I'm Only Sleeping

  

I woke up late again today. Really late. Like 1:30 in the afternoon late. But, I'm not going to feel guilty about it because I obviously needed it. Did you know that we get our energy from sleep, not food. Food is fuel but it actually takes energy to digest it. Sleep replenishes our energy and most Americans only average 4-6 hours a night. Ideally we should get 8-10 hours a night. And we can't ever really make up for lost sleep either. I often hear people say, "I'll catch up later, I've got too much to do", or "I'll sleep when I'm dead". The truth is, we need to sleep and recharge every night, not just when it's convenient. 

Isn't it sad that our world has become a place that makes us feel guilty for taking an afternoon nap? We are made to think that working 8-10 hour days with short breaks is normal..okay even. We are either on our feet all day or chained to a desk. Eating a fast lunch often on the go and juggling so many different things that we are often up before the sun and go to bed late in the evening. Not everyone has the schedule of a full time job, raising children or deadlines but the majority in the US do. So, sleep goes by the wayside as we try to cram in all of our duties and tasks. 

Sleep deprivation can affect everything from mood, thinking, pain tolerance, accidents, relationships and hormones. If left to go on long enough it can even get serious with affects like high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and more. So, if you don't factor in adequate sleep time in your life, it might be time to start. If you think you may suffer from insomnia, I urge you to see a doctor. 

Some reasons you'll want to hit the hay soon:

~ Improve memory

~ Live Longer

~ Better Sex

~ Curb Inflammation

~ Spur Creativity

~ Sharpen Attention

~ Maintain Healthy Weight

~ Lower Stress

~ Avoid Accidents

~ Steer Clear of Depression

The following is Shakaya Leone's Beauty Bonus regarding Beauty Sleep:

"Sleep is the ultimate beauty nutrient. Nothing seems to hollow out our faces, cause eye bags or accentuate lines and wrinkles like a poor night's rest. Our bodies repair and regenerate when we are sleeping. Insufficient sleep contributes to premature aging and degenerative diseases more than is commonly believed. Proper sleep hygiene leads to regenerative sleep and is truly a secret of beauty, longevity and health." ~ Shakaya Leone

6 Sweet Sleep Solutions:

~ Clear your thoughts meditation, prayer or journaling.

~ Essential oils chamomile, lavender, jasmine, neroli, rose, ylang ylang.

~ Exercise at least 4 hours before bed; light stretching can be relaxing.

~ Use ear plugs

~ Relaxation calming music, sauna, hot tub, stretching, or massage. 

~ Herbal teas chamomile, hops, scultaleria, valerian.

The next time you feel tired, skip the coffee or tea and take a cat nap. Gift yourself this life luxury. You are worth it. 

~ Love & Light ~