The Importance of Sleep

Nurturing our physical wellness includes prioritizing sleep and rest. Running around, trying our best to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities at home and work, we may sometimes sacrifice sleep in order to squeeze a few more hours out of the day. Sometimes, we feel these extra hours with our eyes open are essential to get done all the things on our “must do” list. Other times, we may see these extra hours of awake time as the only time we have for ourselves.  This is tricky, however, as research consistently highlights the importance of sleep.

There are clearly variations in what amount or type of sleep is advocated, but the importance of getting enough for your body to recharge itself is a consistent message. Some studies point to 7 ½ hours to 8 ½ hours of uninterrupted sleep as the range for optimal health. For some people, especially those who are empathic and sensitive to the stimulation around them, 9 hours may be preferable. Some research talks positively about a natural waking time in the middle of the night and supports the idea of a nap during the afternoon lull in energy most of us experience. 

Regardless of which philosophy and research resonates with you, the importance of sleep is undisputable.  As much as some trends hold true, every person’s body and needs are unique. As our own best barometers for health, the more attuned we can become to our bodies, the better able we’ll be to determine the amount of sleep that is right for us.  For me, 8 or 9 hours is ideal. I can “get away with” 7 or 7 ½, but I am not as sharp or clear-headed. It is worth it to me to get to bed a bit earlier – or start my day later – to respect this need.

We can also develop increased sensitivity to our own natural rhythms. When do you feel most energized – morning, afternoon, early evening, late night? When do you feel most sluggish? When does your body naturally want to be awake and to sleep? When we push hard to defy our natural rhythms, we often feel depleted. Sometimes this struggle against natural rhythms is at work with the person who stays up really late – and then wakes at 6:30 a.m. to get ready for work. Staying up late may be the natural rhythm. However, 5 ½ hours of sleep per night is inadequate. Perhaps working in the early morning is really the problem. How can you change your schedule to honor your own natural rhythms? And when that is not possible, how can you get yourself to sleep early enough to give your body the restorative time it needs to unwind and heal? 

It is essential that we give ourselves enough time to rest and recharge our batteries for each new day.  Waking feeling rested, I am excited about the day ahead, the people I’ll have the privilege to share time with, the discoveries we’ll make together, and the time for work, play, rest, and creativity. 

Today and every day, I wish you restful sleep and the rejuvenation it brings.