Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
Make a SMART Goal to Improve Your Sleep Habits
Part of your ability to stay organized at work and at home depends upon your ability to get enough sleep.
Research shows that adults need 8-10 hours of sleep a night, and children need 10-12 hours (National Sleep Foundation).
Now I am a night owl, I prefer to stay up late reading, or watching Doctor Who, than go to bed until I feel really ready. If I could sleep in and wake up on my own, I would be utterly happy each new day.
In reality, I need to meticulously stick to my bedtime so that I can wake up on time for work. When I stay up longer reading (especially if it is a good book), then I struggle getting up. I have a real battle inside my mind each time I hear my alarm going off (after I have hit snooze a few times.). If I have not had enough sleep, I am groggy and grumpy. It is hard to be happy and set a good positive example to others when you cannot think clearly from lack of sleep. As a teacher, I have to be always upbeat towards my students. If I cannot be in tip-top shape mentally and physically then I can not be a good role-model for those around me. I definitely do want my mood to affect others.
Do you struggle with your sleep habit? What helps you?
Scientists have of course found connections to our natural sleep cycle and the natural world. We have unfortunately strayed from our body’s natural sleep patterns. Watch Claudia Aguiree, on Ted Talk, explain more.
If you have struggled with too little sleep, perhaps you can make this one of your SMART Goals. Set yourself reminders on your phone to go to bed at a certain time each night to wake up feeling refreshed. Give yourself a set amount of time, such as a week, to get used to your new bed time.
On my iPhone, the alarm has a reminder feature I can set to go to bed at a certain time to wake up after eight hours. Of course, the reminders are easy to ignore unless you really commit to following this schedule. I have heard it takes 21 days to change your habits. Stick to it for 21 days and see what happens! You just may feel like a renewed and more productive person!
Here are some helpful resources for improving your sleep:
https://kidsfirstpediatrics.com/action-steps-good-sleep-hygiene/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/successful-aging-10-tips-for-better-sleep