Quality Sleep is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

I remember the day I arrived on campus for my freshman orientation. I had graduated from high school only a few months earlier and had spent the whole summer preparing for that day. I was excited, albeit a little scared. 

I had read about college life. The workload would be harder, and I would live independently and take on new responsibilities. I would have to budget my time more intentionally, including time allotted for sleep. I never paid much attention to quality sleep at that point. I assumed all-nighters were a normal part of the college experience and never challenged that assumption.

My dismissal of sleep undermined my health at the very time when I needed to perform my best. I distinctly remember one night when I realized I could afford a four-hour block of sleep, and I was actually relieved about it. Four straight hours of sleep was an improvement over my normal sleeping patterns. 

My sleep quality improved somewhat as the years passed, though it was still not optimal. As an adult in my late 20s and early 30s, I often stayed up too late because I wanted to unwind from a full day of parenting. The block of time after the kids went to bed was the only time I had to myself, and I didn’t want to forfeit it to sleep. I usually spent that time watching TV. 

By the time I reached my mid- to late-30s, I had trained as a health educator and health coach, and had therefore become more aware of the physical and mental consequences of sleep deprivation. I had learned about common sleep problems and strategies to correct them. I resolved to transform my own sleeping habits to improve my health. 

I’m happy to say that I now consistently get 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. I have changed from a night owl into a morning person. (Yes, it is possible!) I have more energy, and I do not feel drowsy during the day. My improved sleeping patterns enhance other aspects of health like nutrition and exercise, all of which work together to optimize my short- and long-term health.

This year, the National Sleep Foundation has designated March 12-18 as Sleep Awareness Week®. In recognition of that week, I have partnered with Georgia Homsany of Daily Dose Wellness to create a sleep challenge for the whole month of March. If you sign up for the challenge, you will receive access to short weekly videos in which I provide education about various aspects of sleep. Each video also presents the viewer with options of simple steps to take that promote healthy sleep. Refer to the newsletter or the Crown Wellness Coaching Facebook page for information about signing up. 

In an age when we tend to view good sleep as a luxury, I’m here to remind us that it is indeed a necessity. Achieving better sleep is possible with the right support.