I guess this is like a little rant, on the topic of sleep. We all know how important it is, I think, and yet so many people seem to have trouble with it. There are studies galore about how sleep deprivation affects us. To name but a few:
aching muscles, confusion, memory lapses or loss, depression, hallucinations, hand tremors, headaches, bloodshot eyes, periorbital puffiness, commonly known as “bags under eyes” or eye bags, increased blood pressure, increased stress hormone levels, increased risk of diabetes, increased risk of fibromyalgia, irritability, nystagmus (rapid involuntary rhythmic eye movement), obesity, temper tantrums in children (probably in adults as well), yawning
(more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_deprivation )
So often I hear from friends, either directly, or via FB status, that they have trouble sleeping to varying degrees, or have insomnia. My first reaction is always to want to say all kinds of comforting things like of course you can sleep, and I know you can make yourself sleep, and blah blah blah fucking blah, but the truth is I very very rarely have trouble sleeping, and I am routinely shocked, saddened, and appalled at the number of people who do so. It is truly truly disturbing. Sleep is so so so so so important. We cheat ourselves in so many ways by underestimating it. In our modern times it has often been a symbol of pride “oh I can get by on 3 hours” much the same as the American CEO who takes 2 weeks vacation for all 50 working years of his life, and is never ever sick. Sleep. Will yourself. Do everything possible. Turn everything off. Relax. Showers. No caffeine. Meditate. Deep breath. Do whatever it fucking takes. Drugs and alcohol if necessary. But sleep. Sleep deep, and well and feel the flights of angels whisk you off to the nether nether where the ethereal mix of fantasy and reality leave you wondering where you were once you awake and what was real and what was not.