Opening Statement:
Since the age of seven, I’ve had a struggle with getting good sleep on a consistent basis. My sleeping issues started early on in elementary school. Most of my sleeping issues is due to my anxiety, depression, the pain in my back and neck, and constantly worry about my future. What helps me with sleeping is a good long walk if not every day, at least a few times a week. I watch my sugar intake and for the most part, if I do have a small cup of coffee or a flavored latte, I have them early in the day and never after 3:00pm. A good chamomile or sleepy time tea also helps me. I have my nighttime snack at least 1-hour prior to going to sleep and never drink anything right before going to sleep. Additionally, not using my phone just before going to bed also helps as well as turning off my notifications and using the iPhone feature “silencing notifications” so that others know not to bypass that feature and notify me anyway.
Better Sleep Month Awareness
Better Sleep Month takes place in May every year in the United States to spread awareness regarding this important and not discussed as much as it should be. It is observed to encourage people to get adequate sleep daily to get all the benefits it offers. It also shows how poor sleep can disrupt and sometimes ever ruin lives. The days have gone when someone use to brag about how little you sleep but, just like diet and exercise, sleep is crucial to physical, mental, family, and emotional health. A survey conducted by the Better Sleep Council found that two out of three respondents reported impaired sleep due to stress. One night per week, one-third of Americans experience poor sleep at least and 16% are diagnosed with stress-induced insomnia.
History Of Better Sleep Month
· Our sleep schedules are believed to be directly related to mental and physical health. The Better Sleep Council (B.S.C) was established in 1978 and is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association. Its mission is to educate the public about the critical relationship between sleep, good health, and quality of life, as well as the value of the mattress and sleep environment to get a good night’s sleep.
· According to the National Sleep Foundation, 45% of Americans say that poor or insufficient sleep affected their daily activities at least once in the past seven days. The goal of the N.S.F is to celebrate the benefits of good and healthy sleep and draw attention to the burden of sleep problems and promote the prevention and management of sleep disorders.
· Sleep loss, over the years, has become a big public safety hazard every day on the road. Just as drunk driving, drowsiness can slow reaction time as much as driving drunk. These made the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate that fatigue is a cause of 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths a year in the U.S. The Better Sleep Council estimates that $150 billion in lost productivity and absenteeism results from poor sleep. The Better Sleep Council continues to devise ways to drop the stats as they know that getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night has a long list of benefits, such as helping you maintain a healthy weight, concentrate more easily, feel energized, and protect your long-term health.
Better Sleep Month Timeline
1. 1700s - The Industrial Revolution
a. Laborers adjust their sleeping schedules to one long rest due to the Industrial Revolution.
2. 1978 - The B.S.C
a. The Better Sleep Council is established.
3. 1963 - Dream Theory
a. Carl Jung publishes his book “Memories, Dreams, Reflections” and theorizes the importance of dreams.
4. 1990 - The National Sleep Foundation is Formed
a. The National Sleep Foundation is formed to promote a healthy lifestyle.
How To Observe Better Sleep Month
1. Get a comfy mattress
a. Get a comfy mattress to celebrate Better Sleep Month. They do wonders for sleep patterns as a non-to-comfy mattress can cause problems.
2. Spread awareness
a. Spread awareness about the month. It helps to bring others in on the celebration.
3. Go to Sleep early
a. Celebrate the month by sleeping early. Sleeping the required seven to eight hours daily has enormous benefits to be enjoyed by everyone.
5 Important Facts About Sleep
1. 15% of the population are sleepwalkers according to the National Sleep Foundation.
2. Sleep deprivation kills faster than food deprivation. While none of them is positive, sleep deprivation kills faster.
3. 50% of dreams are forgotten, so you might want to write down your dream as soon as you wake up because 50% would be forgotten in the next five minutes of you being awake.
4. Falling asleep should take approximately 15 minutes. You are sleep-deprived if you fall asleep in five minutes or less.
5. Humans spend one-third of their life sleeping. Although, that might seem to be a lot, humans use a third of their lives to sleep.
Closing Statement:
It is a fact that everyone needs good sleep, relaxation time, and good rest. You also need time to decompress, take a few days off at least every 4 to 6 weeks. Take time out for “YOU” and do something good and relaxing for “YOU.” Take advantage of your down time and don’t be afraid to be by yourself, listen and look at the beautiful scenic views down by the ocean or bay. Trust me, although it can be hard to do, just try it, it will relax you and help you get a better sleep.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and personal experiences
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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