Sleep zzzzzzzzzzz
- Noreen Richard
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
This week in my WW (weight watchers) world we focused on different things that might interfere in our sleep. A great visual was used where we imagined four boxes with the following heading:
The conversations centre around these concepts and strategies different folks put into place to address these challenges.
I am generally a great sleeper. However, it has been challenging over the last few months. One thing I know about myself is that I play hard, and generally sleep to the level of effort I put into playing and being creative in my life.
I begin my sleep routine in the morning. I begin by making my bed so I can crawl back into it for either a nap later in the day or for the night. The second layer to my bed preparation begins after my supper/dinner time. It is where I wind down taking time to review my day and plan for my next day.
I have the same bed and wake up time seven days a week. I stick to the bedtime give or take 1/2 hour. Sometimes in the morning I decide to rest in a bit longer. I do get up and go back to bed as my routine happens to be around the times of day I take my medications.
Having a busy mind is not usually my issue. I think that in part has to do with the healthy habits I have in sleep preparation--attending to what is occupies my mind. I text myself in the evenings addressing things that need to be dealt with and letting go of those things that tomorrow will take care of. I also take time to be grateful for all the wonderful opportunities in my day.
As far as a restless body goes. I am generally too exhausted to experience this at a conscious level. I do experience pain, and it sometimes wakes me up. When this happens, I do take a nice hot bath with Dr. Teal's foaming bath. I have learned that making space for lots of movement in my day helps me sleep and having that bedtime routine is a game changer for me.
No time. This is certainly not my issue at this point in my life. I love, love, love sleep. It is one of my favorite activities. I prioritize sleep. It is one of the privileges I have. Many people are sandwiched between many people in their lives--spouses, children, grandchildren and parents. At one point in my life I worked full time. I looked after my partner and my mother in-law. Sleep hours were not as easy to come by. We can only do our best given the situation we are in.
Finally, not being able to get back to sleep. This is one I am so familiar with. However, most times it is at the end of my sleep cycle and although it is early in the morning. I am ready for the day. A rule of thumb is to get up after twenty minutes of not being able to get back to sleep. Do something relaxing in low lights and not screens until sleepy then go back to bed.
Science recommends we get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep..... I wonder if I somehow need between 6 and 8 hours.
How are you doing with your sleep? What gets in your way? If you are interested in changing things up 'what is in your control'?
Hope your week is one where sleep is part of your healthy routines 💖
Another great blog! Keep them coming! I look forward to reading them, very enlightening!❤️ Carol(The Rock)
Feeling rested the day after a good sleep has often been elusive for me. But lately it has improved significantly. The main reason is because I now stick to a regular bedtime. I managed this through an accountability buddy (a friend whom I text just before lights out). Initially, it was a rush to meet my deadline. But I am learning to start earlier in the evening, doing those small household chores that I would like to do before bedtime earlier. So they are out of the way and I am not madly rushing around just before bedtime. I am still a bit haphazard about preparing my mind for sleep. Sometimes I have a list of tasks I want to a…
Getting better sleep has been a game changer for my journey!
Thank you Noreen for once again summarizing so well last week’s technique. Apart from having probably your sleep schedule of 6 to 8 hours requirement since my whiplash from being rear ended three years ago, I do not have many sleep issues. The big one is under the category of time and time management. I would like to set and keep a tighter bedtime. Like you if I wake up in the morning. It’s usually because I’m ready to wake up. As the days get longer, I tend to wake up with the sun. Again, you give me much to think about.
Thank you for bringing our week topic/technique in to words.