How sleeping will dramatically change your life
Sleep is the most underrated medicine and here is why
I am notorious for not wanting to go to sleep. Once my kids are in bed around 8pm, is when my time begins, how can I possibly go to sleep?! I often think this.
I also think that parenting is the art of surviving without sleep, which it really is; but it definitely isn’t sustainable and in fact it is detrimental in the long run, something I realize more now after being a parent for 4 years.
Lately, due to pure exhaustion, I have been falling asleep with the kids around 8pm and it has really done me wonders.
My husband always says to me: “Go. To. Bed. Your body regenerates when you sleep.” Those words are engrained in my mind and they come to the front every time I’m scrolling or browsing the web after 9pm, when I really could be in my bed.
So, incase you need a reminder, in a time where we are all working hard to boost our immunity and stay healthy, sleep is the most underrated medicine and here is why:
Your overall health is connected to your sleep: Sleep loss affects every major system of the human body. It affects your immunity and lack of sleep increases risk of developing serious medical conditions including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Your body regenerates when you sleep: When you sleep, your body is healing and repairing itself. It’s when we produce the most of our growth hormone. Our tissues get the chance to relax, our muscles get to rest and any inflammation is reduced.
Your brain will work better: Research shows that a healthy amount of sleep is vital for “brain plasticity,” or the brain’s ability to adapt to input. It will improve your concentration, productivity and cognition. It’s important for your mental health, and reduces chances of depression.
There is really no debate over these facts. Sleeping really can help us be better in our careers and be better mums. So the next time you are watching bad television, or scrolling Instagram, or procrastinating because you can; in Ryan Holiday’s words (please excuse the language) ‘Go the F*ck to Sleep’.
Wishing you a week full of good sleep!
Love,
Abha