We’re not sleeping enough. At least not at home. It’s a wonder anything gets done or that nobody gets seriously hurt. Everywhere you look — the subway, coffee shop, at work, at school — people, especially young ones, are yawning (and not covering their mouths!), have their heads planted on their chests, look dizzy — including me. One sleepy student told me yesterday that he does homework until 2 a.m.!
Sleep Withdrawal
I haven’t been sleeping enough and thought I could keep bobbing along without a serious blunder. My vision has been blurry, eyelids puffy and too much computer time compounds the pain. Recently, I took a cue from my friend Evis and decided to sleep right after work. I slept for about 3 hours. Totally surprised me. I got up, did a few things and went back to sleep at a decent time, which for me is about 11pm.
We’re staying up for different reasons.
Students are staying up to keep up with school work. Many of you are up late doing work or worried about the usual life challenges. I tend to avoid sleep because of loneliness, fear and worry. Occasionally back or knee pain keeps me awake.
Sleep Without the Shame
Choose sleep. It’s a choice. I’ve decided that I’m going to sleep, on time, no matter what. I can no longer afford not to. So far, I’m almost a week into my new sleep routine. Let me know if you’re sleeping well or not. Do you feel pressure not to sleep or pretend not to need it? Check out this fact sheet on sleep.
