Our Internal Body Clock Works with the Rhythm of our Minds
The ability to sleep each night is a miracle. If you ever thought sleeping was a simple process, then you’re yet to learn more, as sleep or sleeping isn’t such a straightforward phenomenon.
Ever wondered why it proves difficult to lay the body to sleep once we are ready for it? At times we are more ready for bed than we are for sleeping. This is due to how the phenomena of each component of the bodywork.
When it comes to sleep, several processes are involved. But majorly, the mind controls when we sleep and our body follows suit.
There are two types of sleepers though: the actual sleepers (for lack of better words) and the ones who suffer from insomnia.
The actual sleepers are the ones who sleep once they go to bed. The assumption I’ve gotten from a lot of people is that this category of people has no worries at all. The misconception is that they’re less bothered and burdened by the things of the world, hence, why they slew so easily and quickly. But this is not entirely true. Judging by my environment, sleep can come easily to those who have a lot on their minds, as equivocally as those who suffer from insomnia. The difference lies in their strong ability to shut their minds, or their minds tripping off on their own once exhausted.
For example, I’ve met many people who tended to drift off to sleep faster than me (insomniac), yet, they get startled the easiest with the littlest distractions — you call it light sleeper.
The reason is: that they often sleep without any consciousness to do so. They sleep with loads of things on their mind that eventually cut them off midway, hence, the startling each time.
Actual sleepers are highly productive, energized, and always more prepared and calculative carrying out their daily activities. This surge comes from the boost of a “good” night’s sleep and early riser concomitantly.
Nevertheless, the insomniacs are the ones who chase after sleep, all to no avail. These are the regularly discussed people on every angle and platform. The assumption is that we chose not to sleep or that we aren’t tired enough to. Again, that’s not entirely true. It is true though that the majority of people who suffer from insomnia are overthinkers, however, it doesn’t generalize them to be people with a lot on their minds or simply won’t sleep. I am an insomniac and I have been for the longest time. One common thing I’ve noticed amongst people like us is that insomnia could’ve begun due to excess things boggling the mind, but eventually, it becomes a habit by the mind (and the body) to keep us awake and analyze the tiniest (often, specific details of our lives — therefore, iterating that it does not have to be something major as it started. Our internal body clock changes to the rhythm of our minds. It doesn’t matter how tired we feel or how much we need sleep. The mind dictates.
Insomniacs are usually go-getters, sensitive, perfectionists, analyzers, and to reiterate, over-thinkers. They’re rarely morning/ early risers, due to the lack of “proper” sleep. Therefore, expect a lag in accomplishing some things in their daily activities. Oftentimes, an insomniac is a deep sleeper. They rarely get startled in their sleep once they shut down.
How do we utilize the mind positively to stimulate us to sleep or sleep without hassles?
Knowing the mind and body, one controls the other but we have control over both. Once we can adopt the practices of utilizing our minds positively to stimulate us to sleep, with time, we’ll adapt to that and sleep will come much easier than before. This is for the insomniacs.
These practices include:
Avoid any fluid intake after a certain time of the evening, at least a few hours before going to bed. This will eliminate the need to use the toilet in the middle of the night. A hack that I learned from my mother. This will be especially useful for the actual sleepers since they get obstructed easily from their sleep.
A second important step is to avoid taking any stimulants for the brain or mind, such as caffeinated products. This would keep the mind and body alert as described. Again, a few hours before you go to bed, or avoid taking any at all in the evening.
The third point is to avoid taking sugar or carbonated foods or drinks as that may cause a form of discomfort that keeps you awake through the night. They might also obstruct your sleep if you manage to catch one.
Make sure to engage in a form of exercise each day and utilize energy well, be it through working out at the gym, a brisk walk for a few minutes, or house chores. A tired body will eventually make the body prone to sleeping more rapidly than not.
These hacks are effective, but if you’re not willing to teach the mind to shut down, as you’re in charge of it, you will remain awake. For the insomniacs, you can learn to teach the mind to reschedule, postpone, or procrastinate things to think about or analyze by focusing on your body. Make sure you’re laid in a comfortable space, fully aerated. Ventilation is essential for a good sleep. By doing that, you’d feel more comfortable sleeping, knowing that you’re not missing out on anything (except a good sleep when you need one). Learn different mantras to enable you to ease out on things that bother you enough to keep you awake or obstruct your sleep. You’ve got to ingrain it in you that an unstable sleep brings forth an unstable routine and thus, life.
For example, as an insomniac, I miss out a lot on vital appointments or responsibilities during the day. But proper sleep eliminates the odds significantly.
By indulging in these mindful practices, your body will get the main cue and trigger sleeping in conjunction with the other bodily preparations as mentioned earlier. Through this, you will get to improve yourself and be more productive each day.
Thank you for taking the time to read
