I’ve Perfected the Art of Sleep…And So Can You

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Life can throw some serious curveballs—like a series of family health issues, an insomniac partner with bizarre bedtime habits, the ups and downs of freelance life, and a bad back injury, to name a few. All of this coincided with the rise of social media, creating a perfect storm for sleepless nights. One day, I woke up (too late, of course) and realized my sleep, and my life, were spiraling out of control.

When sleep eludes you, it’s not just your mood that suffers; your creativity and memory take a hit too. I simply couldn’t accept that kind of decline—my livelihood depended on it. In your 20s, it’s pretty easy to bounce back from a few sleepless nights filled with partying or late-night work. I remember pulling all-nighters during grad school, managing to juggle social outings, work, and classes like a pro. Oh, to be that version of myself again!

But once you hit 30, keeping up that pace becomes a whole different ball game—even with a coffee habit that feels like an IV drip. Sure, having a baby crying through the monitor complicates matters, but it’s also a fact that our bodies aren’t designed for the long haul past 30. Once we start living our “real lives,” we face the irony of decline.

Embracing Sleep as a Priority

Sleep is crucial—it’s when your brain detoxes and files away memories. Quality sleep is fundamental to health; without it, you face weight gain, depression, and a weakened immune system. Knowing how vital sleep is for me, I became my own research project. Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety meds were out of the question; I’m super sensitive to medication. So, I explored alternatives, including my quirky orange welder’s glasses. (More on that soon!)

It’s no secret that our tech-obsessed lives are detrimental—making us lonely, anxious, and, let’s face it, a bit narcissistic. We all know that scrolling through Facebook and Instagram can mess up our sleep patterns, but it’s the blue light from our devices that really wreaks havoc on our circadian rhythms. When blue light hits your retina, your body thinks it’s morning, throwing off your natural sleep cycle.

After reading a Harvard Medical School article, I promptly ordered my funky orange glasses. They block out the blue light from all my devices, allowing me to stay connected without sacrificing sleep. Now I can binge-watch my favorite shows, engage on social media, or even like that kale smoothie pic without worrying about my sleep.

Transforming My Sleep Environment

Next up: I focused on creating a dark, serene sleep space. Though I could sleep with some light, I learned that it wasn’t as restful as I thought. So, I invested in blackout curtains and even sewed my old ones into them for an extra layer of darkness. This setup not only blocks out light but also noise from the street. I covered any devices that emit light, so my bedroom is like a cozy, dark cave. Guests sometimes joke about how dark it is, but I adore it! If blackout curtains aren’t an option, a quality sleep mask can do wonders too.

Caffeine: My Best Friend and Worst Enemy

I mourned the day I realized I had become more sensitive to caffeine. I had a little chat with the universe—was I really supposed to give up my beloved afternoon iced cappuccino? Unfortunately, yes. Now, I stick to coffee in the morning and enjoy it to the fullest since I know it’s my last fix until the next day. On weekends, I’ll indulge in a cold brew, and during the week, I turn to matcha tea for a gentler caffeine boost.

A Few Additional Sleep Tips

• Keep your bed reserved for sleep and intimacy only—no reading, TV, or email scrolling allowed.
• Have an orgasm before bed, whether solo or with a partner; the oxytocin released is a natural sedative.
• Get natural light exposure in the morning to help regulate your internal clock. If your routine keeps you indoors, try stepping outside for a few minutes to soak up some rays.
• Treat yourself to an evening bath. No matter how hectic life gets, you deserve a moment of relaxation. Add Epsom salts for a calming soak, and don’t forget your favorite essential oil.
• For the ladies, consider exploring “Lunaception,” a theory that syncs your sleep cycle with the moon’s phases—it’s said to benefit both sleep and hormone balance.
• I installed software that adjusts my screen’s light as the sun sets. If you only try one thing from this list, make it this one—it’s easy and free.

Sweet dreams!

In summary, prioritizing sleep can transform your life. From creating a sleep sanctuary to managing light exposure and caffeine intake, taking control of your sleep habits is essential for overall wellness. And if you’re exploring pregnancy options, check out this informative resource on intrauterine insemination, or consider a fertility booster for men to support your journey.