Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Tech Valley Sleep Center, Room 3, Niskayuna, New York

Tonight I am sitting in a room preparing to take the third sleep study of my life. The morning after my first, I suddenly had to go into the hospital for heart surgery. This time I'll just know I have sleep apnea even though no-one can tell me so tomorrow.

The one creepy thing tonight is that I was sitting alone in my room reading when Arvoo, my sleep technician, who I had yet to meet, spoke to me through speakers in the room and told me to look at the TV so she could take my picture. They watch me here as no-one ever does. Sensors monitor my heart rate, my brain waves, my breathing, the oxygen in my blood. They have cameras and microphones in the room, so they can see and hear anything I do. They will know if I have restless leg syndrome, if I stop breathing during the night (which I will), and if I'm dreaming. My thoughts are only partially private. There are probes inserted into my nostrils.

It is but 10 pm now, but I'm already tired. I may give in to sleep early tonight. I may have to. I can't do enough moving to keep myself awake.



ecr. l’inf.