Getting quality sleep

"Never waste any time you can spend sleeping."

We have all heard about the important benefits of sleep. Sometimes we are forced to balance life with our sleep schedule. Work, family, sleep disorders and anxiety can compete for our daily mission to get enough good rest every night. The evidence of proper sleep cannot be ignored, but neither can the distractions. I have researched how people adapt to abnormal sleep schedules, but it works for them. The Center for Disease Control recommends a minimum seven hours of sleep every night for adults. How do you measure up these days?

I am so grateful for good sleep. I liken it to properly recharging my internal batteries so I am fully rested and ready to tackle the day. Now that I value sleep so much, I take the CDC's advice and get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Sometimes I clock up to eight hours, but it's rarely less than seven. I consider myself blessed to sleep through the night peacefully. I owe a lot of it to my new sleep routine. Every now and then I'll squeeze in a nap. The key for me is listening to my body.

I started valuing sleep more when I saw how much it positively impacted my waking hours. I found some of my nighttime activities were negatively affecting my sleep. I now make more of an effort to not eat after 9pm and avoid screen time an hour before bed. I hydrate properly. I charge my phone on the other side of the bedroom so I can't fall asleep with it and have to get out of bed in the morning to look at it. I also invested in a memory foam mattress topper and pillows, which made a huge difference! I wake up feeling fully rested ninety-something percent of the time, so I have found what works for me.

I think the key is to figure out what works for us individually when it comes to our sleep schedule. Because of the competing factors in our lives, we have to create a routine that works for us but also sets boundaries with our loved ones, including pets. 😁 If we are not fully rested for our day, how can we be expected to fully care for our loved ones and commit to our professional obligations? I don't feel it's a selfish thing to demand of ourselves enough quality sleep to help us take on the day. I feel it's necessary so we can be at our best.