If it's $50 for 30 pills, it's the generic. Lunesta doesn't have a generic, and I don't think it's as effective for Ambien.

Long-term, when he's got insurance, he needs to see a sleep specialist and do a sleep study, to rule out serious apnea. That's about all it's good for, but it's a first step. About the only thing I know that's good for long-term chronic insomnia is cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Things he can do without insurance is exercise, stress relief activities, and establishing a bedtime ritual and good sleep hygiene (I swear, that's what they call it.) Stuff like no media in the bedroom, try to shut down on TV/internet usage at LEAST an hour before bed, cut WAY the hell back on caffeine (I drink one large cup off coffee right when I get up), a cool room, not going to bed too hungry or overfull.

Things like that.

I would imagine that getting sleep would be a better habit than not sleeping, in the long run... But I'm not a doctor.

That's the decision my doctor came to, which is why I take 5mg of Ambien every night. Now that I'm between dayjob contracts, I'm going to see if I can cut back to 3 nights a week and reprogram my sleep schedule.

If it's $50 for 30 pills, it's the generic.

Ah, good to know. I wonder how pricy the brand-name stuff is?

Long-term, when he's got insurance, he needs to see a sleep specialist and do a sleep study, to rule out serious apnea. That's about all it's good for, but it's a first step. About the only thing I know that's good for long-term chronic insomnia is cognitive-behavioral therapy.

He does have insurance, but they just don't cover these drugs, apparently. I know the plan is for him to do a sleep study eventually, though I sort of doubt it's apnea, since he's not much of a snorer. Still, best to rule it out if we can. I am also hoping to get him back into therapy at some point.

Things like that.

Yeah, he's been dealing with this for years, so he already does a lot of that: no media in the bedroom, keep the room cool and very dark, way less caffeine, etc. But I appreciate the suggestions! There's always the chance that something else might be THE factor that will help him sleep better.

Thank you, Erin!

I would imagine that getting sleep would be a better habit than not sleeping, in the long run... But I'm not a doctor.

And yes, this is my feeling too!

Hat trick?:

In happier news, my parents are getting into town tonight, and I'm super excited to see them. Plus, they're bringing our wedding gifts! Woo!

Prezzies are always nice.

So, the Giants actually had the balls to sit Zito from the ALDS. I think it is a good decision, but am kinda shocked the Giants actually did it. He can be an AMAZING pitcher but, even before he moved from the A's to the Giants, he is SO inconsistant. When he is on, it is lights out, but when he is off, it is ugly. There is nothing in the middle.

No prob, Kate. I'm glad my obsessive researching can pay off for someone else.

If he finds something that works, let me know.

The good news: I had my annual review today. Everyone loves me and thinks I rock.

The bad news: my favorite coworker was laid off this morning due to a budget crunch. He's awesome and now he's not here. Damn it.

I was substituting today in a classroom set aside for 9th graders with severe behavioral problems. I had to sit in the time out classroom with one student for a while (their other teacher was left with them, I did not abandon children!) and the following conversation occured:

Kid: Miss, can I go to the bathroom?
Me: Nope.
Kid: I'm gonna go in my seat, do you want that?
Me: I think you'll be fine.
Kid: I have a bladder control problem.
Me: I don't think you do.
Kid: Are you calling me a liar?
Me: I guess so.
Kid: I'm being disrespected by a teacher. You are mean, miss sassypants.

I feel like anyone who uses the word 'sassypants' in an actual sentence gets their entire argument invalidated.

This was also Day Three of my being a substitute teacher. I have nooooo idea how to deal with these kids. :/

although, I kinda like the name "Miss Sassypants"