Happy Friday everyone!
I’m not sure how many of you out there are like me, but until recently, I had a “sleep when you’re dead” mentality.
It was a problem. I was afraid If I slept that I would miss something? I know, what a weirdo. (Never really gained any life changing experience by staying up on a random school night..). Pretty sure 75% of my senior year of high school was spent living on an average of 4 hours of sleep. My first few years of college were the same way. I just had so much to do, and see, and experience (or so I thought); sleep could wait.
When my life became more stressful last year, I tried to do the same thing. I was staying up late for dance practice and to finish homework, while waking up early from 8 am classes. (Not to mention the hour and a half drive to and from school to account for). It took a toll on my body, sickness and anxiety set in…it wasn’t a fun experience.
I’ve learned the importance of sleep for myself at this point. My body doesn’t bounce back like it used to (I sound like I’m so old, ugh). Years of abuse have caused me to realize, I need my sleep. And I’ve learned to love sleep.
There are still some days that I have so much to do and I choose to stay up late and only get a few hours of sleep in order to get everything done, but I feel it for a few days after. Filming for the movie this past weekend (#PitchforkMovie) really messed up my schedule and I’m starting to feel normal again, but my body is still out of whack. I’m only 21, I should have bounced back by like Tuesday, dang it! haha
And, as much as it kills me to say it, there are somedays that sleep just has to come before everything, including your workout. 🙁 I just remind myself that sleep would do me more good than fatiguing my body even more.
Recently, I have read a few articles and seen a few images on the importance of sleep and even naps!
Some interesting facts I’ve learned about the importance of sleep:
- Not enough sleep increases risk of being overweight
- Adequate sleep helps us sort through information and learn better
- While you sleep, inflammation is reduced and injuries are healed more quickly
Check out some of these charts and links!
Onnit Academy – Sleep When You’re Dead?
WebMD – The Healing Power of Sleep
Health – 11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep
Before I wrap things up for the day I would just like to give a special birthday shout out to my baby sister, Faith! It is so crazy, she turns 8 today!
