– TALK –Caregiver Word of the Day

I have read that sleep deprivation is one of the most effective forms of torture. Interrogators love it because it doesn’t leave scars. Keeping someone awake for an extended period of time affects a person’s cognitive abilities. It leads to confusion, disorientation, memory loss and a host of other terrible physical ailments.

I brought Alex home from the hospital 10 days ago, and I’m ready to talk. I believe I would admit to almost anything in exchange for a night by myself in a hotel room. The first several nights he was in pain from the surgery. The last several nights he’s been suffering from the effects of an inflamed nerve. So far nothing has worked to stop the pain. We take naps during the day, and we try to stay calm during the middle of the night when the pain seems to spike. We both feel fortunate because he is getting excellent medical care, and we believe this is a temporary situation.

My heart goes out to those of you who are caring for someone who will not get better. I wrote an article for Griswold Home Care’s “CaringTimes Blog” recently about sleep deprivation. If you haven’t read it, click on the link below. If the bedtime calming techniques don’t work, I hope you have a family member who will help or the financial resources to hire respite care. If you can get some sleep, you will be less likely to lose your temper, burst out in tears or admit to a crime you didn’t commit.

Sleepless Nights – Impossible Days