Fibromyalgia. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. ADHD. Anxiety. Depression. Insomnia.
Nightstand Contents
6 Pill Containers- My pills pictured here are a mixture of supplements to improve energy production and sleep, and to help improve my mood and lower my anxiety levels. It’s taken a while to build up this collection, so it’s a reflection of my journey with disability and chronic illness and the trial and error along the way. I’ve struggled with insomnia for about 6 years now, but I try to keep it relatively under control with a good night time routine. You’ll see a lot of Melatonin pills which help with getting to sleep (it’s also what the purple pot is filled with - I try to make it as aesthetic as I can). You can’t even buy them in the U.K. so I always have to get them shipped from the U.S. (they takes ages to arrive and come stamped with lots of customs labels) but they have the least side effects and are the most effective I’ve found for me. They can make me a bit on-edge though while they’re setting in, so that’s what the L-Theanine, which was recommended to me by a colleague and fellow insomniac, is for. I also really love Bach’s Rescue Night to calm me down before sleep, as well as CBD drops to help relax me and dull my tingling, fizzing pains. I often drop lavender oil on my pillow too.
Earplugs- My earplugs and eye mask have had a long iteration process too: these earplug are for small ear canals and are the only ones that don’t fall out of my ears, the mask also puffs out over my eyes so I don’t feel constricted (very important if you’re autistic...).
Eyemask
Light Remote Control- The remote control with colourful buttons is for my light overhead - it makes it change colour. The main light colour I’m interested in is red, the colour the sun gives off as it sets, as this helps with stimulating hormones that make us feel sleepy. It doesn’t magically make me fall asleep, but when I’m feeling really alert I do find it helps to calm me down and make me feel ready for bed, in combination with other medication/supplements.
Body Lotion- The Lush Sleepy body lotion was a birthday gift from my younger (gen-z) sister after she saw lots of Vloggers recommending it for sleep. It is very calming and makes me think of her.
1 Framed Drawing- The framed drawing is from my partner, who I’ve been with for nearly 3 years now (almost 2 while chronically ill). It was a random note they left on my bed after staying over for the first time). The drawing is two trees standing next to each other, connected by their roots. It says “Being close to you makes me happy. I love you.” Of course I kept it. It’s by my bed because we don’t actually sleep in the same bed due to my sleep issues and often I’m bedbound and feeling lonely in bed. It’s a nice reminder of them and our love. I’m very grateful for them!
Decorative Pot- The black tiny pot decorated with Mother of Pearl I bought from Singapore on a work trip there before I got sick. I keep my ear plugs in it, to protect them from dust but also hide them away in something beautiful. While I do like beautiful pots, I also suffer from the classic “out of sight, out of mind” so I don’t always use them but I they’re nice to look at!
Clock- The analogue clock is actually one of my favourite items, out of everything I own. I love how all you can do with it is tell the time and set an alarm. In a digital age with overwhelmingly multifunctional gadgets, it’s a perfect contrast in its simplicity. I battle phone addiction a lot and it does help me avoid the *checks phone for time, scrolls for hours on social media* morning routine. It was my dad’s years ago and is very old. Whenever I go to stay somewhere else, I take it with me.
Lamp
Place Mat
Glass of Water
Ring dish with 1 ring
Notebook
1 Pencil
Heart shaped Ceramic
Draw with Pill containers
Tape Measure