DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a very hard time waking up. I sleep through alarms and can’t seem to get myself out of a fog in the morning. This happens no matter how long I sleep, and I hate how I can never wake up for things I want to go to. I work from home, but I miss other events like farmer’s markets, fitness classes and seeing my children’s Saturday morning soccer games because I can’t wake up. I have tried all of the online tips, but I can’t set alarms all over the house because I want my family to get their rest. – Sleeping Too Much, Dallas

DEAR SLEEPING TOO MUCH: All indicators are telling you that it is time to get a medical evaluation. Make an appointment for a physical. Be sure to tell your doctor the details about your sleeping and waking patterns. There is a chance that your system is out of balance, which may be causing you to be lethargic in the mornings.

You may also want to check in with a therapist. As you work to get to the source of your issue, be willing to explore whether there are any emotional challenges that are troubling you now. What has changed about your daily routine? What is different in your life now compared to when (if ever) you did sleep more normally? Explore these questions and more with a professional, who may be able to help you uncover why you are having these difficulties and may suggest strategies for how to effect change.

• • •

DEAR HARRIETTE: I got matching tattoos with my friends for my senior year of college. The tattoo is the geographical coordinates of my college town and sits proudly on my ankle. Well, it sat proudly until we all realized we got the wrong coordinates. We are about 45 miles off. I know I should’ve checked to make sure, but I trusted my friend who went first. I laughed it off, but now I am considering getting it removed or fixed. Is it worth going through the trouble if no one else will know that the coordinates are wrong? – Botched Tat, Cincinnati

DEAR BOTCHED TAT: I vote for keeping the tattoo as is and having it as a lifetime experience that you and your friends share. The chances of anybody studying your tattoo long enough to figure out the mistake are unlikely. Even less likely is that anyone would know such coordinates anyway.

The camaraderie that you and your friends share is what’s important. That you went all out to permanently commemorate your school on your bodies without checking the coordinates is a funny reminder of the folly of youth. I would only remove it if you just don’t want the tattoo anymore. Its accuracy, given the circumstances and sentimentality, doesn’t seem to be the most important factor.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.