How’s your sleep?
Do you struggle with getting enough sleep? Do thoughts of your “to do” list, frustration over job issues, or worries about your family keep you awake at night? How’s your sleep?
Many of us don’t get enough sleep. Career or family responsibilities may keep us busy late into the evening. Or it may be the temptation of television or social media keeping us awake past a reasonable bedtime.
For optimal health, we should strive for seven or more hours of sleep.
That’s seven or more hours each night. Not stretched out over two or three nights if we’re on a deadline for a project or binge watching movies. And remember the “or more.” Seven is the minimum numbers of hours–more is better.
Yes, I hear you saying, “But I have so much to do.” I’ve been there, too, still there sometimes. At the height of my career, I conditioned myself to get by and function well on five to six hours of sleep. I could do it, and you may be using that strategy to get more tasks done, but it isn’t good for us.
“During sleep, your body works to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health.”
National Institute of Health
Not getting adequate sleep on a regular basis can lead to the development of chronic diseases, heart problems, weight gain, and reduced cognitive function.*
Some strategies for good sleep (achieving the seven plus hours guideline):
- Have a regular going to bed and getting up time each night/day.
- Avoid screen time (phone, computer, TV, or other electronic devices) for at least two hours before bedtime.
- Avoid eating late (last food at least three hours before bedtime).
- Have your bedroom dark, or something to go over your eyes to filter out light.
- Naps are nice, but don’t indulge if they keep you up past your bedtime.
- Healthy nutrition and daily physical activity promote good sleep.
While I know it may be a challenge (it is for me, too), I encourage you to examine your sleep habits and see what you might change for better health.
Wishing you a healthy, happy, and blessed January and new year.
*National Institute of Health website article on the importance of sleep.
Many years ago while in the military, I learned to view sleep as a luxury. You can get by on much less than you think when you have to. As I’ve matured, I’m finding I need much more sleep (closer to that seven or eight hours a night) than I used to. And like a small grandchild, I find that when I don’t get enough, or don’t get naps, I get cranky and irritable. LOL
Me, too, J.D. I had a late night working last night and a 5:00 a.m. morning to complete my chores before heading out to early morning “Grandma” duty because my daughter had an early meeting. I was grumpy and cranky and it took a pause and prayer to straighten out my attitude. When we’re younger, I think we handle those short nights and all-nighters at work much better than we do as we get older. That’s when nap-time saves us if we’ve had several nights of work or crises. I want to thank you again for your service. I know you sacrificed more than sleep. I hope and pray that you’re able to get your seven and eight hours of regular sleep now–ranching has those emergencies, too. Wishing you joy and blessings on the ranch and safety in the storms.
I cannot relate to people who say they only need about five or six hours sleep a night. I can’t function without at least seven!
Thank you for these tips. I usually fall asleep and stay asleep until I wake in the morning but when I can’t fall asleep quickly or do have interrupted sleep I can trace it to something you have listed. As a note to fall asleep quickly, I rewind my day and thank God for five things about it. Sometimes I make it only to four-.gratitude is a great sleep aid.
Marilyn, thank you for sharing that “relax and go to sleep” strategy with us. I pray at night and that usually calms my spirit and sends me to sleep. I’m thankful you have “good” sleep. Wishing you continued good health and blessings–and happy writing!
I’m with you, Terri. When I was younger I could do it, but now, I need my sleep. Our body needs adequate rest. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a good night’s sleep!
I find as I get older I do require more sleep. Without adequate rest, I too find myself a little grumpy. God designed our bodies to cease from work and rest to recoup our strength. He does the same for our souls. We also need mental and emotional rest and time away from distractions to be with God. Jesus withdrew to desert places quite often to be with His Father. Thank you, Katherine, have a blessed and restful day!
I require more sleep, too. Perhaps it’s God’s way of reminding us to take care of this amazing body He created. I wholeheartedly agree with you that we need mental and emotional rest from the daily stress life brings. Love your analogy to Jesus withdrawing to the desert to reflect and prepare for His ministry and the example He gave us of an active and dedicated life of prayer. His life on earth and His faithfulness to His Father is a wonderful role model for us. Thanks so much for sharing your insight, Barbara. Wishing you a blessed week.
I inherited the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly. I have always slept well unless disrupted by babies, stress or worry. Menopause disrupted my sleep but now I have resumed my normal pattern. I need eight to nine hours of sleep each night!
That’s wonderful, Lisa. It’s a blessing to have “good” sleep. I’ve always been a good sleeper, too, but I find as I get older, some of my joints complain at night and that sometimes interferes with good sleep. But I’m blessed with good health overall, and I’m thankful. Wishing you continued “good” sleep and good health for 2023 and beyond. Blessings!
Less sleep, more illness. More sleep, less illness. My experience in a nutshell. Thank you, Katherine.
You hit the nail on the head with your statement, Diana. From my experience, you are exactly right. Wishing you good sleep and good health, my friend.
Thank you for that reminder. Sleep really affects my mood and I’m pretty jealous of the amount I get. I find my outlook much better with a good amount of sleep.
Sleep (or the lack of) greatly affects my moods and energy level. I’m grumpy and impatient when I don’t get enough sleep. God designed our bodies to replenish during sleep. We’d be wise to recognize how important sleep is to our good health. May God be with you, Sylvia.
Your message really hits home to me. I struggle to consistently get enough sleep and when I don’t I’m tired the next day.
Last night is a good example. After going to bed at about 10:00, I woke up a little before 3 a.m. and couldn’t go back to sleep, therefore I got up (3:30ish) to begin my quiet time.
I really appreciate it when I get 6- 7 hours of sleep!
I have read and researched sleep and do usually do the suggested guidelines. Thanks for the reminders.
Oh, Connie, I’m sorry. It’s so frustrating when we wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep. Like you, I usually get up and try to do something productive. Fortunately, most of the time I’m a good sleeper. I pray you’ll get “good” sleep and won’t have those inconvenient wake-ups. Thank you for sharing you thoughts. Blessings!