Getting a full night’s sleep is almost comical when you have children at home, but most people will tell you they can function better when they do get a good amount of shut eye. Unfortunately, my sleep issues started from way before I had children. I always had a hard time falling and staying asleep. It wasn’t until I brought my first baby home from the hospital that falling asleep no longer became an issue- since I was so over tired I could basically fall asleep standing. At this point, staying asleep became my issue – worries from the day, excitement over things to come, whatever it was- my mind couldn’t shut off. By the time morning rolled around, I was exhausted, stressed out, and still had a family to take care of. Fast forward 6 years later and not much has changed, except for my expectations of the night. I now know that I can’t stress over lost sleep, I just need to make the best with what I get and try to sneak in a nap or rest at some point during the day.
Sleep is vital for so many reasons which include immune function, memory, and body function. In my own experience, sleep is also important for patience. The amount of sleep I get directly correlates to the amount of patience I have for the day’s endeavors. I know I’m not alone, nearly 4 million Americans suffer from insomnia where they have a hard time staying asleep. Sometimes a few changes in your daily routine can help get the right amount of rest through the night, but for some it’s not that easy. By speaking with your doctor and discussing routine, lifestyle, and specific insomnia symptoms, you can work your way to a better night’s sleep.
You can learn more about the importance of sleep and getting the proper amount by visiting Want To Sleep More.