Shakespeare said it first, “‘to sleep perchance to dream.” It’s such a simple request that I repeat at night with a bit of trepidation. I sniff some lavender soap and tuck myself in with a good book and hope to feel sleepy.

Some nights it works and I’ll nod off until the bewitching hour of 2 or 3 a.m. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to go back to sleep after counting the proverbial sheep. Most times, it’s a toss-up. Do I get up for some herbal tea or listen to the radio or ticking clock?