Shaun the Sheep in my bedroom

One of the big disadvantages of presenting an early morning radio show is the small matter of the alarm clock. It wasn't until nearly four years ago when I took over BBC Radio Suffolk's Sunday breakfast programme (to be followed by Saturday too) that I realised that you could get up at that time if you didn't have a new baby to feed or a plane to catch!

Now I am quite a good sleeper. In my experience the words "pillow," "head" and "sleep" instantly combine, so I don't often have a sleepless night. Friday night was the exception.

In bed at 10.15 and alarm clock set for 4.10am I went sound asleep as usual.... only to wake up 30 mins later. Now when you know you have to get up early getting off to sleep becomes an obsession.

I tried everything.... a milky drink, a chapter or two of a soothing novel, a couple of biscuits.... nothing worked. My brain was on overdrive and refused to let me relax. I tried visualisation... lying on a pink beach in Bermuda ( "now, how long ago is it since my younger son lived there....how long did that rain last... when did I last see the blue dolphin jug I....."), gradually relaxing each part of my body (".. did I remember to put the washing out.....have I made the hair appointment......") . No matter what I tried I couldn't relax and drift off... thoughts kept leaping into my brain.

At 1.10am (with just three hours to the alarm going off) I resorted to the traditional solution of counting sheep. The Suffolk rams in my bedroom soon had wives and lambs to keep them company..... they were eating the pillows and bleating so loudly I am surprised they didn't wake
the street. The last thing I remember is that they had all turned into Shaun the sheep lookalikes and were holding a fashion parade around the bed!

So, in conclusion, forget the advice of the websites

Only ever go to bed when you are feeling tired and sleepy.
Try to create a bedtime routine, such as a warm bath and warm milky drink every night. These activities will then be associated with sleep and will cause drowsiness.
Do not take a nap during the day.
If the early morning sunlight or bright street lamps affect you sleeping, use thick blinds, curtains or wear an eye mask to create a dark environment.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=216&sectionId=9


or to turn yourself upside down - or do the washing up ...
http://www.nvo.com/isleepless/miscellaneousquirkyremedies/


My recommendation is Count Sheep - but make sure they are of the Wallace and Grommit type.........and if your computer is by your bed.....



PS My last weekend as the Weekend Breakfast presenter at BBC Radio Suffolk is Easter Weekend - and then I can put away the alarm clock at weekends!!