It has nothing to do with numpties in the Senate, although I do worry censure gives some the oxygen they crave. Politics doesn't keep me awake because ironically, you grow tired of that stuff. Particularly when they start ramping up for the election - whatever one it is this week.

Sometimes I just can't get to sleep for no particular reason at all. Like January when it was a bit too hot and humid, and I was like a fish in the Menindee Lakes gasping for zzzzzz's in an algal bloom of awakeness.

Or early April when it was just a little too crisp and chilly and I wondered long and hard whether the time was right to break out the flannos. Goldilocks was spot on - it's hard getting sleep jusssst right.

Voldimort, Dracula and Donald Trump don't lose sleep about much because they lack a conscience apparently, but for mere mortals, it can be like cricket.

Sometimes you have long form slumps where the runs don't come, leading you to contemplate your technique, your mindset, to over- and underthink it, and protect your wicket.

Getting out for a duck is the dream, all too often denied by the nightmare of a long innings staring at the roof, thinking about, let's face it, absolute rubbish usually, on high rotation.

Amazing the stuff that comes to mind when you can't nod off. Unrequited childhood anguish, the need to get on top of stuff at work, perceived slights real and imagined from a lifetime that has come to this, laying awake, thinking about that.

It can lead a person to experiment with sleep techniques.

Over-exercising in the hope you collapse exhausted, but not before you make it to bed, although sleep anywhere is still sleep, even on the couch or in the hallway.

Unfortunately neck and back pain is still neck and back pain too, and with over-exercising can come injury, often lamented later when you're laying in bed awake.

There's substance abuse, where you self-medicate with whatever poison takes your fancy in the hope you can bring the curtain down on consciousness and grab a couple hours oblivion.

But as various members of the Australian swimming team have demonstrated, the wheels can come off that process too.

Some people say a good mattress is the key, but don't quote me Mr Harvey. I've done the rounds at the sleepmaker centres and didn't find that very restful either. Super good for the abs, though, all that laying down and getting up again. But just too much hard sell.

Bottom line is you're often back on the slab wondering what is the perfect preparation for a good nights sleep. Could it be a cup of tea and bickies after all? Or a simple affirmation along the lines of "go to sleep you idiot".

Ultimately, you live in hope each night you wake up to yourself, and nod off.

Then wake up in the morning and wonder how that happened.

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