Sleep specialist William Dement states that sleep is “the most important predictor of how long you will live and perhaps more important than smoking, exercise or high blood pressure.” More than half of Americans suffer from lack of sleep that can be a direct result of higher stress levels. Sleep deprivation affects your mood, memory, concentration, relationships, judgment, reaction time, and our ability to function at our best. I have seen how poor sleep quality creates stress and havoc in every area of one’s life.
Dr. Rubin Naiman, clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, is quoted saying, “We need to remember that sleep, in addition to providing all the service to waking life, is an event in and of itself”. Experiments have shown that experienced meditators reveal similar brain wave patterns of activity as deep sleep. Sleep along with proper nutrition and exercise is vital for physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing.
While sleep allows the body-mind to release toxins, restore energy and heal, there are also spiritual benefits of sleep. Sleep is not a state of unconsciousness. During sleep we experience a different state of consciousness, we journey to our deeper Self. We connect with our higher realm. Have you ever woken up in the morning with great ideas, feeling inspired or connected to your creativity?
Sleeping Tips:
1. If your have challenges falling asleep try sleeping on your back, which allows organs to relax. Or lie on your right side. Lying down on your left side causes the lungs, stomach and liver to press against the heart making it more difficult to feel comfortable and more difficult to be able to fall asleep.
2. Stop work at least 1-hour before bedtime. Change the mood. Lower the lights, play soft relaxing music with scented candles, and indulge in a warm bath. Reduce unnecessary stress and pamper yourself – you deserve it!
3. Sleep in a dark, cool room (70 degrees or below).