Sleep Resets Your Brain and Your Body

The other day my sister was telling me about her husband saying how much happier and peaceful she was. She told him that life has a different perspective now that she was getting a good night's rest. She can handle what comes her way much easier.

Another comment about sleep was in an adventure novel I was reading. The character was in the jungles looking for the enemy. They had had little "shut-eye" time. The description that followed was how his troops made a circle of protection around him so that he could safely sleep for a few hours. He was the leader. He made the decisions. He knew he couldn't make accurate decisions if his mind was foggy due to to extreme tiredness.

How about yourself? What are you like when you don't get enough sleep?

You know those times your computer starts acting all weird and you solve the problem by turning it off. Everything seems to magically reset. The problem disappears.

That is what deep rest does for you. It has a rejuvenating affect upon the brain. You're "reset" just like your computer.

Your brain needs 7-9 hours of straight downtime. If it doesn't get it, your thoughts are foggy, your reflexes are off, and you aren't able to easily access what you've learned. You make mistakes that could be as mild as wasting time, to as serious as losing your job, even your life.

Dream time is also important. Research has shown that people can become psychotic when they don't go into the dream state on a regular basis.

People don't realize that their choice, if it is a choice, not to take 7-9 hours of deep slumber can result in tumultuous personal relationships. I have an acquaintance who had apnea for years. After surgery, the apnea went away and his relationships with his wife and children dramatically improved. He was no longer crabby, irritable and difficult to get along with.

Some people make choices to partake of deep slumber because, for some reason, they think it's a weakness to get as much rest as you need. There is the emphasis on doing as much as possible, and you can only do that when awake.

The truth is, for almost everyone, when you are rested, you can accomplish more in a shorter period of time. The mind is sharp. The emotions are more even. You feel better all around.

Do yourself and the entire world a favor. If you make a choice not to crawl into bed at a reasonable hour and rejuvenate yourself, please do so. You'll function at a greater capacity and accomplish more than you know. In addition, your loved ones will be so appreciative.