Want to Sleep Better? 1 of 3 Tips

This is not medical advice. Please see a medical professional.

I don’t have time for sleep deprivation. I simply can not tolerate it–Not. One. Bit. Feeling tired is a complete catastrophe and I can never handle it.

(Please read the HEAVY exaggeration and hyperbole for effect.)

Oftentimes, it’s the error of thinking that we cannot handle being overtired that triggers a cycle of sleep struggles.

We get caught up thinking, “Oh, great. I’m not asleep yet. I only have X number of hours left and that’s going to mean that I won’t be sharp in that meeting, and surely my colleagues will notice, and then I’ll have to play catch-up…” 

We overestimate what might happen if we don’t sleep well, and then we assume that it would be a catastrophe and we don’t have what it takes to handle it. 

It’s exhausting just writing about it.

Tip #1

Tell yourself:

1. I’d like to sleep well tonight, but it’s not the end of the world if I don’t sleep as well as I’d like.

2. I don’t need to fret; I’m an adult who can handle feeling over-tired. 

3. I’ve chosen to get less sleep for less-worthy occasions. (Think about that one concert you attended on a weeknight.) If I handled it then, I can handle it now.

Next tip: Prep Your Nightstand for a Good Night’s Sleep