Introduction to Topic 4; Sleep while you’re alive
How much sleep are you getting?
How much sleep are you getting worksheet
The importance of sleep
Improve your sleep
It is best not to get yourself into a sleep deficit, but life happens and without being too cliché it is for living, so invariably we’re going to put ourselves into a sleep deficit.
When you are knowingly putting yourself into a sleep deficit, try to remember to ask yourself if it’s worth it before doing it. For example, for me, a theatre show or gig of an evening is totally worth it, but working at my laptop late into the night, is not good for me, so ultimately not worth it.
Feeling tired in the week can prevent us from achieving everything we’d like and even prevent us from being a nice person. Another good reason to ask yourself if it is worth it.
We can, however, make up any sleep deficits we have in the week.
If you are knowingly going to have a late night, you can prep for it. The week prior to the event, get plenty sleep to ensure you have enough energy to get through it. Following the event, you can also make up the sleep you lost (ideally in the same week).
If you have an unplanned late night or a series of late nights you aren’t able to prep for we need to make the sleep deficit up afterwards.
For example, if you lose 2 hours sleep, for the next 4 days go to bed 30 minutes earlier or get up 30 minutes later.
If you are in a more permanent sleep deficit having been in debt to sleep for years, it is time to start making it up bit by bit. Create an evening routine where you perform the same things each time. This will help your body know it is time for bed.
One late night does not mean never having access to that missed sleep again.
Changing sleep habits takes time, but having enough sleep should always be our top priority. Even grabbing 20 minutes here and there will help to claw back the sleep lost and help you feel at your most energetic.
Sleep well!
Topic takeaway
Did you know you can make up a sleep deficit?
The only thing you need to be taking away from this topic is the promise to yourself that you’ll prioritise sleep. Not just as a nice to have, but as a non-negotiable part of how you take care of your mind and body. Making this commitment sets the foundation for everything else you’re building in this journey.
Further learning might include research around sleep science. There are some great easy to read books about sleep.
