Chasing the Elusive ...

... Thief of all Thieves

Chasing the Elusive Thief of all Thieves …

Did you know, there are several things you already know how to do the moment you’re born? That’s every person, worldwide.

Figure it out yet? All of them are indispensable!

Cry.
Breathe.
Fill a Diaper (Pee and Poo).
Sleep.

“Could I Die Without Them?”

—> Crying, no.

—> Breathing, yes. That is, unless it’s caught early and measures are taken to medically breathe for the newborn.

—> Filling the diaper. Yes, there are certain birth defects that are life threatening when they prevent newborns from being able to pee and poo. These conditions require immediate medical attention after birth. Some have even been diagnosed and repaired before birth.

—> Lack of sleep, no. On its own, it cannot kill. However, over time, chronic sleep deprivation can significantly increase the risk of death from other health issues that are made worse by a lack of sleep.

While it's not possible to be ‘born’ unable to sleep, some are born with a predisposition to insomnia or other sleep disorders, but none are present at birth.

The Most Common Causes of Insomnia:

• stress, anxiety or depression.

• noise.

• R.L.S., Restless Leg Syndrome, ‘jumpy legs’.

• a room that's too hot or cold.

• uncomfortable mattress.

• alcohol, caffeine or nicotine.

• illegal drugs like cocaine or ecstasy.

• jet lag.

• shift work.

• Narcolepsy.

• night terrors.

• Obstructive sleep apnea.

• sleepwalking.

Later, as adults, most of us will experience a sleep disturbance of one kind or another. As a matter of fact, I would be willing to bet good money that every person on earth will at some point in their life have trouble sleeping.

In my 75 years, I’ve chased the elusive Sleep Thief all the way around the world (25,000 miles), at least a dozen times —-maybe more.

I even wrote a poem to him …

To the Sleep Thief:
by C.J. Heck

Sleep, you ornery rascal! 
Why do you elude me?
 
Like a crush, you tease my senses. 
You taunt me with your charms.
 
Needing you, 
I'm bribed and baited, 
much smitten with desire. 

Your allure in awkward places 
has me always hiding yawns.
 
You deflower me in a movie. 
You corrupt me on my couch. 

Should you take up prostitution, 
might I gladly buy some time? 

Sleep, come take me lying down, 
not driving in my car! 

Then sighing in depravity, 
again I call from bed ... 

"Sleep, you naughty pervert! 
I want you! Take me NOW!"


[from the book, "Anatomy of a Poet", by C.J. Heck, available at Amazon.com]

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