Why should you prioritize your sleep?

Because sleep powers the mind and restores the body.  It’s what we need to function at our best each day.  

According to the National Sleep Foundation, young adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep and older adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

Are you getting in those hours?  

I’ve been reading Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Habits and I was pleased to read he also prioritizes his sleep.  He realizes that in order to perform well in your life, you need sleep.

Here is a quote from his book found on page 115.

“Well, I’ve become successful sleeping only five hours, so sleep isn’t a factor for me”. 

And then his next though was:

“Imagine how much MORE successful I would be with just two more hours of sleep.”

Goosebumps…. He’s right.  How much MORE could I accomplish towards my dreams and goals if I prioritize my sleep?  I know for me, it has changed my life in amazing ways.  I am able to have better relationships with my family, be more present in my life and it has allowed me to be more creative with what I choose to do with my waking hours, because I am rested and ready for anything I set my mind to.

In my blog “The benefits of sleep“, I explain the sleep cycles.

Our bodies are able to function on 5 to 6 hours of sleep.  That’s because when we are in Stage 3 / 4 sleep our physical body is restoring itself.  And this stage of sleep happens more during the beginning of the night.

When we decide to cut our sleep short by only sleeping 5 to 6 hours, we are cutting down on our REM sleep.  Our REM sleep happens more towards the end of the night.  It’s during REM sleep that the magic happens.  It’s where our mental restoration happens.  

Imagine, if you only slept another hour or two how much more rested your mind would be.  A better rested mind allows you to be more alert and aware.  You’ll be able to concentrate better and feel less foggy.  You’ll be able to be present in your life and in the life of others around you.

You don’t have to believe me, try it out for yourself.  Start prioritizing your sleep and see how much better your life can get.

Until next time, sleep tight!