People in modern society are always busy, always going and doing, fueled by caffeine and the idea that we must grind and grind to get ahead. Lack of sleep is a badge of honor, a way to prove that you are doing all you can to be successful. It comes at a price.
In 2007, Arianna Huffington learned that lesson the hard way. In her book THrive, she describes how she woke up in a pool of her own blood. Eighteen-hour days had led to her falling asleep at her desk. She had broken her cheekbone on the corner of her desk. After extensive medical tests, the doctors determined she collapsed from exhaustion.
The Problem with Sleep Deprivation
The average adult needs between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each day, yet ⅓ report less than that on a regular basis. While it might seem like no big deal, sleep deprivation can have a huge impact on health and our daily functioning.
Insufficient sleep can increase the risk of diabetes , obesity, and depression. You might also be more prone to getting colds. Lack of sleep can afact other activities; it is linked to 6000 fatal car accidents each year.
Sleep is not Rest
Clearly, sleep is important to our healthy functioning. However, sleep is not all that is involved in rest. In her TED talk, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith recommended 7 types of rest.
First is physical rest, or sleep. If you’re not getting enough physical rest, you won’t be at your best. Next is mental rest. Is your brain always racing, even with enough sleep? If you aren’t getting a meatnal break, you could still be tired. Take breaks while you work or begin a meditation practice to be able to still your monkey mind.
Many of us stare at screens for a large part of the day, or live and work in active and noisy environments. Sensory rest is needed to give us a break from all that input. Find ways to get some silence in your day.
Creative rest is next. This is not just artistic creativity, but anything that requires imagination, like innovation and problem solving. Takin g a break to find stillness, maybe in nature, can help with this.
If you feel out of touch with your emotions or that you can’t freely share how you feel, you might need emotional rest. Find a space where you can be authentically you and don’t have to worry about pleasing everyone.
Some people gain energy from time spent in groups, other people do not. Social rest is the need to limit social interactions; and it’s not just for introverts. Some people are a drain on your energy, you might need to limit contact with them.
Finally, there is spiritual rest. Humans are made for connection with others. If we lack that connection, we can still feel tired. Try an awe walk. Or meditate, practice loving-kindess, work on a passion project.
The past few years have tested us in a lot of ways. One way to help yourself is to stop and reflect when you say “I’m tired” and then take steps to get enough rest.
Learn more
Arianna Huffington: Collapse from exhaustion was ‘wake-up call’ (today.com)
The health hazards of insufficient sleep – Harvard Health
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Author: Brenda Morales