When we sleep the body renews itself. Getting enough sleep is vital if you intend to stay clear headed and all round healthy.
I remember when I was a secondary school teacher, I would often sacrifice sleep because I was just too busy, with always more to do. When life is bursting with responsibilities it’s common to get to bed late and at irregular hours, but this makes matters worse. Putting your needs last often results in making things worse, yet we’ve become accustomed to it.
A healthy sleeping regime is crucial to sustaining balance, as necessary as getting regular exercise and healthy diet. Your battery cannot be full without these three pillars charging it.
When you sleep your organs do the majority of their work, your cells regenerate, your unconscious mind processes. During the day we function, but during the night we get born again in many ways. Studies show that not enough sleep is even linked to obesity as the body is not getting its work done.
Feeling drained, tired, lethargic affect our emotions, hormones, relationships and performance – no good if you want to be rational, potent and successful.
How much sleep each person needs varies. You have to check in with yourself to know what you need, which can be an art in itself. How much sleep gives you the energy you need? The recommended amount is 8 hours but I do better after 10. My days are generally spent doing energy work and in my sleep there is a lot of activity too, but the truth is – I rarely get enough sleep myself. This is what inspired me to write this post.
Naps are generally discouraged in British culture, but in many places they are very much the norm. In fact, afternoon napping tends to increase both productivity and creativity, yet our sleeping habits have changed to fit in with the demands of the ‘Western working world.’ Maybe a post Covid working world will be different?
Your self care and healthy habits are your responsibility. So if you know you could feel better, make some changes.
Look at how other animals behave, they sleep a lot, domestic or otherwise. Maybe we need to have a fresh look at how our ancestors treated sleep and take some tips from them.
If you need to feel more grounded, refreshed, energised and potent try sleeping more and having a more regular sleeping pattern – catching up at the weekend is a myth.
1. Wind down for at least an hour before bed.
2. Go to bed and get up at regular times.
3. If you can and need to, take a 20 minute nap in the day.
Let me know your sleep stories: Do you lucid dream? Astral travel? Dream of flying? Sleep well? Sleep poorly? Not need much sleep or need a lot? Has good sleep changed your life? TELL ME ALL, I love to know.
Art and thanks – @_coppermoon_ (insta)
Speak soon, Nancy.
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Nancy Madden
BA Hons, MA,Dip C Hyp, NLP Prac, CNHC, NCH, QCHPA.
Therapy Support Space 