometimes fall right asleep at my desk. It's a state job, and they seem to be okay with my output, but it's still worrying. I also wake up after a particularly worrying dream and can't fall back to sleep no matter what. On top of which, if I could retire, I would. I'm actively investigating what I can, but it's like pulling teeth. The point of all this? Sometimes there's no good answer to the situations we find ourselves in but to grit our teeth and carry on. My good wishes go to you, and sympathy. Go easy, amigo.

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