Just because something is essential to life doesn’t mean it comes easily. Many people struggle with getting quality sleep. As a result, they move throughout their lives with low energy and sluggishness. Busting the sleep myth means learning about how we talk about and approach sleep in modern society.
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The Sleep Myth
Similar to the hydration myth, the sleep myth challenges the concept that everyone should be a great sleeper because we need sleep to survive. Unfortunately for a lot of us, sleep is frustratingly fleeting. If you struggle to fall asleep, find yourself waking in the night, or just don’t have enough time for sleep, you likely know the frustration of the sleep myth.
For some people, we have family situations that make sleep elusive. Whether it is a nursing baby or a snoring husband, those we love can be the source of our sleep troubles. Having open communication about how your family members affect your sleep is essential so you don’t pile resentment on top of fatigue.
Other people have issues that make sleep uncomfortable. These issues range from a physical injury or condition– even something as simple as allergies– that makes being in a lying-down position miserable. Having additional support in bed can help settle your body so sleep is more comfortable.
Sleep can be an anxiety-producing situation for others, as it requires relinquishing control. If that sounds all too familiar to you, try a simple bedtime routine to help your body transition from wake to sleep. A short 10-minute meditation while lying in bed may also help you relax enough to invite deep sleep.
Regardless of the underlying cause, the sleep myth illustrates that this critical bodily function is often the source of stress. And stress certainly doesn’t make it easier to sleep! What a vicious cycle!
Check out some of my myth-busting strategies for sleep success:
But wait….there’s more!
There’s another version of the sleep myth:
To those of you who are always trying to cram in one more thing and think that you’ll sleep when you’re dead, that’ll happen sooner than you think! Sleep is the missing link in most people’s wellness puzzle. If you’re one of those people who eats well (most of the time), gets regular exercise, and has plenty of quality social relationships but you’re still moody, anxious, or wondering why you can’t shift the weight….how’s your sleep?
Your body needs sleep both to repair physical damage done through a hard day’s work as well as to give your brain downtime. The brain centers that control memory also need sleep, so if you’re feeling more brain fog than usual, check your sleep habits.
Conquering the sleep myth can deliver benefits for both your physical wellness and your mental wellness. When you’re better rested, it is easier to run the gauntlet of the everyday olympics. You’ll likely find that the boost in energy and mood translates into a better day.
Give one or two of my better sleep strategies a try, and let me know how they work for you to bust the sleep myth!
