There are psychological theories on the importance of sleep, what happens when we sleep, why some of us can’t sleep, sleep disorders, dreaming and the different stages of sleep. By why is sleep so important?
Cracking the Sleep Code
The best way to decipher the sleep code is to study what happens to us when we’re sleep deprived. The amount of sleep a person can deal with before it effects overall functioning is based on individual needs. Some people can function having only two or three hours of sleep while another person wouldn’t be able to stay awake with less than eight.
Either way, some researchers believe that (a) long periods of wakefulness will produce physiological and behavioral disturbances; (b) these disturbances will grow worse as the period of deprivation continues; and (c) that after the period of deprivation ends, a lot of missed sleep will be regained. Other researchers feel we’ve been evolved to respond to the dark-light cycles of days where we get sleepy when it’s dark outside and wake-up when it’s light. That’s why some of us can’t have a nap during the day to save our lives!
What about the kind of sleep we’re getting? Two different people may both be getting the required eight hours of sleep but one person will get a solid, deep uninterrupted sleep while the other wakes up several times and never reaches that deep REM level of sleep. Who do you think feels more rested in the morning?
Simple Solutions for Restful Nights
Now that we know what not sleeping can do to us, how do we help ourselves get more of those all-important ZZZ’s? Here are a few suggestions:
In this time of awareness about beauty products and food, what we put on our skin and in our mouths can have a dramatic impact on our body, mind, and spirit.
In Need of Some Alone Time?
The perfect escape begins with a bath, only Don’t fill it to the rim. Instead sink deep into warm natural bubbles, and emerge refreshed, relaxed, and silky smooth, without sulfates, parabens or preservatives.
In Need of Extra REM?
Sleep deprivation is a major issue facing us today. However, nothing gets you into bed sooner than a space dedicated to relaxation. Take out the TV and leave your phone in the kitchen, grab a good book dim the lights, and jump into bed with your favorite organic pajamas. The Chantal Gown is made from a lightweight, breathable, silky soft cotton / soy fabric blend.
Lost That Loving Feeling?
Maybe you’re in need of a deep tissue massage. Nothing reconnects you to someone you love like touch. Start by visiting www.goodcleanlove.com, their oils are nature’s aphrodisiacs.
I’ve been trying to meditate for years. Well, when I say I’ve been “trying”, I mean that I’ve been thinking I should meditate, occasionally managing it for a day or two and then letting it slide again.
But I’m one of those people (mostly, apparently, women) whose head is filled with constant chatter. I rehash old conversations, I plan new ones, I have imaginary arguments, I write articles and emails. It never stops. And so I know I need to meditate, it’s just so…boring. Isn’t it?
I recently discovered Meditainment, a site where you can listen to or download guided meditations. This appeals to me since I think I’ve got much more of a chance of being swept away in a story than of even attempting to simply “clear” my monkey mind.
If you register with Meditainment, you get a couple of free samples. I had the links, but I hadn’t found the time to listen until, a few nights ago, I awoke at 3:30 a.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep. I was singing Elton John’s Something About the Way You Look Tonight (in my head), and thinking of many of the writing jobs I had to do. So I got up and put on the Secret Garden meditation.
Anything you spend a lot of time doing is worth spending money on. You are worth it! Don’t cheap out, giving thoughtful attention to your well being improves productivity and pleasure.
Investment Pieces
Chair: Danielle can park her butt for up to twelve hours in a chair, writing. We bought her a Herman Miller chair. It is the Porsche of office chairs. Writers, indulge yourself, buy a chair that supports your spine and your art!.
“My girlfriend asked me, ‘Did you sleep well?” and I said, ‘No, I made a few mistakes.”
- Steven Wright
I live in envy of cats because they get, like, 23 hours sleep a day. Mind you, they accomplish very little, but still….
My hope is that this article will put you into a lucid trance…..but if it helps you get some sleep, all the better.
There is an atrocious lack of sleep in our society! I am outraged. So outraged, I may have to take a nap. Parents of the world - unite! Med students in residence, stand firm (with a pillow). People with four jobs, sit down (I’d never ask you to stand.)
This has got to stop! The causes of sleep-deprivation are well known, and pointless to list here. Rather, these are my tips for getting some decent shut-eye:
Any textbook you had in high school or college (I have some notes on back-up computer architecture I’m happy to lend out…)
Any high-brow novel you think you ‘ought’ to read but don’t really want to. (Got some of those too.)
Ear plugs (the squishy kind - keep away from curious two-year-olds - they’re not edible, it turns out)
In this time of awareness about beauty products and food, what we put on our skin and in our mouths can have a dramatic impact on our body, mind, and spirit.
I’ve been trying to meditate for years. Well, when I say I’ve been “trying”, I mean that I’ve been thinking I should meditate, occasionally managing it for a day or two and then letting it slide again.
Anything you spend a lot of time doing is worth spending money on. You are worth it! Don’t cheap out, giving thoughtful attention to your well being improves productivity and pleasure.
“My girlfriend asked me, ‘Did you sleep well?” and I said, ‘No, I made a few mistakes.” 
