How do you view sleep? To me, sleep is like a temporary death. Don’t you think so? A restful sleep makes you forget everything, immersing you in bliss until you awaken. Even loud sounds can’t disturb a deep sleep. It’s a beautiful thing—relaxing, refreshing, and rejuvenating.

In my younger years, I was an active boy, always running around, playing cricket, cycling, or even walking on stilts. I spent my days outdoors, so it’s no surprise that I often rolled around in my sleep without realizing it, even rolling over other people who happened to be sleeping nearby.

By the time I turned 14, this habit of rolling in my sleep disappeared. Walking became a significant part of my life. Whether it was to school or to the typewriting institute, I walked several kilometers every day. Even at work, I stayed active, often running up and down the stairs instead of using the elevator. Sleep came easily, and I had no trouble falling asleep at night.

However, when I started working in a rural branch, something peculiar disrupted my sleep. I began experiencing a strange sensation in my legs—a feeling of nothingness that made me toss and turn. A doctor prescribed medication, which helped alleviate the issue, although it caused some weight gain. Fortunately, with regular activity, I managed to shed the extra weight and return to normal.

Later in the 1980s, personal challenges caused sleepless nights. I struggled with anxiety and restlessness for a while, but over time, things settled, and I found my peace again.

Contd. 319. Temporary Leave - Part 2