Getting rest in today’s world

Our world is always spinning, and with the uncertainty in the air between Covid and the future of work and school life, sleep may be harder to come by than ever. Many of us struggle to have enough rest, the American Sleep Association reports:

“Sleep Disorder Statistics: 50-70 million US adults have a sleep disorder. 37.9% reported unintentionally falling asleep during the day at least once in the preceding month. 4.7% reported nodding off or falling asleep while driving at least once in the preceding month” (2019).

So we know we aren’t sleeping, but no big deal right? I’ll catch up on the z’s later. Well, that isn’t how our bodies work. Sleep deprivation in the short term can cause fatigue, sleepiness, clumsiness, agitation, and negative impacts to our cognitive functioning. Often we perceive after a few days of sleep deprivation that we are, “fine”, when in fact we are showing negative symptoms across all areas- physical, mental, and spiritual. Over time, sleep deprivation impacts our weight, hormones, stress levels, and can add to or cause chronic health issues. Sleep is like food and water- it is imperative to our survival.

Yet, how do we combat a world that asks for more on less sleep?

We have to create a bedtime routine, but most important be consistent. Some suggestions are as follows:

• No phone or blue light electronics in bed or by the bed
• Choose a time where you no longer accept texts and calls- put the phone in airplane mode
• Choose a bedtime and stick to it. Going to bed and waking at the same time each day improves health and circadian rhythms.
• Make your bedroom a safe space for rest. Remove work or stressful activities from this space
• Be sure to allot at least 7-8 hours for sleep.

What if you have trouble sleeping?

Some of us struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can be due to sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, or stress. One way to help create an ideal state to fall asleep, and stay asleep would be to take a bath. CBD bath products can be a huge help! A bath will help relax you, and also prioritizes a “you” time. This slows the mind down and signals to the body a period of rest. In the bath one can use rose scented bath salts or bath bombs. Rose essential oil and lavender essential oil act as natural aromatherapy that signals the brain to slow down, lowers blood pressure, and also has positive impacts on the skin (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, cleans out pores, tones skin, anti aging properties, helps balance pH in skin). CBD acts as a supplement working with the endocannabinoid system to decrease inflammation, relax muscles, decrease anxiety, and also encourage the body to return to a state of homeostasis. In addition, CBD is not a stimulant, so it is an excellent supplement to help aid in falling asleep and staying asleep.

Better sleep will increase overall wellness, and why not use all the tools you can to make your nights more restful.

Sleep Deprivation Fact Sheet

Medical News Today

About ASA