Leadership Thought #437 – Why Can’t You Sleep?

Leadership Thought #437 – Why Can’t You Sleep?

I have a suspicion that most people are like me when it comes to sleep. You read countless articles telling you about the importance of sleep and that you need 8 hours of rest each night, and you wonder who the lucky people are who consistently achieve this objective. I know I feel fortunate if I get 6 hours of uninterrupted slumber (which is rare). Usually, I manage to survive with significantly less sleep than the recommended amount. Moreover, the sleep I do get is often in batches rather than a single, uninterrupted episode. I have tried many different things, including sticking to a regular schedule, increasing my exercise, limiting my drinking, etc., and nothing seems to work. I guess that at some point, you must accept your biological clock rather than fight it. So far, I have done okay in my 48 years, being below average in the sleep category.

However, I do pay attention to what keeps me up at night. Is it my normal routine or something different? There are nights when my mind is racing, and I have learned to heed this signal. My brain is processing something I need to address, and until I take action, there is no rest. Rather than begrudging the fact that I must get out of bed, I embrace it and try to put my thoughts into writing or simply sit and think for a while. There is something peaceful about the early morning hours that creates the conditions for a different level of clarity. I find that I can easily return to sleep after addressing the concerns that have been troubling me. Sleepytime tea also helps me get into the right state of mind to properly unwind. There is something special about herbal tea…it’s here for a reason.

We all face challenges and navigate stressful paths. Most people experience some level of insomnia due to the stresses of daily life. Secretly, I think if you sleep too well, you must be missing something, although I have a friend who tells me the answer comes from a guilt-free existence – good luck with that. What’s important is that you pay attention to what’s keeping you up at night. Are you not living in alignment with your core values? Have you compromised your integrity? Are you avoiding something you should not be avoiding? Is there a major decision you need to think through more carefully? Are you struggling to solve a problem at work or at home? Could it be that you haven’t allocated enough time to complete the task? Have you backed yourself into an emotional or financial corner that you can’t seem to escape from? Are you not being truthful with someone? Are you attending to the key relationships in your life, or are you taking others for granted? Do you lack the courage to take the necessary risks to achieve happiness? Are you being too carefree and reckless, and ignoring the consequences? Is your internal dialogue regularly talking you out of success and limiting your possibilities? Is the window of opportunity closing on something you always wanted to do? Do you have a dream or passion that should be more fully realized? I could go on and on, but I imagine you get the point.

The brain is a powerful and complex organ, often referred to as the muscle of thought. You cannot ignore it for an extended period. Your problems will persist until you address them. Once you work toward resolution on whatever is bothering you, it’s fascinating how that thought seems to fade into the background. Rest usually follows progress. I don’t harbor any unrealistic expectations of consistently sleeping for 8 hours. I am okay with that. I’ve had some wonderful late-night/early-morning moments. I want to ensure that I separate the experiences that are a natural part of aging and personal biology from those that are my conscious or subconscious mind prompting me to pay attention and take action. I encourage you to do the same.

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