The initial question I pose to every client is simple yet revealing: ‘How many hours of sleep do you get each night?’ Rarely do I receive a straightforward numeric response like ‘seven’ or ‘eight.’
More often, this inquiry sparks a conversation, typically bifurcating into two distinct attitudes. On one side, there are those who proudly declare, ‘I manage to get around 8 hours most nights,’ highlighting their commitment to rest. On the other, some respond with a hint of defiance, asserting, ‘I don’t really need much sleep,’ often revealing an undervalued perspective on sleep’s importance.
Many years ago, I was firmly in the camp that trivialized the importance of sleep. That perspective shifted dramatically after reading a transformative book about the essence of sleep. This reading experience didn’t just change my habits; it revolutionized my life. However, this wasn’t an overnight transformation. It unfolded gradually, over months, as I came to truly understand the critical importance of sleep hygiene.
In my mid-50s, I encountered a worrying phase of brain fog and noticeable forgetfulness. This experience was frankly unsettling, and I found myself grappling with anxiety about my future, especially concerning my capacity to continue my coaching practice for another decade or more. It was Matthew Walker’s enlightening YouTube videos that sparked my curiosity about the science of sleep. After digging into his work, I experienced a remarkable transformation over the ensuing months. The brain fog dissipated, and my memory reclaimed its former sharpness, all thanks to implementing Walker’s sleep strategies. Now, I consistently prioritize 7 to 7½ hours of sleep daily, a routine that has become a cornerstone of my personal well-being.
Sleep Is #1
Sleep is far more than a passive state; it is a fundamental component of our health and well-being. My journey through Matthew Walker’s ‘Why We Sleep‘ has been incredibly enlightening. I aim to share some key insights and actionable advice from this compelling book. My comments here will be succinct, as Walker’s work is rich with vital information. It serves as a crucial reminder that proper sleep is the most significant activity we engage in daily. This statement is not hyperbole but a testament to the profound impact of sleep on our lives.
Here are my top 10 takeaways from Why We Sleep
- The Lifespan Link: One startling revelation is the direct correlation between sleep duration and lifespan. Walker notes that shorter sleep often leads to a shorter life. This underscores the importance of not just the quantity but also the quality of our sleep.
- The Dangers of Drowsy Driving: Alarmingly, drowsy driving causes more accidents in the U.S. than those caused by alcohol and drugs combined. This fact alone should be a wake-up call (pun intended) about the often-ignored risks of insufficient sleep.
- Sleep’s Evolutionary Mystery: Walker intriguingly points out that if sleep doesn’t serve a vital function, it’s a significant evolutionary error. This statement hints at the deep biological necessity of sleep, far beyond just resting our bodies.
- Sleep: A Health Reset Button: Think of sleep as a reset button for your brain and body health. It’s a natural healer, more potent than most people realize.
- Understanding Sleep Mechanics: Our sleep cycle is governed by a 24-hour internal clock and a sleep-inducing chemical, adenosine, which accumulates the longer we’re awake.
- Circadian Rhythm’s Length: Interestingly, the average human circadian cycle is slightly longer than 24 hours. This finding highlights the importance of regular sleep patterns to stay in sync with our natural rhythm.
- The Role of Daylight: Daylight helps reset our internal clock, emphasizing the significance of natural light exposure for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.
- Caffeine’s Impact on Sleep: Caffeine, the world’s most widely used stimulant, significantly affects sleep. It has a half-life of five to seven hours, meaning it can disrupt your sleep even if consumed in the afternoon.
- Self-Medicating Sleep Deprivation: If you need caffeine to function in the morning, you might be self-medicating chronic sleep deprivation. It’s a sign to reevaluate your sleep habits.
- The Role of REM and NREM Sleep: REM and NREM sleep play different but complementary roles in brain health and memory consolidation.
Some of Mathew’s Advice for Better Sleep:
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. (7 is a minimum, not an aspiration.)
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. (Ugh, I know, but try it!)
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. (Learn about the half-life of caffeine)
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: dark, cool, and quiet.
- Reduce screen time before bed to minimize blue light exposure, which can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
- Consider relaxation techniques or a bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
The book “Why We Sleep” is a treasure trove of insights, reminding us that sleep is a fundamental pillar of our health. By understanding its profound impact and adjusting our habits accordingly, we can enhance not just our health but our overall quality of life.
Lastly, I want to respond to those who truly believe that they can live on six or less hours a day of sleep. Yes, you can. But you have no idea of the powers that you could attain unless you bring that to at least 7 hours for 6 months – not one or two weeks, but 6 full months. Then, tell me your life hasn’t changed.
