It's 9 p.m. on a Wednesday night in the middle of cold season, and you've finally had enough of waking up the past three nights with a coughing fit or because you can't breathe out of your nose. Bring on the NyQuil! The experience of taking NyQuil is very bittersweet. Yes, you'll get plenty of sleep, but you'll also question your sanity the morning after. Here's my recurring experience of taking NyQuil that I have come to know and love, because boy, do I love my sleep!

1. Building up the courage to take it.

I don't care what anybody says, the gel capsules don't work nearly as good as the liquid NyQuil. No matter what age you are and how many times you've taken it, you can never get used to the taste of it. Even if you've lost your sense of taste, that rotten, bitter, cherry taste still finds it's way to your taste buds. Get your chaser ready, and prepare yourself for the worst shot of your life (fortunately, this shot will prevent throwing up, instead of inducing it).

2. Waiting for it to kick in.

Yes, it works fast, but not fast enough. I've planned my night around taking this NyQuil. It's 9 p.m. and I already showered, brushed my teeth and went to the bathroom. There's nothing in the way of me and my sleep. Oh wait, did I submit that homework assignment? Did I ever text mom back? Crap, I have to pee again. Of course, it's going to kick in now that I have to get up. Please don't let me fall asleep on the toilet. Ugh, finally made it back to my bed now I can sl...

3. Random middle of the night wake-ups.

Middle of the night wake ups on NyQuil feel like you just woke up from hibernation. Your eyes are open, wait no they're not, OK there we go. You feel like you've slept for an eternity and now you're nervous you slept through your alarm only to look at your phone to find out you've been asleep for about an hour and a half. Close your eyes and you're fast asleep again in five seconds.

4. Was that a dream or did that actually happen?

I don't know about you guys, but when I take NyQuil, I either have dreams that seem frighteningly realistic or dreams where I'm playing quidditch while wearing a pug onesie and Blake Shelton is my coach. The next morning I can't help but feel the need to ask anybody in my suite or in my house if any part of my dreams actually happened. Unfortunately, I have never been able to confirm a relationship between Blake Shelton and myself. Better luck next time.