The Myth of Sleep

Here’s some food for thought around sleep and how quality over quantity is better. If you stress about not getting your recommended 8 hours beauty sleep. DON’T.  

Latest research suggests that this is, in fact a myth.

In days when there was:

• no electricity 
• no facebook,
• no blue light that switches on mysteriously during the night
• no television
• no email
• no technology

We slept from dusk to dawn.  People read or wrote by candle light and which didn’t over stimulate the brain as seen with computers and television.

In generations past they slept in what is known as segmented sleep. Where the natural rhythm of sleep was: sleep for four hours, wake for two, sleep for four.  

In the waking hours, it was custom to talk, read, have sex, meditate and pray.

The invention of the 8-hour sleeping recommendation was created out of necessity and convenience.  

Some people can get so stressed as they lay awake at night about not getting their “8 hours”.  As the clock ticks away the more agitated they get.

Natural Rhythms 

It’s natural sometimes to wake during the night – it’s part of our natural sleep cycle. We can be processing our day, emotions or even finding inspiration through the sleep cycle. Which cycles every 45 mins.

If you’re naturally waking, give yourself a break. Understand that it may simply mean that your physiology doesn’t fit the modern day mould.

You can find your own natural rhythm and work our what works for you.

You can use this time productively. Y0u can write a list of to-do’s,  meditate, write. Working out why you’re not sleeping and what’s truly bothering you can change the way to think about sleep. 

Here are simple tips to make your sleep cycle as “stress free” as possible.

• Waking during the night is part of our sleep cycle
• There are other ways to rest the mind and body
• Shut off technological stimulation at least 2 hours before bed
• Exercise before bed or even take a bath
• Find your own natural rhythm and be ok with that.
• Some of us can structure our day around rest period. Young Mums especially or though many seldom do. Every now and then we need to surrender to what our body is telling us and it’s so important to rest.
• If you’re drained and tired, treat yourself to consecutive early nights. It will change your life.  
• Regular bodywork can also help. Of course, Bowen, Tissue Salts and Flower Essences are great for this.

Getting short or broken good quality sleep is better than crappy sleep. Sleep rests our brains and regulates our central nervous system.  Resting as apposed to sleeping can be just as effective. 

Bowen Therapy can sync the mind and heart and reconnect you without moving through any story or mental obsession. It can bring you back to you so you can fall and stay a sleep easily.

If you find that neither of what’s suggested here helps, be sure to reach out.

Sweet Dreams

Trace

Magnesium can also be a great supplement to help you settle at night – Check out My blog about this here.

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