I’m rubbish when i don’t get enough sleep.
I usually overreact and underperform.
My monkey brain swings into action, flinging verbal shxt everywhere, which usually ends with me apologising (*1) and feeling annoyed at myself.
I’m not alone, everyone shares this trait – maybe to different degrees, however the outcome is always the same – we’re less than optimal.
In the past, at work, I’ve treated my sleep deprivation as a badge of honour. Working long hours, supposedly getting shxt done, waving my ‘awesomeness’ over my fellow workmates. This was great…I was great….right up until I was hospitalised with severe stomach cramps. The cause wasn’t clear to the doctors, however, I knew. At that time I was experiencing sustained high stress coupled with long working hours. A sore tummy wasn’t the only symptoms of mismanaged sleep – put simply I WAS A DICK. I was way off centre – short fused, full of self-importance and constantly reacting.
I think most of us understand the relationship between sleep and performance – yet that doesn’t prevent us from shaking the monkey cage (*2).
Healthy brain function, emotional well-being, physical health, performance and safety is all linked to the quantity and quality of our sleep.
In terms of my personal journey – this seems to be the most sensible place to start – SLEEP, IN ALL IT’S GLORY.
We live in age of gurus, gadgets and elixirs (*3) – trying to make sense of all the information on sleep, can be confusing, contradictory and sometimes seemingly wrong. Sooooooo I’ve decided to research and experiment on myself with different techniques and concepts. My intent is to share my learning on what worked and what didn’t.
This is probably a good place (again) to make loud and clear that I’M NO EXPERT – I’m trying to work this out as I go. I’m a middle-aged man, keen on changing shxt up and wanting better well-being for myself and the peeps around me.
You’re welcome to join me – whether it’s giving feedback, sharing your knowledge and experience or maybe you want to get involved (*4).
In the following posts I’ll explain the science of sleep, simply…because I want to learn to understand and then put this into action. Some topics I want to cover are:
- Sleep Stages + Circadian Rhythm
- Restorative Sleep
- Suggested best techniques for getting a good night’s sleep
- Safe natural supplements that will aid relaxation and sleep
- Mediation
- Wim Hof technique
…got any suggestions you want me to cover? Drop them in the comments below.
Sleep is such an essential part of our wellbeing, but often neglected by many (me included). With this in mind, I’m keen as to get this sorted!
(*1) – or worse, closing down, disengaging… a surly p.r.i.c.k!
(*2) In reference to our monkey brain – explained here:
(*3) Globally the ‘wellness’ market is worth 3.4 trillion (2014)
(*4) – maybe some exercise or mobility classes at the Lincoln University Recreation Centre?
