Aaahhh sleep...sometimes there are no words. As a senior, I value sleep in a way that I have not since the birth of our daughters approximately twenty years ago. Sometimes it comes, sometimes not, but I always appreciate sleep when it finds me. Sleep is seriously underrated and the lack of it is a real problem for many folks. My aging father has an awful issue getting enough sleep and though certain pills make it possible, his doctor is hesitant to re-prescribe. Our younger daughter also has a terrible time achieving a full night of restful, uninterrupted sleep much to the detriment of her mood and energy level.
Apparently about ten percent of the Canadian population suffer from chronic insomnia while over twenty percent experience occasional bouts of sleeplessness. It's true that a lack of sleep can shorten your life span due to the significant health issues poor sleep exacerbates. Eight hours of sleep a night is recommended; many of us try to survive on five.
Having a warm, clean and comfortable bed is something that most of us take for granted. It is a necessary element to healthy rest. It isn't everything though. Separating ourselves from our electronic devices is crucial to the onset and maintenance of a good night. A darkened room, warm milk, a hot bath --- all of these can help with a restful night. I know that I need to read before I can sleep; reading clears my mind and makes sleep possible.
Once again our sleep will be negatively affected by Daylight Saving Time this weekend and I am ready to stop remembering whether I need to "spring forward" or "fall back". As the clock changer in my house I would be happy to let that chore go! What do you think? In the meantime, if you can, sleep well!
