health

“We truly live in sensory overload. The biggest culprits, of course, are our beloved and dreaded smartphones. Putting our phones down is so hard. But the ‘Ists’ tell us that the general anxiety increase so many of us experience around phone usage is usually because of exhausting over-stimulation rather than the content that’s necessarily absorbed. Looking down in a slumped posture with a glaring light, darting images, noise and speed-reading content can’t help but keep the brain frenzied and wired. Without sensory rest, we can’t control the overwhelm.”

I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You, by Miranda Hart

So, you’ve read Part 1 and Part 2.

You know all about the Pink Elephant Paradox. You know you cannot control sleep. You’re no longer getting into a tizz, looking for patterns and secrets in a quest for the holy grail of good sleep.

And now you’re a non-judgemental, compassionate detective/scientist, challenging unhelpful thinking and allaying unfounded fears.

I think you’re ready for the next sleep-gems. So I have one question for you…

Q: Why do sleeping pills often work?

Continue reading Your sleep is not broken – Part 3

“Emotional rest might mean finding moments to feel how we feel. Letting emotions move through us, sharing an experience. I know, for instance, if I don’t have a little cry every few days, then I’m probably keeping things in. That’s just me. I need a regular weep, joyful or otherwise.”

I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You, by Miranda Hart

For my first few of sleep-gems, read my last post.

Did you try the Pink Elephant experiment?

Did you try staying awake even though you were tired?

How did that work out?

Ready for my next few sleep-gems?

Continue reading Your sleep is not broken – Part 2

“I know I’m not alone in the sometimes-ludicrous worry of, “I must get 8 hours sleep!” And if I wake up and it’s been 7 hours and 46 minutes, “Oh God, the day’s ruined!”

I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You, by Miranda Hart

I’ve always loved sleep. Bedtime is possibly my favourite time of day. You’re thinking, “She’s crazy!” right?  – Perhaps!

Stay with me … I’m going to challenge your thinking!

Growing up, my days were predictable: I woke up, went to school, played outside, and ate at mealtimes. I was sent to bed at the sound of the 8 o’clock news. I got a concessionary cuddle and a few pages of a book. And just like that, I was asleep (out cold for at least 10 hours) before I knew it. Sleep was never a concern.

So, what went wrong?

Continue reading Your sleep is not broken – Part 1