Sleep now!

Everything needs its power source to function- cars require their fuel, robots require batteries, and humans need their sleep. And yet. Our relationship with sleep is anything but sound. Sleep is the luxury you reward yourself with upon completing your tasks. Sleep is the prize you get as a functioning human being. You walk around keeping ‘early bird’ and ‘late to the bed’ as your badges of honor

But before you go ahead for your fourth cup of coffee, let's take a step back. Did you know the way we think about sleep is deeply flawed? Here's something interesting: Sleep is not a luxury. Sleep is a necessity. Sleep is not something you allow yourself after working for sixteen hours straight. Sleep is not a prize for working hard. And you know what? You cannot put a snooze button on sleeping night after night. Even as we are not machines, a night of good sleep is what is standing between being ourselves and being sleepless zombie-like versions of ourselves. It is high time we open our eyes to the alarming reality. A sleepless catastrophe nears us. It inches closer, night by night. Insomnia and hypersomnia are becoming more common than ever. It no longer seems out of the blue to sleep for only two or three hours a night. It no longer feels unhealthy to us to go about without sleeping for days. A culture that demonizes sleep does not have our best interests at heart.

So how do we fix our relationship with sleep? The most important point in our checklist has to be wary of the narratives that commodify time. For it is these very narratives that make us feel guilty about sleeping. We need to stop feeling guilty about wanting to rest. Keep this refrain in hand: Sleep is not a luxury. It is something I need to exist as the most authentic version of myself. Once you stop seeing sleep as your enemy, there are several ways through which you can invite it back into your bedchambers. Here are a few habits you could incorporate to sleep like a bébé:

● Routine-it-up!: Setting a routine for your waking and sleeping hours can do wonders with your sleeping patterns. A routine will help you create an order and track the amount of rest you’re getting. Remember, take at least seven-eight hours of sleep every night!

● Nip the Nap habit in the bud: Sleeping during the day causes sleeplessness during the night. Try to avoid taking naps during the day as much as possible. If you have to, make sure they don’t exceed over 40 minutes.

● Let there be no light: The blue light in our devices often confuses our circadian rhythms. By limiting your light exposure, and in turn your device exposure, you’re likely to fall asleep faster. Try to stop using any devices at least one or two hours before you fall asleep. Read a book, take a walk, or listen to some soothing music instead. Bonus: This will also stop you from scrolling *** or crushing candies till 3 AM.

● Working Out works: Physical Movement or Exercising during the day is a proven way to get better sleep. Take a quiet walk before falling asleep. Or engage in some physical activities. The endorphins released would also help improve self-esteem and reduce stress.

● Less Coffee, More Sleepy: Substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine have adverse effects on our sleeping patterns. Try to avoid having these substances in the evening. Instead, you could invest in some soothing herbal tea or turmeric latte.

● Talk Out Loud: Share your struggles. Pain often lessens when we share our thoughts or stress with someone else. Find support for your overwhelming thoughts. This will help keep your mind clearer and in turn, will help you sleep quicker.

● Art helps to cathart: If you’re not comfortable talking about your thoughts, you can always write or doodle. Writing, painting, or dancing gives you great catharsis. Engage in activities that you enjoy. This will also help you make sense of your thoughts and improve your sleep quality.

● Let’s Count Sheep: To get better sleep, you need to find a way to relax. Finding a centering exercise can help you sleep much better. You could engage in zen art or write poetry. You could read a book, listen to a podcast, or simply count some sheep.

● Meditate: Meditation is a proven way to improve your sleep and your mental health. Just sit down, and relax your muscles. Follow the intoxicating rhythm of breathing. Get lost in the sound of your breath. Begin your journey to feeling one with yourself.

We all have dreams we want to achieve- things we want to do. But for you to get to live your dreams, you have to dream first. So the next time you feel guilty about wanting to rest, take a deep breath. It is okay to put yourself first. Remind yourself, Sleep is a necessity. Sleep is what made us into dreamers, after all