The holidays have afforded me something I don’t often indulge in – luxurious rest. To me that means going to bed when I feel like it, sleeping without interruption and allowing my body to gently tell me when it is time to get up without an alarm reminder. As somebody who wakes to a 5:40 AM alarm most days, sleeping in is a luxury. I think I have managed to bank an extra 8 hours of sleep this week and it feels great. One blessing I really appreciate is the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep reliably night after night. There are a few energy coaching tricks that have helped me achieve this talent. Good sleep is something I hope to hold onto my entire life.
I know of lots of friends who aren’t able to sleep in anymore because menopause has somehow changed their sleep cycles. I’m also aware of a multitude of studies that point to how lack of sleep causes all sorts of problems ranging from weight gain to health problems and lack of focus. I struggle to figure out the correct balance for me since I am so productive in the early hours of the day. Fortunately I am really good at going to bed early and sticking to a 7 1/2 hour sleep routine. What would happen if I gave up my alarm more often?
So I wonder to myself if I should be fitting in more sleep in 2009 and what the implications would be if I made that choice. If I allow myself to sleep in more often, I risk missing a needed workout and also diminish my most productive time of the day for writing and creative thought. If I go to bed much earlier, I won’t have as much time to spend with my husband and family. Maybe I need to explore afternoon napping too? Is there room in my busy life for a little more sleep?
As an admitted self-care junkie, I plan to experiment with the possibility for additional sleep. I will pay attention to how things go when I grab those extra winks and see if I can be as productive. This will be one of many 2009 self-care experiments and I will report my progress on the blog. I figure either way, I win this one. Maybe you too will want to examine your own sleep habits and see if there might be room for a healthy change. This could be one of those win-win resolutions for the New Year.
Action Challenge:
How much sleep are you currently getting? Do you think you would benefit by getting more? Are you getting high quality rest? Are there ways you could improve your sleep habits in the new year? Consider the following questions as you examine how you might choose to change.
Do you have a regular calming routine to help you relax before bed?
Do you follow a regular bedtime and waking schedule?
Do you wake up feeling refreshed?
Do you fall asleep easily then awaken in the middle of the night and find it hard to get back to sleep?
Do your worries keep you from sleeping peacefully?
Does someone else’s sleeping habit (or snoring) keep you from getting the sleep you need?
Do you honor your body by taking a nap or going to bed early when feeling tired?
Are you known for hitting the snooze button multiple times?
Is your bed comfortable? Is you bedroom a true place of peace?
