Are you losing sleep?
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” — Irish proverb.
I woke up this morning at 4:30 am. Having checked the time, I wrapped the covers around me and tried to go back to sleep. After what seemed like an age, I rechecked my watch … 4:37 am. My mind was already alert, thinking of things I needed to get done … so I gave in and got up.
“I’m so lucky. I can sleep anywhere. I’ve never had a problem sleeping.”
That’s my dad. And it’s true! No matter where he is (a ditch filled with rainwater in the army) or no matter what’s going on, he can always sleep. He’s lucky because having a good night’s rest makes a huge difference.
We need about 7-8 hours of sleep a night. So, if we burn the candle at both ends from time to time, we can get away with it. But, if we’re regularly cutting short our sleep, it takes its toll.
Are you waking up in the night? Are you having trouble getting off to sleep in the first place?
Sleep gives our brain a break from the stress of the day and helps us recharge, heal and restore our chemical balance. Research shows that the long-term effects of poor sleep can lead to memory issues, trouble with thinking and concentration, mood changes, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health-related problems.
If we’re regularly short of sleep, not only do we feel exhausted, we don’t perform well. We start to make mistakes and procrastinate, which adds to our stress levels.
For me, not sleeping well is a warning sign. Unfortunately, not getting sufficient sleep had become routine for me, and without a doubt, it contributed hugely to my burnout.
So, if you are having trouble sleeping, here are a few things that can help:
ESTABLISH A GOOD SLEEP ROUTINE. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Create the right conditions for sleep– a comfortable mattress, pillow, a darkened room, and the right temperature.
EXERCISE REGULARLY.
AVOID EATING LARGE MEALS CLOSE TO BEDTIME.
REDUCE STIMULANTS - alcohol, tea, coffee, and other drinks containing caffeine before you go to bed.
DO THINGS THAT HELP YOU TO RELAX BEFORE BED – reading a book, having a warm bath, using some sleep mist, drinking herbal tea, practising meditation, and breathing techniques.
TURN OFF ELECTRONIC DEVICES for at least an hour before going to bed.
“Legend says that when you can’t sleep, it’s because you’re awake in someone’s dream. So if everyone could stop dreaming about me, that would be great.” — Anonymous
