I am sure many of you at some stage in your life experience some form of anxiety. Sometimes that anxiousness can manifest in different ways. For me it has manifested in my sleep cycle. Or should I say lack of sleep cycle.
The last few months it has been a waking nightmare. Literally. With the COVID restrictions back in place and not having the opportunity to leave the house since March, I’m finding it more of a challenge then usual to be the peaceful and loving empath I usually am. And my family and friends are suffering for it. The biggest challenge to date for me has been to fall asleep and then stay asleep. Suffice to say I’m a little cranky as the lack of sleep is impacting how my body resets and repairs itself.
According to the division of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School “Most people don’t get enough sleep. We are a society that burns the candle at both ends, a nation where people stay up all night to study, work, or have fun. However, going without adequate sleep carries with it both short- and long-term consequences. In the short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information, and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality”
And they are not wrong, in the last 3 months alone I’ve noticed huge differences in my mood and in the way my body functions. I’m sure my family has also seen a change in my approach to life and have lovingly suggested I should work towards better sleep hygiene
So in the still of the night, when most people are tucked up in bed, I’ve read and researched and purchased many a random thing. To date I’ve tried different alternatives outside of going on synthetic melatonin or sleeping medications to aid sleep and although I am in no way affiliated with these companies I have come to the conclusion that the following options are best for me.
1. Weighted blankets: These work in a way that’s similar to an OT technique called deep touch pressure therapy (DTP). Pressure on the body can increase the release of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is sometimes called the “happy” chemical because it creates a sense of calm and well-being. These have shown positive results for several conditions, including autism, ADHD, and anxiety. They can help calm a restless body, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve sleep troubles. I got mine from Aldi. https://www.aldi.com.au › special-b…Web resultsWeighted Blanket – ALDI Australia
2. Meditation – Sleep Meditation helps aid better sleep hygiene. As a relaxation technique it can quiet the mind and body while enhancing inner peace. Meditation before bed promotes an overall calmness which aids in reducing insomnia and sleep issues. I use the Calm app for the sleep stories. https://www.calm.com › sleep-storiesWeb resultsSleep Stories – Calm
3. Natural Sleep Aids: Nonprescription sleep aids are typically considered natural alternatives. They encourage relaxation, ease anxiety, and promote sleep. Many natural sleep aids are also linked to other health-promoting behaviors like improved digestion and pain relief. I use the BetterBare Co, SleepyBare Gummies. https://www.betterbare.co/products/sleepybare?variant=undefined
By no means has this “fixed” my sleep issues but I think the most important thing for me is being consistent with my self care and following a sleep routine before bed. In doing so, these preventive measures can have a significant impact on sleep hygiene. I now know that a little bit of attention and care goes a long way and the more consistently I practice these measures, a better sleep and quality of life will surely follow.
However, I am not a doctor. If the preventive measures you try don’t work for you please make sure to see your Doctor as continued loss of sleep can be a problem that warrants attention. You cannot afford to ignore your sleep deprivation or take it lightly.
Wishing you all better sleep and warm dreams 🦋
Mr Gibbous and The Wildling 