Sleep is not weakness. Sleep is GOOD.

  

My optimum sleep, which I usually only get when the Dobies are with their Dad, is 8½-9 hours between 10:30pm-7am. I don't function well on less than 7 hours, or when I stay up past 11. And if several sleep-deprived nights in a row stack up, I'll more than likely get sick. Sleep is very important to me. I'm not a napper, never have been (I envy people who are) -- just give me good ol' nighttime SLEEP.

Here's a nice little article from DailyOM:

When life gets busy, sleep is often the first activity that we sacrifice. Considered a luxury by many busy people, sleep is actually as vital to sustaining a balanced life as are breathing, eating, and drinking. Getting sufficient sleep can be a potent energizer, just as not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling drained and sluggish. While eight hours is the average amount of sleep most adults should generally aim for, the right amount of sleep varies for each person. Some people may thrive on just four hours, while others don't feel well rested unless they've slept for ten hours. How much we sleep also varies, depending upon where we are in life. Young people often need more sleep, while older people may need less. The benefits of sleep always stay the same. Regular and consistent periods of wakefulness and sleep are key ingredients to fostering a healthy body and a clear mind. It is during sleep that your body renews itself.

The ability to forgo sleep is considered by some to be an asset. But while it may seem that the nighttime hours can be better used for more productive activities, sleep in itself is extremely productive. During sleep, your body and psyche are both regaining their strength for the coming day. You may even have the unique opportunity to explore the hidden recesses of your personality while you dream. Meanwhile, your long-term memories are reinforced.

Many cultures engage in an afternoon siesta. Taking a nap is refreshing and can increase both productivity and creativity. Author Lewis Carroll is said to have conceived his idea for Alice in Wonderland while dreaming. A good night's sleep also has been known to bring with it the gifts of clarity, wisdom, and a fresh perspective. Even the ancient Greeks thought of sleep as a gift from the gods. Give yourself the gift of peaceful slumber and you will likely find yourself feeling alert, refreshed, and ready for life's challenges. You may also find yourself feeling more centered, thoughtful, and aware throughout the day so you can live your full potential.

Photo by Orrin.

Comments

[jenn]

Dear Carla
great post - I cannot agree more about the necessity of good sleep, uninterrupted sleep, which has only recently become a reality for me - babies, pre-teen nightmares, dogs and cats, then menopause have all been interruptors. Now I have a big enough bed that even the cats don't bother me, and I downsized to a shitzu so the dog can snuggle and not keep me awake. My new bugaboo is all the LED lights in my room, on the thermostat, the CD player, the clocks, the alarm panel.....

[Derica Spieker]

Sleep is one the many wonders of the human body. Have you ever wondered what we "do" when we sleep? Many experts, nutritionist, and scientists say that having enough amount of sleep is important in keeping us going. But the latest finding that made it to headlines is that there are people who survive even with just at most 4 hours of sleep. Perhaps having a healthy mind by taking breaks from work and other activities is also a factor.