SELFCARE

Revolution noun - a sudden, radical, or complete change - Merriam-Webster

Changes and resolutions are hot topics this time of year. With Vocal's Challenge Sleep Resolutions Revolution being the prompt topic, you guessed it. That's why this story is being written.

For decades, a New Year's resolution hasn't been my thing. However, back in 2020 and 2021, my mantra was this too shall pass. Yes! It coincides with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Since so many have lost sleep over issues we have no control over, this is the year to talk about sleep. What are the benefits of sleep? How can we contribute to achieving a good night's sleep? Why sleep self-care is the best resolution revolution for 2022?

Benefits of Sleep

When it comes to your health, sleep is just as important as exercise and the food you eat. Did you know that sleep deprivation could increase your appetite? Eating more calories, do you know what that means? Weight gain! One benefit of sleep is maintaining our weight.

If you are having trouble concentrating, your sleep pattern may be the reason. Indeed, your brain function depends on obtaining proper sleep. As a matter of fact, poor sleep will impair decision-making skills. Logically, a good night's sleep enhances memory and improves your decision-making.

Of course, your physical health depends on sleep. For example, heart disease and high blood pressure have been linked to sleep. If you are sleeping fewer than seven hours, you might be at risk for these health issues.

When it comes to your immune function, your sleep helps to fight against colds and other illnesses. Improving your sleep, you are helping your immune function.

Beware of sleep deprivation! Not to alarm you, but the risk of type 2 diabetes has been linked to sleep deprivation. Get those z's and stay healthy and help your body process sugar.

You can contribute to a better night's sleep by doing the following:

Set the stage! In this case your bedroom, you should eliminate external light and noise. Room temperature does matter. You should test the room temperatures to determine which is best for you. One temperature doesn't fit all! It's whatever works for you! For me, it's 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Electronics and televisions are great; however, they do belong in other rooms. Not in the bedroom! Someone is bound to give you a lot of static regarding the no TV rule.

With a comfortable bedroom setting, your mattress should be of high quality. Replacing your mattress matters, you should change the mattress every eight years. Some people say five years, my preference is between eight to ten years. Besides the mattress, your pillow, bedding should be high quality because it will definitely affect your sleep quality too.

Exercising is an important part of self-care, it does help you achieve a better night's sleep. The best time to do your exercise and workout is during daylight hours. Don't exercise before going to bed.

Since caffeine is a stimulant, you should avoid drinking late in the evening or before going to bed. After drinking caffeine, your might have difficulty relaxing which disrupts your sleep quality. Besides caffeine, drinking any liquid before going to bed, isn't advised. A proper diet is important to self-care. When it comes to your good night's sleep, you don't want to go to bed too hungry or too full.

Taking two melatonin supplement gummies an hour or a half-hour before going to bed, can help improve sleep quality. Speaking of going to bed, you should stick to a schedule. Believe me! That's easier to say, write, or type than to put into practice.

Don't worry about insomnia. It is always disconcerting when you have a sleepless night or two. If symptoms of insomnia last longer than four weeks, you should seek medical help.

Why sleep?

Sleep self-care should be on the top of your resolution revolution list. Because of the Vocal challenge, it's on mine. Why? Because everything starts with yourself and radiates outward. When you are kind to yourself, you can be kind to others. When you are at peace, you can be peaceful with others. Every night before going to bed, you should end your day by saying or thinking of things that you are grateful or thankful for because your health depends on getting a good night's sleep.

Writer's notes: My 2022 mantra is "I AM THANKFUL."

Peace begins with yourself! Thank you for reading my entry into Vocal's Sleep Resolution Challenge.