Sleep
Sleep.
For the most part, I was the kid at the sleepovers and summer camp who was always the last to fall asleep.
I remember having trouble with my sleep for about as long as I can remember but there are a lot of gaps in my memory that coincide with certain years.
Growing up, I didn’t think too much about sleep or the implications of not getting enough of it… as I’m sure most kids and teenagers don’t.
Since growing older, in my twenties and beyond, sleeping has become a coveted event in my daily life. I know I’m not supposed to ‘covet’ things but sleep is a whole different ball game!
My youngest son just started sleeping through the night last year (he is now turning 9 next week…yes, 9 YEARS). So combined with having lifelong troubles in that regard, I almost literally didn’t sleep for about 8 years. Then last summer when my body was very sick and recovering from my most recent surgery, I thought it would be a good idea to buy a puppy. (I never said I was the smarted cookie in the jar).
I tell you all of this to let you know that I have learned what to do and what not to do regarding sleep hygiene. I am grateful that, for a while now, I’ve been getting 6–8 hours in a row these days.
Getting enough sleep is imperative in order to be productive in life and business. Yes, we all have differently needs hours-wise but I do not give into the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead- ra ra let’s grind, grind, grind” philosophy that some entrepreneurs embrace.
That’s not at all healthy or sustainable.
Especially for us women, we need more sleep than men both for physical/hormonal and emotional well-being but ironically we get to go through a lot of life events that inevitably do not allow for the glorious rest we need…Yay…. hashtag #blessed? ;)
If you struggle with sleep in any capacity, here are some things I implement or have implemented in my life that have helped me with getting some extra zzzz’s: (They need to be taken at different times of the day and some are dangerous if combined)
DISCLAIMER….I am not a doctor or a counsellor and all of these are shared thoughts of what I have used and they are NOT instructions as to what you should do so always talk to a health professional first to assess benefits and risks.
***Also do your own research on the valuable properties each one offers***
1- High grade Manuka honey with hot water and 2 tsp organic apple cider vinegar
2- Organic tart cherry juice
3- Brain Supplements and Natural Sleep Aids- for example: Melatonin, Valerian, Passionflower, Magnesium, Lavender, Hops, 5-HTP, Chamomile, GABA, Organic macha green tea powder, ORTHO-ADAPT, L-Theanine, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha and there are more (DO NOT TAKE TOGETHER…consult health care provider on proper usage!)
4- Avoid alcohol
5- Get daily fresh air and exercise
6- Limit caffeine to before noon
7- Eat your last meal 2 hours before you intend to hit the sheets…lower in fat and add some carbs
8- Meditation and Intentional Breathing
9- If needed…see a (highly skilled) professional for trauma release using Neruofeedback, Biofeedback and EMDR
10- No electronics for at least an hour before bed and turn wifi off overnight. Research EMF and the issues with it.
11- A bedtime routine that is completely different from your daily to-dos. Totally changing things up shifts and tells our bodies that bedtime is coming.
12- Hot bath or shower
13- Diffuse lavender or other calming oils
14- A cool room temperature
15- A comfy bed and pillow
16- A quiet room- use a white noise maker or a fan
17- A dark room
18- Have a set bedtime. Our bodies are HIGHLY trainable but they can’t be fooled.
19- If you are restless or anxious — lean into scripture and prayer and remember that we are “…not given…the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”.-2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
Here’s to a restful sleep tonight!
-Becky
