I’ve just gone by the house to eat something when the UPS man comes to my door. He’s got a box that I assume is the infamous patch for the clinical study. I sign for it and quickly tear into the box. I take out the patch. Will I really be able to fall asleep with this thing stuck to my forehead?
I toss it aside for now and get on my computer to finish what I’ve been working on. Time flies by as I dig through my databases, getting information about all those on my lists. But my body aches from lack of sleep, and my eyes begin to blur. I really do need sleep.
I dig around in the box the patch came in and find the instructions. It’s not that complicated. You just put it on your head, turn the switch on, and let yourself fall asleep. If you can.
The patch is sticky, and I know it’s going to make me sweat. But I dutifully put it on, route the wires off to the side, and put the device on the pillow next to me. When I turn it on, I don’t really feel anything. I won’t be able to sleep with this. It’s going to bother me all night.
But my body is so tired that I can’t fight sleep, and I don’t try this time. I’ll give this thing a shot.
I leave the TV on, turned down low, so the sounds of the voices will distract me from my thoughts. Sleep finally comes.
When I wake up, it’s six a.m. and I haven’t had a nightmare. I sit up and stare down at the device. I turn it off and peel the patch off my forehead.
Did it work? I don’t really know yet. Maybe I wouldn’t have had nightmares anyway. Maybe I was so tired that I slept too deeply. The thing could also be a placebo. As long as it works, I don’t really care.
My brain feels clearer; my body feels rested. I feel like I can face Casey’s situation with more zeal today. The device is worth it so far. I’ll try it again tonight.