Taking stock. Keeping to a schedule. Really. Getting eight hours of sleep a night for most is a difficult task. For the past several months I have had extreme difficulty falling asleep and remaining asleep. Restless leg syndrome, thinking about project details or software innuendo, FOMO on something, the list goes on and on.
Shia says just do it. Amen.
Athletic Greens. Waking at 6:00 AM even when you can get up at 7:00 AM and be perfectly fine. Watch the sunrise. Don’t rush coffee and a decent breakfast that you cook and not microwave or toast. A Phillips wake light ramping alarm, HomePod automation with gentle music and turning on the lights in your bedroom, turning on music in the kitchen so its not sterile, and allowing you to ease into the day even though its that early. Save a sleep-in for Saturday. But get up early again on Sunday so Monday isn’t such a time-shock and get your butt to church or your favorite house of worship.
Start your evening routine giving you a buffer. Facial routine. A warm shower if its a cold winter evening. Brush teeth. Oil the beard (if you have one). Charge your Bose QCEII for the next day. Clean the sink. Turn on the side fan. Read the Paperwhite for thirty minutes or complete a few Duolingo lessons. Turn down at 10:30 PM – and don’t get back up to check the news, doom scroll, or anything else. If something really important comes to mind, ask Siri to remind you about it in the morning.
It’s so easy to go into sleep deficit – especially when you are in the tech world. Loving gadgets and being connected at all hours is easy. Too easy.
Getting enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. Research has shown that a consistent 8 hours of sleep is the ideal amount of time for most adults to get the benefits of restful slumber. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of 8 hours of sleep and why it is essential to prioritize your sleep routine.
- Improved memory: Sleep plays a vital role in helping our brains consolidate and process new information. During sleep, our brains work to store new memories, making it easier to recall information later. Studies have shown that people who sleep for 8 hours have better short-term and long-term memory compared to those who get less sleep.
- Increased productivity: When you get enough sleep, you are more alert and focused during the day. This allows you to be more productive, as you are able to complete tasks more efficiently and make better decisions. In contrast, a lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, which can make it harder to concentrate and get things done.
- Better physical health: Sleep is essential for repairing and rejuvenating our bodies. During sleep, our bodies release growth hormones that help repair and build muscle tissue, and our immune systems are also boosted. Studies have shown that people who sleep for 8 hours are less likely to develop chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Improved mood: Sleep is important for regulating our moods and emotions. When we get enough sleep, we feel more relaxed and less stressed. A lack of sleep, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that people who sleep for 8 hours have better emotional regulation and overall well-being compared to those who get less sleep.
- Better weight management: Sleep is also important for maintaining a healthy weight. A lack of sleep can disrupt our hormones, making us feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating. Studies have shown that people who sleep for 8 hours are less likely to be overweight or obese compared to those who get less sleep.