Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night? Once you get to sleep, do you wake up frequently? Do you feel lethargic in the morning? Are you drowsy by midafternoon and unable to stay alert as you go about your day? If you answered yes to one of these questions, you may be one of the millions of people who are chronically sleep deprived and not even aware of it!
To get better sleep, try these insights from Susan B. Sterling, EdD, vice president and director of education and certification at the Cooper Institute in Dallas.
Downsides to Sleep Deprivation
Most people are unaware of the extent to which their lack of sleep contributes to feelings of irritability, impatience, anxiety and depression. Sleep deprivation can also affect memory, thinking, reaction time and productivity. It may adversely affect job performance and cause unwanted accidents. Over time, lack of sufficient sleep can have serious health consequences. In fact, more and more studies are showing that getting enough ZZZs is as vital as diet and exercise if you want to live a long and healthy life.
Factors That Affect Sleep
Lack of sleep can be caused by a combination of numerous physical and emotional factors, such as caffeine or alcohol consumption; cigarette smoking; lack of exercise; irregular hours; changes in regular sleep patterns; age-related conditions; sleep disorders; jet lag; or even something as benign as an uncomfortable pillow or mattress! Stress, however, is the number-one reason why people lose sleep.
Releasing Stress
One excellent way to reduce stress—and hopefully sleep better!—is to try a technique known as “thought stopping.” If something is keeping you awake, mentally picture a large stop sign and silently tell yourself, “Stop!” Allow your mind to go blank for 30 seconds, then imagine a particular setting or place that is relaxing to you. Hold that thought for several seconds, allowing the positive image to replace the nagging thought. If the disturbing thought returns, repeat the process until a sense of calm is restored.
See also: Sleep tips, on the intranet.