I value my sleep
My favorite thing in the world is sleeping. I know it seems corny or over the top, but I really can't get enough of it. One of my favorite sensations is when I wake up feeling rejuvenated from a restful night's sleep, closely followed by the first taste of coffee in the morning and slipping into clean bedding at night. It's complete happiness.
That's why I prioritize sleep above just about everything else in my life. Making sure I get 8-9 hours every single night is non-negotiable for me. I structure my entire schedule and lifestyle around ensuring I can get to bed early and wake up feeling totally refreshed.
Even on the weekends, 9 or 10 p.m. is when I should be in bed. Although most people think that's absurdly early, I actually look forward to going to bed at that hour. I get into my sleep routine around 8:30 or 9 o'clock at night; I turn out the lights, put away my electronics, brew a cup of herbal tea, and sometimes I even take a hot shower. I then tuck myself into my comfortable bed and read a book till I nod off. Heaven on earth!
My friends and family always tease me for being a full-fledged grandma with my early bedtime habits. They'll extend invitations to go out at night and be genuinely shocked when I decline because "it's already my bedtime!" But I don't pay them any mind. Protecting my sleep is way more important to me than nights out on the town.
That's because I have firsthand knowledge with how miserable sleep deprivation makes me feel. I turn into a walking zombie if I go several nights without getting more than 7 hours. My mood drops, I get forgetful and inattentive at work, I get ravenous for junk food, and I feel exhausted all around. I always end up on an unhealthy path that is difficult to get off of when I let my sleep go.
Of course, there are occasions when job or social obligations compel me to remain up later than I would like. But I detest it so much when that occurs because I know it will have a bad effect on me the following day. I do my best to steer clear of those circumstances and give my sleep pattern top priority. When I do occasionally stray from my routine, I make sure to get up extra early the next night in order to make up for it and reset my sleep cycle.
Sleeping past seven in the morning just makes my entire day chaotic. I am depressed and feel lazy and uninspired. Regardless of the time I ultimately went to bed, if I get up late, it is difficult for me to be constructive and optimistic. I get inebriated in the morning hours, when I work best, and I never feel quite right.
My friends joke that I'm an old lady for going to bed so early. And sure, maybe my preferences around sleep are a bit extreme compared to most people my age. But in my opinion, high quality sleep is just as crucial as diet and exercise for living a healthy, happy life. I have zero shame about prioritizing it so highly. Being well-rested is one of the greatest feelings in the world!
So while others may judge my grandma bedtime habits, I know I'm making the right choice to set myself up for daily success and wellbeing. Getting up at dawn after a long, rejuvenating night of sleep is the key to me being the very best version of myself. No amount of societal pressure will stop me from protecting my sleep schedule
Thank you so much for reading my post.
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