My Relationship With Sleep

sahmie (75)modHealthy Nigerian MOD | Club5050in Healthy Steem • yesterday


_{Editted using Pixellab app. image source; Pexels}

Sleep is like a reset button for our bodies and brains because this is when our body repairs itself, and the brain organizes information. Getting enough sleep is super important for our health, mood, and overall well-being. Think of it as recharging our batteries every night.

How many hours of sleep do you usually get each night, and do you think it’s enough?

Ugh, sleep. Well, lately it has been a constant struggle for me as I struggle with life, work and economic hardship but then I can say I usually only get about 5 or 6 hours of sleep each night, mostly from late nights to early mornings, let's say around 12 a.m to 5 or 6 a.m. Well, 5 - 6 hours is not a lot I guess, and I know it's not enough as we are told we need like 7 or 8 hours of sleep a day.

So I try to make up for my lost hours during the day as after work, I try to take naps when I can and yes, it's not perfect, but it's the only way I can try to make it up for the lost night hours as I feel guilty for not sleeping enough at night, and it's hard to change my habits.

Do you follow any sleep routine (like reading, meditation, avoiding screens)?

I can say that sleep is like a mystery to me because unlike those who have these elaborate routines, I just wait for sleep to come to me. I don't read, I don't meditate, and I certainly don't avoid screens so my bedtime ritual is pretty much nonexistent. I'll be on my phone until my eyes start to droop, and then I'll turn off the lights.


_{image source; Pexels}

Even though I am someone who always prepares myself for events, I've never been one to prepare for sleep. Some nights, it works like a charm as I'll drift off almost immediately other nights, I'll toss and turn, wondering why sleep isn't coming.

What disturbs your sleep the most? (noise, stress, mobile, late-night eating, etc.)

Lately, it's been a real struggle and I've been trying to figure out what's messing with my sleep the most and it's like there's a whole bunch of stuff that keeps me from getting a good night's rest.

I think noise is a big one. Sometimes the neighbours are loud praying and screaming, or there's traffic outside as I live close to a major road and it's hard to fall asleep when there's a lot of noise going on.

Stress is another big factor. I worry a lot, and my mind races at night, making it hard for me to relax. Then there's my phone like most of us these days, I scroll through it late at night, and the bright screen keeps me awake. So, yeah, it's a combination of things. Noise, stress, and my phone.

Tell us about the negative impacts of not taking enough sleep and the positive impacts of taking enough sleep on our health

The Bad Side (Not Enough Sleep)

While in college, we were told that when we don't get enough sleep, our body and brain start to suffer leading to symptoms such as;

Feeling Cranky:
Meaning we are more likely to be moody, irritable, and easily frustrated.

Brain Fog:
This only means that it will be harder for us to concentrate, remember things, and make good decisions as our brains just doesn't work as well.

Getting Sick More Often:
Lack of good sleep is said to make our immune system weaker, hence, we are more likely to catch colds, flu, and other illnesses.

Weight Gain:
Sleep is said to help regulate our hormones, the ones that control hunger and metabolism, so therefore not having enough sleep can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Increased Risk of Serious Problems:
When we don't get enough sleep for a long time, it can increase our risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health issues.

The Good Side (Enough Sleep)

Getting enough sleep is like giving our bodies and brain a tune-up there by leading to:

Better Mood:
We tend to be happier, more patient, and less likely to feel down.

Sharper Brain:
With enough sleep, we can focus better, remember things more easily, and think more clearly.

Stronger Immune System:
Having enough sleep everyday can help our bodies fight off infections more effectively.

Healthy Weight:
Sleep helps regulate our appetite and metabolism, making it easier for us to maintain a healthy weight.

Reduced Risk of Serious Problems:
Getting enough sleep lowers our risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health issues.

More Energy:
This is the most common amongst all, as we feel more energetic and have more stamina to get through the day when we sleep well at night.

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