Sleep has always been a remarkable ability of mine! This was evident from an early age. Growing up in the Bronx, I could snooze through gang riots and even the sound of gunshots in the air. I recall a weird incident when living in Norwalk, the ceiling caved in the bathroom just below my room. While my entire family jolted awake to the thunderous BOOM, I remained blissfully asleep. That morning, expecting the smell of bacon and eggs for breakfast, I walked into a living room filled with bewildered faces. It was then I realized the superpower I possessed: the gift of sleep.
In reality, though, sleep has an enormous impact on our daily lives. Considering we spend approximately a third of our lives asleep, assuming an eight-hour sleep schedule within a 24-hour day, it becomes evidently profound that sleep is a significant aspect of our existence. However, some individuals, like the renowned GOAT of Hip Hop NAS (depends on what circle you’re in), perceive sleep as the cousin of death and prioritize productivity over rest.
For those who consider sleep a hindrance to their goals and dreams, the numerous benefits it offers to both the mind and body are often overlooked. Listen, I get it, some people must oversee the overnight financial markets, making that cheddar while others sleep. We also need those ER professionals putting in that overnight shift, after a long day, ensuring the community has the critical care needed. It’s worth noting, however, that the FAA mandates a minimum of eight hours of sleep for pilots due to their significant fiduciary responsibility toward passengers. Sleep is undeniably important!
In contrast, for many individuals, sleep is a luxury. Those individuals working multiple shifts to make ends meet, paying for college tuition, or new parents caring for a newborn child understand the elusive nature of sleep. If you can get good and consistent quality sleep, then it should be treasured.
To substantiate the significance of sleep, let’s consider some statistics. According to the CDC, the leading causes of death in the U.S. is heart disease and cancer. The National Institute on Health highlights that sleep deprivation can contribute to various health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and dementia. Conversely, the NIH emphasizes the benefits of sleep, such as improved brain performance, mood, and overall health. If you encounter a perpetually irritable person, it may be worth politely inquiring about their sleep habits, as they could be experiencing some form of sleep disorder. Recognizing the importance of mental health, some companies even prioritize their employees’ well-being by providing “sleep pods” in the workplace.
Moreover, sleep can serve as a safeguard against accidents. The National Safety Council reports approximately 320,000 car accidents are attributed to sleep deprivation. Have you ever driven while feeling drowsy? Personally, I have, and the experience can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. To be clear, I do not endorse drinking and driving, but the analogy is apparent.
So, how can we optimize our sleep for better health? Although I am not a medical professional, and the following suggestions are not professional advice, I have gathered them from personal experiences and online research. Here are some of the recommendations right from the CDC’s website:
- Maintain consistency by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends.
- Create a bedroom environment that is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Keep electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, and smartphones, out of the bedroom.
- Avoid consuming large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
- Engage in regular physical exercise, as it can facilitate falling asleep more easily at night.
In conclusion, the verdict is clear: prioritize sleep because your overall health depends on it. Not just your physical health, but also your mental health. As someone who has battled depression and high blood pressure, I have noticed improvements in my overall health when I optimize for better sleep. Sleep is not a mere indulgence but a fundamental pillar of well-being. Let us recognize the immense impact sleep has on our daily lives, and start implementing strategies to optimize our sleep habits.
