World Sleep Day (or Make Sleep Health a Priority!)

Did you know that our brains are surprisingly active while we sleep? They are busy filing away memories, cleaning out toxins and even solving problems. That’s why sometimes we wake up with solutions we couldn’t find the day before!

Sleeping is something we all do, but do we all do it well?

World Sleep Day* is on March 14th, and this year’s theme is “Make Sleep Health a Priority.“ Here is my tiny contribution to this mighty conversation.

How Many Hours Do You Currently Sleep at Night?

The sweet spot is to sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. The first 90 minutes after you hit the sack are the most healing and rejuvenating, and you get bonus replenishment points if you complete that phase before midnight. Easier said than done!

Humans are the only mammals that deliberately delay sleep, despite being the ones needing it most for cognitive function… and here I am delaying mine to finish this article!!

The Quality of Our Sleep Matters as Much as the Quantity

Quality sleep involves moving through different sleep cycles where our bodies and minds perform essential maintenance:

• Deep sleep is our body’s repair shop, fixing everything from muscle tears to immune system updates.  
• REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is our brain’s version of a therapy session, where we process emotions and file away memories.

For women experiencing menopause, sleep can become an elusive friend. Hot flushes and night sweats can turn peaceful, restorative sleep into restless adventures. A survey report from the Fawcett Society (May 2022) shows that up to 81% of women report sleep disturbances during perimenopause and menopause, making it one of the most common symptoms of this life transition.

Let’s Make Sleep a Priority

Consider these 4 strategies:

– Create a bedtime routine (yes, adults need one too!)

– Keep your bedroom cool around 18°C (or have a cold-water bottle nearby).

– Give your phone a bedtime before yours (those notifications will wait).

– Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing (counting sheep is optional).

Quality sleep isn’t a nice-to-have; it is our body’s reset button!

Give your sleep some gentle, tender loving care this month, as it is ‘the best medicine, ’ and dare to be the change you want to see in your organisation, family, community, and life! 

* Reference: https://worldsleepday.org/toolkit

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LIVING GENTLY NO MATTER WHAT

You’ve reached that phase in life where:

• Your thermostat is more unpredictable than the weather
• Your brain is as foggy as the South Downs on a winter morning 
• Your mood swings are as vertiginous as the pendulum ride on Brighton Pier

Mid-Life Doesn’t Have to be Wild and Mad!

Old stories and past traumas often resurface during menopause, bringing unexpected emotional landscapes. Together, we can turn these unfamiliar territories into a gentle self-discovery, mastering your inner pressure cooker with grace!

I can offer you 1-1 personalised coaching and emotional transformation.

Yes, it is time to be MAD (Make A Difference)

Get in touch: [email protected] – 07947 319 362