You’ve heard Warren Zevon’s quote, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Perhaps it’s been your guiding principle to seize the moment, go with the flow, and push the need for sleep down. The tendency of ignoring a need for sleep has become a way of life for some and we’re often unaware of what we do that sabotages sleep. We then have the audacity to be irritated when sleep eludes us. Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours a night seems like an elusive unicorn. The reality is that we’re disconnected from the mini choices we make that inhibit our body’s ability to sleep. It might occur to us to make different choices or do something about not getting enough sleep but then we ask ourselves; why do we need sleep anyway? Isn’t it just a waste of time?
Here’s a laundry list of what researchers have linked to a lack of sleep.
Here’s a list of what is known to take place during sleep:
Ultimately, brain researchers point out that sleep is universal and a fundamental experience of all life. Researchers used to think sharks didn’t sleep because their eyes didn’t close. Then they discovered that sharks don’t have eyelids and sleep anyway. Do yourself a favor and let the research really sink in. Hold your habits up to a mirror and ask yourself if keeping some habits are really worth it. Decide now to become mindful around the practices and habits you have that are not conducive for sleep. Make it a priority to create the conditions necessary for sleep and do what is necessary. It’s more important to your overall health and for your purpose. You have a role to play. You’re needed at the best you can be. Sweet dreams. Sign up for my newsletter, Surrender to Sleep, for tips on developing good sleep hygiene.