Did you know that May has been designated as Get Better Sleep Month?  It’s not hard to see that many of us don’t get the sleep that we need to feel fully rested and to live life at its best. 

 

I learned early on in my recovery from a head injury that getting plenty of sleep was one of the most important things I could do to help in my healing. I also learned the hard way that not getting enough sleep was not negotiable for someone with a brain injury. I was told that it takes 25 times more energy to heal the brain than any other part of the body and getting sleep and rest was imperative in order for the brain to heal. At first it was difficult for me to take time in the middle of the day to nap and to get the 10+ hours each night that I needed. I felt like somehow I would be missing out on life. I'm grateful that I soon outgrew that notion and honored the fact that whether I liked it or not, I needed more sleep. 

 

Thankfully, you don’t have a head injury or a dire need for sleep, but I am willing to bet, that if given the chance, you could use a little more rest or sleep.

 

I suppose there are two sides to this coin. One is getting more sleep, the other is getting better sleep.  Getting more sleep is self explanatory. You can go to bed earlier or get up later. Either option will work.  Getting better sleep is a bit more complicated. I’ll let you decide which is more important to you at this time.

 

As for getting more sleep, my excuse was that I would miss out on life if I slept more. Others might excuse themselves by saying they are too busy or have too many things on their task lists to get to bed early.  What’s your excuse? More importantly, what is not getting the rest you need really costing you?

 

Nancy Blatt, executive director at The Better Sleep Council says, "With all the forces on our life competing for time and attention, it's important to recognize what we can control--like getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. A good night's sleep improves an individual's energy level, enhances their ability to think clearly, and strengthens their capacity to deal with life's daily challenges."

 

So how about getting to bed a little bit earlier tonight? Or take a warm bath before you slip under your covers so that you can get a restful night of sleep? After a few days, take a quick inventory to see how you feel. You just might find that the benefits of getting better sleep will surprise you. Your amazing life awaits . . . what I want for you is to be well rested enough to enjoy it!

 

I’d better go now. It’s time for my nap.

 

Have a restful week,