After a long day of being active and vibrant, people want to just crawl in bed and get some sleep. Their bodies and minds are kaput after having all of their energy sapped. Sleep deprivation, though, paints a different picture.
Everyone runs around at a fast pace. Business, family commitments, phone calls, meetings … you name it. They can take up all of our time. When the day is done, though, people want a good night’s sleep.
Many individuals need 7–8 hours of solid sleep per night; others can go on 4–5 hours. It totally depends on what type of lifestyle a person is leading. Yet sleep deprivation causes people a lot of headaches, leaving those who just get a couple of hours over a few nights’ time totally lagging through their days.
Sleep deprivation affects one’s whole body. Mentally, those who just “get up” after tossing and turning in bed all night long have trouble concentrating on their work or responsibilities. Emotionally, small things which might not be so triggering become large mountains. It is easier to snap at people instead of taking stock as to why one is so “not present” and lets his or her emotions go afoot.
With all of this said, here are three simple ways to help heal from sleep deprivation:
Turn off all electronic gadgets — Yes, get off of Facebook, leave your cellphone alone if you can, put away the MacBook, and shut it all down. It’s really difficult to get into a state of rest when the itch to respond on a social media post or scroll through Instagram just one more time becomes the go-to nighttime routine.
I’m sure some people literally have no problem doing this at all. They don’t use social media or their cellphone for business. So, it’s literally no big deal. Yet others (myself included) find it very easy to get sucked into drama. Boundaries need to be set.
If you want more sleep and get in bed, then shut all of this off. Read a book. Close your eyes and listen to a meditation recording. Leaving electronic gadgets alone at night can have a positive effect on your sleep pattern.
Get a medical checkup — If you are trying your best to shut down and simply relax from a hard day’s work, have done all you can do and nothing works, then it might be a bigger problem. People who specialize in sleep problems are all around these days. Clinics perform sleep apnea tests to see if there might be a breathing problem.
Some people have found using a C-Pap machine helps them sleep better. No one really knows if you need a C-Pap machine or a better diet until getting some medical support. This can come from a physician or alternative health practitioner.
Everyone has their own ideas around where and whom is going to treat their symptoms. Understand, though, that a final decision on what you do around sleep deprivation and a doctor’s suggestion is with you. As the old saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Move your body — Enough studies are around which point toward the benefits of physical exercise. Sleep-deprived people might consider this option. It can be a walk around the block, going for a run, getting on a bicycle, or hitting the weights. The main idea behind this is to get your physical body moving.
There are people who aren’t able to move as much as others. I’ve seen older individuals, though, be guided through simple exercises while sitting in a chair. Tai Chi is an ancient practice where people slowly move their bodies through specific movements.
Physical exertion, though, releases pent-up stress and energy. It helps calm your mind down, too, if the incessant chattering between your ears is too much to handle.
One of the great ideas presented on Thrive Global comes from Arianna Huffington, who wrote about the power of sleep in our lives. I’m not going to rehash her words here, but it might make for a good resource when dealing with your sleep deprivation.
Consider using one of these suggestions to help improve your life. Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep. Getting one, in spite of life’s traumas and dramas, can easily become a nightmare. Do your best to stop them now and seek the support and help you need.
Here’s to a good night’s sleep for all of us.
Originally published at medium.com