Sleep. Sleep. Sleep.
One of the main things we don’t get enough of these days.
There seems to be a badge of honor about how little one can sleep and still function.
“I only need four hours of sleep!”
“I will sleep when I’m dead.”
How many times have you heard something like this? Or said it yourself?
We can get by in the short term with less sleep but eventually it always catches up with us. No matter what, our bodies need recovery time and sleep is ideal.
However, a lot of us don’t get enough quantity or quality of sleep. It is amazing how many people have sleep issues. Whether it’s sleep apnea, trouble falling asleep at night (needing medication to help), trouble staying asleep or any other issue.
When we don’t get enough quality sleep, our energy and health will suffer. Maybe not right away but it will!
This week, your daily practice is to sleep for at least seven hours every night. For some of you this might seem like a ton. Others no problem at all.
Don’t worry, no matter where you are on the sleep spectrum we have some tips for you coming up over the next few weeks.
We will go over ways to help fall asleep, activities during your day that might be hindering your sleep and why it is so important for your overall energy levels.
One thing to point out is you will not know exactly when you fall asleep at night. So your goal is to be in bed for seven hours. Getting up to run to the bathroom is fine! Just try to have your head on the pillow with the lights off seven hours before you need to wake up the next morning.
We all know that getting enough sleep is a very good thing, but what goes on during sleep that is so beneficial? Today we'll jump right into it and name off just a few of the benefits of a great night's sleep:
Benefits
Sleep activates the release of human growth hormone (HGH), an essential player in cellular regeneration.
Sleep can enhance your memory function and creative problem-solving skills the next day.
A good night's rest will help boost your athletic performance, including speed, agility and overall energy levels.
Sleep will boost your immune system, leaving you less vulnerable to illness.
Sleep can leave you more resilient to daily stress, something we can all benefit from.
Sleep can help you see the positives in your daily interactions, making you a happier person.
Last but not least, you oxidize the most fat during sleep. If you are looking to shed a little fat, make sleep a priority!
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to gain from getting into bed just a little bit sooner each night.
I think it's always important to remind ourselves WHY we are doing something. If you are struggling to get to bed sooner, remind yourself of some of the benefits that make sense to you. It is also good to think about the impact getting more sleep is going to have on those you care about.
Are you a more attentive mother?
Are you a more compassionate father?
Do you have a longer fuse?
Are you more present?
Do you enjoy life more, which in turn makes everyone around you happier?
Pick a couple of these benefits that really resonate with you and write them on a sticky note to place on your computer screen. That way at night when you open up your laptop to do some mindless surfing, you will be reminded what truly is important. Maybe this will help you unplug a little bit more at night and get into a healthier routine!
Sweet Dreams!
