Sleep, stress and your energy
Before you blame yourself for feeling tired, look at your sleep and the load you carry each day. Your energy isn’t just a question of willpower.
Between work, home, children and family, many women are the last to sleep and the first to wake. Then we wonder why we have no energy to exercise, cook, or even talk. Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation of everything else.
How much do we need?
Most adults need seven hours or more each night. That may not be possible every day, but getting closer, even by half an hour, makes a difference you can feel.
Small habits for calmer sleep
- Keep your wake-up time steady when you can, even at weekends.
- Ease off tea and coffee after mid-afternoon.
- Put your phone away half an hour before bed. Swap it for a book, a prayer or a few gentle stretches.
- Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and on the cool side.
Stress steals sleep
When your mind is full of tasks, your body struggles to settle. Before bed, try writing down three things on your mind and one small step for each tomorrow. Then breathe slowly: in for four counts, out for six, five times.
Movement helps
A twenty-minute walk in daylight helps many people sleep better at night. You don’t need a hard workout. Gentle movement is enough.
If sleeplessness lasts for weeks, your partner notices loud snoring or pauses in your breathing, or you feel a sadness that won’t lift, talk to your doctor. Asking for help is a strength.