Friday, March 4, 2011

SLEEPING SMART

We all need sleep. There's days I wish I didn't have to sleep because there is so much to be done, but sooner or later the mind and body call me to sleep. Of course I try to cheat my need for sleep now and then by drinking my coffee. Caffeine and Sleep  But I don't think it's worth it, really.

You all know how much better you feel when you have enough sleep. I'm a full-time counselor for nursing students and I'm a writer, wife, and mom. If I don't get enough sleep I don't function to the best of my ability in any of these roles. Yet there are times when I push past my need for sleep which typically leads to getting sick.

It seems that many are sleep deprived today and that's why I want to challenge you to study up on the importance of sleep and encourage you and your families to get enough rest. These Sleep Facts may help you sort things out. Don't forget that Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 13th. I hate losing that hour. It's just not right. Throws me off completely for awhile.

Some of us deal with insomnia and others with sleep apnea.  Some of us can't sleep because our spouses are snoring or our spouses can't sleep because we are snoring. Others take medicine to help them sleep and some have no problems getting to sleep.

And then there are more dangers behind the wheel with those of us who don't get enough sleep.

Sleep Deprivation Risks: 1 in 20 Fall Asleep at Wheel, CDC SaysMore Than One-Third of Americans Say They Get Fewer Than 7 Hours of Sleep a Night

Unhealthy Sleep Habits This segment aired on ABC World News last night (3/3/11).

I wish our entire country would just take naps in the afternoon at work. Wouldn't that be nice? So when is the last time that you took a nap, had trouble sleeping, or just wished you could capture some more zzzzzzz's?

Proverbs 3:24 ESV reminds us: If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.


If you could have an extra 24 hours added to your week for just this week, how would you spend it?

Wishing you wonderful nights of sweet slumber,
Jill



4 comments:

Caroline said...

I already know I have to have at least 7 hours to function well the next day. Don't always get it, but I should. A timely reminder, Jill, & one writers should remember.
cb
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Caroline,
Thanks for stopping by. I know if I get less than 7 I'm just a mess. Yesterday was one of those days and I paid the price. But I did get to bed early enough last night to get 8 hours. Feel so much better today.

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Since I'm in phase 2 of the rewrite/editing with Lori on my book, I'd use it working on that.

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Lena,
I bet you would! I wonder if most writers would agree with you? I know I do. :) Especially since I'm on deadline. Do know that I have taken my own advice from this post on sleeping smart and took a wonderful nap today. That helped me to write more words today than I've been able to accomplish for weeks.