The importance of sleep

Sleep…oh how many of us long for sleep! I know many of us wish we had a better relationship with sleep. According to recent studies, more Americans, specifically women, are reporting getting less sleep and feeling more stressed. This makes sense when we think about all the responsibilities a woman can have, along with alternating hormone levels and lifestyle changes. Overall, all of America is less sleep as time moves forward. But why?

According to a study from Gallup.com, 57% of adults say that they would feel better if they got more sleep, while 42% say they get just enough sleep (2023). These numbers are almost an identical reversal from a poll taken in 2013, when 56% of Americans say they got the sleep they needed while 43% said that they needed more sleep.

This holds especially true for women, specifically young women (age 18-49), who report not getting the sleep they need. 48% of men say they get the sleep they need, while 36% of women say they do not. As a woman, I would like to dive deeper into this topic.

My personal take

As a woman, it is not hard to believe the conclusions from these polls that were taken last year. I am a black woman living in America and although I would not say that I am stressed all throughout the year, there are definitely times where I feel more stressed out and it has an impact on my sleep. On top of being a black woman living in the United States, I am also a new entrepreneur. It is not easy owning a business and trying to figure out how to generate a consistent cash flow. On top of all this, I am pregnant and a wife. I also prioritize family time, working out, cooking homemade meals and spending time with the Lord.

I say all these things not to sound like a victim, but to explain that we as woman go through a lot! We are wives, mothers, daughters, grand-daughters, business owners, full time employees and some of us are single mothers! It is not easy and makes sense why our sleep quality would be inhibited.

Sleep has become a goal

In 1942, 59% of Americans reported getting 8 or more hours of sleep. Last year, 26% of Americans reported getting 8 or more hours of sleep. Woah! That is a significant decrease. However, it is not that surprising. Between technology, demanding work schedules, the encouragement of a grind over sleep culture plus a million and one medications/supplements to indulge in, it is no wonder our sleep quality has become compromised! We literally have to fight to get sleep. I myself, along with others that I know, have made it a literal goal to get 8 or more hours of sleep at night. This includes having a night routine. Taking a nice, warm shower, having a cup of tea, turning off the tv and putting your phone on silent, reading a book before bed, are all a part of a solid nighttime routine. Of course not every night will be like this, especially depending on your lifestyle. Instead of trying to mimic someone else’s nighttime routine or forcing one that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, make your own and do what works for you. Make sleep a priority!

Back to the basics

Many companies capitalize off of Americans’ desperation to get quality sleep. Don’t fall into the trickery! Although some tools and supplements are helpful, like white noise machines and nighttime tea, you don’t need melatonin gummies or magnesium to fall asleep (unless a doctor recommends you take something because of a nutrient deficiency). However, when you build a solid routine and stick to it (for at least 21 days), you can expect to see change. Things like exercise, completing blotches of focused work, walking, taking meetings and eating a balanced diet (cutting down on processed and refined sugar), will all help you sleep better! You don’t need fancy gadgets and supplements. 

Sleep is medicine

It is hard to sleep when you are stressed out, but it is so necessary to sleep because it will help you to feel less stressed (I know, that probably just stressed you out, sorry). But seriously, sleep and stress have a strong connection. This is why it’s important to live an overall healthy lifestyle. We can’t just prioritize exercise but have a poor diet. We can’t prioritize sleep but no exercise or healthy relationships. We need to view our health from a holistic perspective. A part of this formula is quality sleep. Sleep is medicine. So if you can’t sleep because you are stressed, try therapy or speaking to a friend. Apologize if something you have done is keeping you up at night. Pray if you are a believer. Sleep is important and whatever is stressing you out is not worth losing sleep over. 

Taking notes from Gen Z

According to the same article from Gallup.com, Gen Z reports having enough time to sleep and relax, making them twice as likely to be happy than those who do not get enough sleep or relaxation. This information may bother some elders, but I find it encouraging. I think Gen Z is realizing that their mental health is more important than money and stressing over things they cannot control. 

In no way am I encouraging sleeping away the day or our problems, but making sleep a priority can be life changing. Quality sleep is oh so good for the soul.