“I’ll sleep when I’m dead…”
…said, so many of us.
This holiday season is filled with parties, family, alcohol, and you guessed it… little sleep! I don’t know about you, but I have been go, go, go. Last week, I canceled plans to go to a friend’s baking party, because I was literally the epitome of a zombie. Guilt was real, because I really wanted to drink champagne and smell like pastries and have girl time. However, I took a nap when I got home, and even went to bed somewhat early. Then, I slept even more. This is the first holiday season where I am not married or am traveling across the country to see family. A few weeks ago, I was a little sad about that. However, once Christmas Day came, I felt so relieved! I could rest and do what I wanted. It was a nice break.
Do I really need to sleep? How much sleep do we (adults) need?
The science folks say 7–9 hours. I really like “the more, the merrier”, here.
I’m sick! How does sleep help heal?
Without those several hours of Zzz’s, decrease of physical and cognitive abilities, moodiness, and emotion instability can be LOUD. Also, if you do not sleep, you are more prone to infection (or not recovering from one), acne and skin dullness, mend a broken bone, or even have a healthy libido.
I packed on a few pounds from the Christmas cookies. Can I lose them in January?
You can start now by getting solid slumber now and reducing the dreaded elevated Cortisol levels. When Cortisol spikes, insulin, and glucose spike, and tells our body we need supplementation (food). Hello, weight gain! This stress hormone is really important for many functions in our body, but too much of it can cause a series of unfortunate events. Deep sleep can “scrub” our brain and rid itself of excess Cortisol, other hormones, and toxins.
Remember to take care of YOU, this and every season. And napping is encouraged.
References
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
