How soon one gets used to, and then takes for granted, the great pleasure of being able to anticipate a full, untroubled night of slumber when you close your eyes last thing at night.
I’d like to think that my efforts at improving mindfulness recently, helping to break the cycle of regretful thoughts at 3 am, are the root cause of my improved sleep. That’s as maybe, but I’m certain a greater contribution has come from HRT. Those hard fought oestrogen patches, wrenched from the unwilling miserly hands of pharmacists jealously guarding their dwindling supplies, have been a game changer, there’s no doubt about it (placebo effect notwithstanding).
p.s. I quite forgot, but there’s another lifestyle change I’ve made recently that may be having an effect. I’ve cut back on the booze. It is supposed to reduce the quality of your sleep, although it never seems to hold Simon back. He is one who has absolutely mastered the art of a good nights kip.