I sleep with four pillows, which invariably end up on the floor on either side of the bed a few times a night. I sometimes wake up during the night with my head hanging off one side of the bed and my feet the other. It's one of several reasons San Geraldo and I have separate beds.
Many years pre–San Geraldo, I actually pushed a "sleeping companion" out of bed. I swear I was asleep when I did it. She never came back to try again.
In Sevilla, I fell out of bed and ended up scraped and bruised (click here for that).
This week, I discovered a new danger.
I keep my nails trimmed neatly and fairly short. No claws here. Monday night, I was having some kind of bizarre dream that I thankfully can't remember. In the dream, for some odd reason, I ran my nails up my forehead. I woke up with a yell and realized I wasn't just dreaming. I was bleeding. I had scraped two furrows into my head. When I went to clean things up and inspect the damage, I noticed that I had clearly run my thumb nail along my temple at the same time.
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| TUESDAY MORNING. |
It didn't look too bad in the light of day Tuesday morning, although Elena did immediately gasp when we met for coffee. It actually looked a bit worse Wednesday but only because it was quickly healing and had begun to scab over. Now if I could only remember to not touch my forehead! (And to keep my head out of the direct spray of the shower.)
At 5:00 Thursday morning, I woke with a yell. I had done it again.
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| THURSDAY MORNING. MIXED SCRATCHES. |
This time, I re-opened (and expanded) the larger of the two scrapes in front and I added another one parallel to it. The new wound isn't too visible because it hasn't scabbed over yet.
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| BABYMITTEN,COM HAS QUITE THE SELECTION OF NO-SCRATCH MITTENS. I WONDER IF THEY COME IN MENS' LARGE. |
And since I'm now scratch-mixing...
OH MY HEAVENS! You are certainly the only person I have ever heard of doing this to himself, so you win that prize :) Hope you heal well soon!
ReplyDeleteJudy:
DeleteI'm so proud! Thank you. It has healed quickly and is barely noticeable. But I'm still thinking of getting some protection.
And I thought Carlos' buzz-saw-snoring was bad ....
ReplyDeleteBob:
DeleteOur California cats wouldn't even sleep with me. Dudo and Moose just push me right back (except on nights like I had recently when Dudo was simply sent flying). I'm dangerous.
Ouch! Those look painful! Say... maybe one of those old-timey leather football helmets would work ;-) I guess I'll quit fretting that I drool all over my pillow during the night....
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteA little drool never hurt anyone.
I once had an infection I couldn't stop scratching and I tried sleeping with mittens. It's hard keeping them on.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteI'm such a fussy sleeper, too. I can't even sleep wearing socks.
YIKES! Smart that you sleep in separate beds! Ron used to be a 'flayler' of arms but he has settled down!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing....mittens! that ought to work, Mitchell. Be safe and good luck.
Now to get Ron to keep his nails SHORT!! Any suggestions?
Jim:
DeleteWhen I worked, I developed a major case of restless legs syndrome. Would scare the crap out of Jerry (and sometimes give him bruises). That was the beginning of the end.
RLS ~ Jim had that too ~ looks like your night time jostlings are being spread out amongst Jim and I. At least I only flail ~ besides it keeps the bogeyman at bay!
DeleteMy partner, Patrick has been like this for thirty years! One takes chances in the marital bed, lol. The odd cut and bruise on me are no longer mysteries to be solved, but I have learnt to poke in my sleep to settle him or even get him to turn. :)
ReplyDeleteBrian (Ireland).
Brian:
DeleteFortunately, Jerry doesn't bruise easily. But I do. The bedroom can be a very dangerous place.
Have you ever had a "sleep study" done? By tracing your activity state during REM sleep when dreams occur they can find source & provide proper treatment. Seriously, when it gets to the point where you harm yourself like this it should be addressed.
ReplyDeleteYou can get stretchy cotton gloves that people put on over hand cream at night to clear up over dry cracking and other irritations. I've used them & they're not a PITA. Search internet for something like "No Limits!Stretchy Cotton Gloves" and cover up those hands for your own protection. :-)
Leslie:
DeleteI've thought of it, especially after these two recent nights. I'll be seeing my doctor at the end of the month and will discuss it. Your idea of the cotton gloves is great. Maybe I'll even moisturize while I sleep! Thanks!