Walter John De La Mare -
What the will and reason are powerless to remove, sleep melts away like snow in water.
An interesting fact is that according to the National Sleep Foundation there are more than 74 million American people who suffer from some form of sleep loss. I'm quite sure that South Africa isn't far behind.
These adults can have difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep, they might have restless sleep or they might wake up too early. There are a number of problems that can affect a good nights sleep.
Another interesting fact is that these sleep difficulties generate more thatn $70 billion per year for the different drug companies.
The interesting facts don't stop there - according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - roughly more than 100,000 traffice accidents in America are related to fatigue and drowsiness which have caused more than 1500 deaths, countless injuries as well as many lasting disabilities. Although these are American "statistics" the same will apply in one form or another in South Africa.
A strong indicator of anxiety and depression is change in sleep patterns, the lack of sleep or even too much sleep. In some cases the extreme loss of sleep as well as stress can even cause hallucinations.
It must be noted that sleep loss isn't only tied to anxiety, depression, hallucinations and motor vehicle accidents. It is also tied to:
- increased apetite which leads to a greater likelihood of obesity
- the increased risk of diabetes because of the bodies impairment of the use of insulin
- an increased risk of hypertension as well as cardiovascular problems
- the lack of ability to concentrate as well as pay attention
Many sufferers of sleep disturbances share similar emotional characteristics. For example:
* They have the tendency to worry about their responses to future relationships, circumstances and
dreams.
* They have obsessive thoughts which are generally pesimistic and negative.
* They tend to have depressive thoughts which replays past hurts over and over again.
* There is a tendency to dwell on past failures and regrets
* And their outlook on life tends to be catastrophic and they most likely envision the worst case
scenarios.
* They furthermore seem overwhelmed by the inability to control these anxious thoughts.
All these characteristics can cause insomnia and restless sleep.
At some point in time everyone experiences a bad day and generally speaking after a good nights sleep everything looks different in the morning. Sometimes what we need more than anything is sleep because sleep is a great healer of many physical problems as well as emotional difficulties.
I find it interesting that hurts, fears, anxieties as well as depression tend to melt away once you get some needed rest. However we are very reluctant to admit that all we need is sleep.
Bob Phillips asks the following questions:
Have you been having a long buildup of problems and difficulties?
Are you feeling tired and alone?
Are you angry at the unfairness and injustice you face?
Have you experienced loss, broken relationships and unresolved conflict with others?
Are you feeling a little sorry for yourself?
Are you feeling depressed?
Has this been going on for a long time?
Would you like a way out and like some relief?
His suggestion is : bedtime has come. A good solid base of sleep is an important starting point for getting a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
The time has come to rest and relax.
Komentáře