We most recently discussed the Web of Health and how it directly related to sleeping problems, sleep and digestion and overall diet and sleep. We have articulated numerous methods to get better sleep. We have discussed mental health and sleep energy levels and then covered methods for finding our most healthy sleep. We saw how the Web of Health together with the relationships in our lives directly affect us finding our most natural nocturnal rhythm. Today we’re going to talk about getting better sleep with a better schedule.
Everybody is wired different. Some of us prefer to go to retire late and rise well after the sun is already sitting high in the sky. For others it is the opposite. There has been an ongoing debate as to which tactic results in better sleep and all around health, but I believe that as long as you get enough of the right kind of sleep (deep REM sleep) and live a healthy lifestyle, you will be rewarded with excellent health. Either way, it’s important to touch upon a few points in regard to these two different types of sleep patterns.
Early Riser
I myself am an early riser, as was my father and his father before him. You could say it’s in my genes. I must admit, I am thankful this is my nature because, for me, morning is the best time of the day. Less people are awake, even nature herself is still getting settled. It is the early morning when I feel most at peace and when focus comes easy.
Rising early provides a jump on the day and a feeling that I am more prepared for what the coming hours might have in store. If getting up early is something you already do or would like to start doing, here are some tips to help you maintain the schedule while getting the deep sleep you need.
Ease into it
Don’t just start getting up two hours earlier. If you do this, you will crash and burn. Begin by going to bed fifteen to thirty minutes earlier each night, and rising earlier in the morning with the minutes to match. Maintain that routine for a week or so and then adjust it some more. Do this until you are waking up at the desired timewhile still getting all the sleep your body needs.
Don’t go to bed too early
Don’t overdo it. It isn’t that you can get up too early so much as that you can go to bed before it’s time. This has more to do with practicality than health. Since most people go to bed between 10 and 11, there are often important things taking place within a few hours of this time. For example, say some friends wanted to have you over for dinner. If you are going to bed every night at 8 PM, it makes it difficult to visit and still make your curfew.
Be aware of reality when drafting your schedule so you will be setting yourself up for greater success.
Finding your best schedule is essential to finding your best sleep, but if I can find my best sleep, so can you!
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