Is Sleep Possible During This Crises? Part I

Cozy Time

Especially this month and perhaps several more months ahead, dealing with the craziness of staying healthy during a pandemic is a real challenge. But our days must go on. One important thing we can do is to get a good night’s sleep.

Nothing is more relaxing for most people than getting into our own bed between cool, clean sheets and a super soft pillow (or two or three). Cuddling up inside a cozy blanket and closing our eyes to block out the world while we drift away into dreamland intending to enjoy seven or eight hours of calm and quiet. Perfect serenity!

That is one version of the ideal night so we can wake up refreshed and ready to go in the morning. But so many women struggle with making this happen on a regular and repeated basis including this blog writer! Aside from the aggravation of not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep, there are some serious health issues we should understand. 

If we drag through our day working from home now and struggle to handle children who are out of school, we may tend to doze off at inappropriate times. Or we may be unable to look our best because we had no energy to get ready for the day ahead. We might recognize some of these many symptoms of insomnia.     

What's the Big Deal About Sleep? 
We may conclude four hours of restless sleep is adequate because we've been doing that for weeks or months! But a good night's sleep of seven to eight hours provides restoration and healing for our body. If we can't remember anything about the conversation we had with a friend just two hours ago or we forget to pick up anything for dinner, our lack of sleep may be on its way to becoming our own personal health crisis.

The Women's Health organization puts this issue into a "nutshell" for us: "Sleep is essential for good health. During sleep, our bodies and brains repair themselves. Some research suggests our brains use the time during sleep to clear away toxins that build up during the day. Sleep is also important for our ability to learn and form memories. Not getting enough sleep puts people at risk for health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, and depression." Click on the following link to learn more: Women's Health 

Seven Warning Signs

Focus on what's important

Maybe a more comprehensive symptom list would help us determine if insomnia is something to speak to our physician about getting a diagnosis. Let's try and honestly check off any of these warning signs:

·   Difficulty falling asleep at night

·   Waking up during the night or too early

·   Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep

·   Daytime tiredness or sleepiness

·   Irritability, depression or anxiety

·   Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering

·   Increased errors or accidents

Now click on the following Mayo Clinic link for more information: Better Sleep   

One Minute Idea

There is one Person who knows us better than anyone else. God knows what we are dealing with and He knows what we can do about it if we ask. Let’s never try and go to sleep without checking in with the Lord God Almighty who created this entire world and everyone in it. Ask Him to calm your mind and body and be sure to thank Him for His love and care!

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe" (Psalm 4:8 NLT).