I live in a rural area in Enugu state. It's very noisy because my house is located at the roadside. Apart from the chirping of birds, all I hear most of the time is the loud groans of vehicles. I am one of those people who can barely sleep at the slightest sound of noise so it's always very difficult for me.
Afternoon sleep is very important to me. It gives me a certain form of renewed strength to get things done after I wake up. Sadly, I can't always sleep in the daytime due to the environmental noise. Living in a three storey building with about fifty (50) occupants is a lot too. We're mostly students and most people go to school during the day but in the evening, just when I feel like I can have some peace and sleep, a different version of noise pollution begins. Loud music, banging of doors, roaring of laughter, noisy walks and what not. All these make sleeping so difficult for me.
The only moment I have peace of mind is at night. This is within the time frame of 11pm-5am. Drivers retire for the night, people retire for the night as well and this gives the environment some calm.
Yesterday I had an insane day. A lot of frustrations due to the change of currency note in Nigeria. I trekked distances to find a means of withdrawal but it was a fruitless journey. Power supply was unavailable too so my gadgets were down. I couldn't communicate with a lot of people. It made me feel so overwhelmed. I got home with a banging headache.
This was my body's way of telling me that I'm worn out and I needed sleep. I struggled to cook and then I ate. I took some painkillers and fell into a really deep sleep afterwards. I turned off my alarm before then so I'll wake up only after my body has rested enough.
My sleeping self
Sleep is my most powerful therapy. Had a rough day? Feeling overwhelmed? Not finding the motivation to get things done? Reading and it's not sticking? All I need to do is sleep. I always feel a ton better after that. Sleep makes my body and my mind relax. Once I wake up, I get to think better and get things done more easily.
I tend to adjust to environments when it comes to my sleeping pattern. While here in school, sleeping at night is the most comfortable. I can't risk trading it for something else. But sometimes, when I'm at my parent's house during the holidays, the pattern changes.
In my parent's house, the environment is much calmer during the day. People go out to work and school children go to school. The house is always quiet during the day so I take advantage of that to sleep peacefully.
In the evening while people troop in from their various destinations and awaken the noise, I wake up and get busy with other things. Once I sleep during the day, sleeping at night gets difficult so I use that to my advantage. I mostly read and write at this time and I do so with ease because I had rested enough during the day. This is how my relationship with sleep goes.
Want to sleep better?
馃憠 Freshen up after a long day. This way you get your body relaxed and ready.
馃憠 Put on comfortable sleeping clothes.
馃憠 Get rid of anything that will disturb your sleep.
馃憠 Know your environment and adjust to it accordingly.
馃憠 Keep your mind decluttered. Overthinking oand worrying makes sleeping difficult.
@anttnCover image created by me using Canva
About The Author
I am a witty, adventurous and nicheless writer who loves to sing, take pictures, teach and travel. I am currently an English Education student at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. I am also a young children's teacher who homeschools kids during holidays. I love to share my life experiences through writing with the hope of inspiring as many people as possible on the Hive space.