27: Sleep Habits for Less Overwhelm
How did you sleep last night?
In today's episode, I tackle a common struggle women experience — exhaustion and quality sleep.
You'll also hear some of my own experiences with finding my way to a good night’s sleep. It all stemmed from my own journey from chasing busyness as a status symbol. It took me a while to learn that I needed to focus on getting a solid night's sleep.
I used to fall asleep easily, but then I'd wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to get back to sleep. Hormones and allergies also played a role, so I underwent some testing, which was really beneficial.
While productivity was once tied to my self-worth, chronic exhaustion ultimately made daily life difficult to manage.
Chronic sleep deprivation has physiological and psychological effects, which can lead to sugar and processed carb cravings. Reaching for that second cup of coffee might feel good in the moment, but it can affect our sleep later.
Listen in for some actionable advice to help you improve your sleep habits.
Takeaways:
Sleep is a foundational keystone habit: Prioritizing sleep makes managing stress, maintaining energy, and solving problems much easier.
Consistency is key to solid sleep: Establish a consistent wake-up time and work backward to set a regular bedtime, sticking to it for several weeks to regulate your circadian rhythm.
Daytime habits impact nighttime sleep: Limit caffeine intake (especially after noon/2 pm) and incorporate exercise earlier in the day.
Explore underlying factors: Consult your doctor to rule out any potential medical issues, such as allergies or hormonal imbalances.
Manage stress: Stress significantly impacts sleep quality; identifying and addressing stressors in your life, and even considering cognitive behavioral therapy, can greatly improve rest.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Overwhelm Care Podcast
00:12 The Importance of Sleep
02:03 Personal Sleep Struggles and Solutions
03:55 Medical Interventions and Lifestyle Adjustments
06:07 Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
15:19 Establishing a Consistent Sleep Routine
20:33 Daytime Habits for Better Sleep
22:43 Supplements and Medical Advice
24:37 Addressing Stress and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
26:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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