I once worked in a research laboratory not far from where I lived. One day, I was so tired, but there was a complicated experiment planned for the afternoon. I decided to go back home to have a nap before the experiment. That was the best decision I have ever made. I still remember the rosy sunshine and positive feeling that radiated on me on the way back to the lab and the clarity and sharpness I felt.
I always believe that there are things in life, and if you do them regularly, will maximize every other effort you make. Sleep is one of these things. And you should have sufficient sleep every day.
There are plenty of articles online listing the benefits of sleep. I will tell you about my own experience.
There are three biggest benefits that I want to use to convince you that sleep is one of the most important aspects in life you want to take control of.
1. Sufficient sleep makes you feel positive about life.
A baby cries for mostly two things, tiredness, and hungriness. As an adult, we can eat, literally all the time, so feeling hungry is not a problem. However, an adult can be easily irritated due to the lack of sleep. I am grumpy and picky toward people around me when I slept badly. I also do not feel very hopeful about what I am trying to achieve. The sleepless life becomes a black hole sucking away all the lights, leaving you lifeless. Sleep is not for the weak nor the lazy. Being able to stop is the only way to be faster.
Sleep rejuvenates your mind and elevates your mood. When you feel positive about life, life becomes a positive experience for you. When you are positive and happy, you also attract positive and happy people and opportunities. And the positive feedbacks go on.
I was once convinced that the only way to be successful is to wake up at 5 a.m. and have a robust morning routine. So for almost a year, I woke up at 5 a.m. every day. I drink apple cider vinegar, exercise, meditate and write. There was nothing wrong with all these. I did feel a strong sense of control in my life and even a heroic feeling at the very beginning. However, because of family life, I could not sleep earlier. As a result, I was severely sleep deficient. By the end of that year, I was not only a very unpleasant person to be around, but I was also depressed. I can honestly admit that I have not achieved anything more than what I normally could. Perhaps waking up on the break of dawn is one of the lives secretes for some, but please do not attempt it at the sacrifice of your sleep!
2. Sleep makes you look and feel younger.
One of my favourite skincare gurus once said: ageing is not a sad thing but an honour, just think about all the people who had not had the privilege to live up to your age. I agree. However, at the same time, I religiously moisturise my skin, and from time to time, have a go at the latest skincare trends. Wanting to look younger is in our DNA.
Sleep is one of the most effective anti-ageing treatments you can purchase without money. Sleep reduces the dullness of complexion, boosts collagen production and gives your face a lift. Sleep brightens your eyes. A happy and well-rested face takes years away.
Sleep also helps to energise and shape your body. When you are lacking sleep, your brain demands more glucose for stimulation, making you snack. Sufficient sleep reduces food cravings and better dietary choices. Sleep and a positive mood (point number one) also encourage you to exercise more and go out to nature more, both of which help to maintain healthy body weight.
3. sleep improves learning, problem solving and creativity.
Most of the things you learned in the day are consolidated during sleep, via a process that physically builds up tiny connections between your brain cells, to form a long-term memory. When you sleep, your body also recycles “left-over” proteins, such as amyloid beta, which, if left to accumulate, can form plagues that are considered major causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
When you are well rested, you are less stressed, less afraid, and less in the “fight or flight” mode, which helps you to think clearly and work efficiently. When encountering a problem that seems so unsolvable, the best strategy is actually to sleep on it. And the second day, you will almost always find another angle to tackle the challenge and to find solutions. A well-rested brain helps you to think slowly and thoroughly, which Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel prize-winning economist, considers best for making decisions.
I want to add, sleep also increases our creativities. Dreams are not confined by any physical laws. In dreams, our subconscious minds explore other dimensions of reality and imagination. I often feel fascinated by these dreams that I can not stop wondering what are other meanings and functions of them are: Are they real portals to connect you to the multi-verse?
To form a good sleep habit, you need an evening routine that you enjoy, which relaxes you and gives you a cue for sleep.
I clean my face, brush my teeth and pat on creams and hopes on my face.
I write in my diary and read.
The light is off.
I close my eyes and start to imagine a completely different world where I am young, magical, brave, and powerful.
I love, hate, cry and laugh…… just like in this world.
Good Night!
Guest on the snow mountain 