Sleep

Ahhhhh......that one thing we all want to do, but for whatever reason can't get enough of. Most people who share their thoughts and feelings about their sleep patterns, are constantly dealing with it on a daily basis, never really understanding why they can't sleep. So, maybe if we break it down in some way, you can somehow realize why you feel so deprived of one of life's most precious commodities. Here are some sleep theories I've heard lately.......maybe you can relate.

1. worry
2. worry
3. worry
4. worry
5. worry........and finally
6. worry

Anyone see a pattern here? My question is, what are all these people so worried about? For me, and especially since I'm a woman, I spend at least the first 20 minutes or so going through my day, usually at the stuff that went wrong, or that I felt was wrong. Or if I can't find anything, I go back a day, a week, a month or even a year until I can find something to ponder.....or rather regret. Of course then, if the present and past are exhausted, then I will sneak a peak into the future to see what I could conjure up there. Sounds like complete madness right? Yes....it is.....BUT you would be surprised to hear how many other people do this. So the question is not what.......but why? Maybe I'll write another blog someday that covers why women usually have this problem and men don't. I have never seen or talked to a man that says he has a sleep problem. Their head hits the pillow and that is IT!

Now we could very quickly eliminate some of the other reasons for not being able to sleep, like too much caffeine, too much alcohol, medications, bad mattress, allergies, physical pain.......etc. And there are some that we can actually address and get rid of, which may do away with the sleep problem altogether. But it might be more difficult to take a pill that covers worry. Granted you could try a sleeping pill, but I would understand how many people have tried them and might get to sleep at night, but have problems with how they feel the next day.

So what are we so worried about? Worried we will miss something if we actually close our eyes? Worried that something bad will happen so we must be prepared? Worried about what we did or said that day that was not quite right? Worried that we are going to be abandoned by someone we love, or that someone is going to die? Worried that we are sick in some way, but too afraid to go see a doctor? Worried that no matter how hard we try, we will never be content and happy, or ever be able to just sit and relax without trying to figure something out or get something accomplished? Geeze.......that's a lot of worry going on there......just wore me out to type it. But again.......not pointing the finger here.....I've had or still have the same problem. And again....I may not have the answer, probably don't, but I am a firm believer in talking things out......getting to the meat of the problem. At least it alleviates the fear.....at least one would hope so.

One thing that has helped me more than anything, is to keep a journal close by, so that if I get in bed and start the worry cycle, I reach for the pen and start writing. For me, when I actually write a feeling out, it makes it so much clearer for me to see what is going on. As if I've allowed myself to witness my own worry because it's in the written word. A warm bath helps relax you, as opposed to watching something exciting or violent on television. Find a book that's easy to read, and holds a subject that is interesting to you, taking note to use a lamp that is not too bright. Make sure your bed is comfortable, the room is comfortable and not cluttered. Paint the walls with a pleasing color that promotes a feeling of peace. Listen to some relaxation music before you go to bed. Apply lavender oil to your wrists...this promotes sleep.....wear a breathe-right strip to make sure your nasal passages are open.....try sleeping in a bed by yourself if you're used to sleeping with someone.

In other words , there are many things that will help, but you have to actually do them in order for them to work. Sleep has to be turned into an experience, no different from planning a great meal. Think of the trouble you will go to in order to have a great meal, using all the right ingredients, cooked to perfection, with a nice tablecloth, candles...etc. Well, you can do the same with sleep. Sleep requires thought, planning and even an excitement for taking the time to love and nurture your body.

If worry is your biggest problem, before you go to bed, write out your worries on little pieces of paper and burn them before you go to bed. If you're spiritual, ask God to show you what is getting in the way of you being able to sleep, and to be released from worrisome thoughts. And of course if none of these things help, seek professional help. Go to a sleep clinic and get a sleep kit, which will monitor your sleep in case there is something medically wrong. Invest in some books about insomnia, for there are many out there that have some really great advice about sleep, or the lack there of.

Bottom line, find something that works and stick with it. Lack of sleep has a huge impact on how you experience your waking hours, your job, school, your relationships, and most importantly how your body handles stress. If you want to experience any peace or joy in your life, it's worth the time to investigate your sleep issues.