I just read the original story of Rip Van Winkle (Washington Irving, 1819) and discovered why he really slept for 20 years. He had needy neighbors, bratty kids, an unruly farm, and a really awful wife, of which he cautioned: “… a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.”
He was a generous, easy going fellow, eager to help with the most difficult of tasks; trying to help everyone be happy and smell the roses along with him. No matter how much he helped, however, he was seen as a clumsy, unfocused ne’er-do-well.
Sheesh! I’d pass out in a lush field too.
Are you feeling like Rip? Under-appreciated? Clumsy or jumpy? Can’t stay focused? Wish your sweetie would bugger off? Don’t enjoy the things you usually love to do?
No, this is not a Cymbalta advertisement (popular depression medication). The answer is prescription free…
Chances are you’re sleep deprived. Tell-tale side effects include:
- Lost your muse? Poor concentration and creativity.
- Unable to stick to your guns? Limited problem solving ability, poor decision making and lack of good judgment.
- Startled or surprised easily? Slow reaction time and poor coordination.
- It’s on the tip of your tongue? Forgetful out of character.
- Lackluster excitement? Unmotivated and just plain logy.
- Got a short fuse? Moody, irritable or depressed.
- No interest in romance? Low libido.
- Feeling old when you look in the mirror? Dark circles under your eyes, poor posture and dull skin tone.
- Can’t stop thinking about donuts or the like? High fat, sugary food cravings.
If you’re feeling more than one of these, chances are you’ve gotten into a poor sleep pattern leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Unless you have a major undiagnosed sleep disorder, a little “sleep hygiene” (good sleep habits) can help. Here are four ideas to address for a shift back to normal:
How much sleep do you need? The average person needs 7-8 hours. First ask, “When do I need to rise in the morning?” Count backward from there. If you need to be up a 6 am, for example, go to bed at 10 or 11. Don’t go to sleep before you must. By staying up, and avoiding naps, you’ll be super tired upon hitting the pillow, getting more concentrated sleep as a result.
When do you sleep? Go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. Being consistent forces your system to crave your sleep-wake pattern.
Where do you sleep? Is your bed fabulous (think lush meadow)? Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary. Keep it cool, quiet, dark, clean and wonderfully inviting. This usually includes removing electronics and work related items. The bedroom should be for sleep and romance only.
What gets in the way? Are you over-stimulated? At least one hour prior to bedtime: turn off all bright lights and screens (TV, computer, smartphone, etc.), shut down all work related thinking, and tell your honey it’s time only for happy thoughts. Give yourself a relaxing, self-affirming, enjoyable, pre-sleep routine your brain can count on to wind-down.
Start small with this list and add on over time. The good news is that these skills are not rocket science and cost little to no money.
Finally, make your intentions clear to your loved ones so they support your carefully loaded sleep system. If they’re nagging you for alternatives, remind them that a sleepy you is not a helpful you.
“All things are simple when once you know them.”
“…and they were all amazed at her loveliness after the duration of her sleep.”
From a 1920 rendition of the fairy tale The Sleeping Beauty, by C.S. (Charles Seddon) Evans
Sweet Dreams!