The occasional insomniac.

The lifestyles we live these days probably play a big part in why so many of us struggle with insomnia, and the negative effects it can have on our lives. I mean if you’ve only had half the amount of sleep you need or less on a regular basis, you will be in zombie mode. I feel that the fact we’re connected to so many devices and screens, and the radio waves etc. that they emit, is a major cause for sleep disruption.

I talk out of personal experience, for I’ve had insomnia for more than 10 years, and often for weeks at a time, often getting less than 4 hours of sleep or none. The feeling that you have after a long, sleepless night knowing that you have to function well at work is not a pleasant one. I know many people turn to sleeping pills, and often they do help, but often they tend to be addictive. I have found that if I exercise more, and eat healthier foods etc, it tends to help get back into a normal sleep pattern.

The biggest challenge we all face in this stressful world we live in is to be successful enough to afford a lifestyle we are comfortable with. The problem is often as we get more we want more and aspire to be more materialistic. The drive to succeed and be better than we were leads to extra hours at work, racing thoughts, and the constant need to compete, and also to the dreaded insomnia.

The best way I feel to solve this problem starts with not comparing yourself to others, be your own person, define your version of success and what fulfills you, and don’t base your hopes and dreams on things you can own. I feel that the most valuable lesson I’ve learnt is that people and relationships are more valuable than anything else. I leave you with this challenge today, one I often struggle with, take a day to switch off your PC, smart phone or TV, and take a walk or enjoy the company of good friends. I guarantee you’ll be keen to do it again and you will sleep soundly afterwards.