B less self absorbed by getting the right amount of sleep

Some people feel five hours of sleep is all they need to function well. Others would love to get eight hours, but have trouble falling or staying asleep.  We know that sleep deprivation affects our mood.  But, we don’t always realize that chronic sleep deprivation can have a negative affect on our relationships.  This is because the exhausted person has less empathy, is easily angered, and simply more self-absorbed.

Inspired by Lisa Earle McLeod’s article, Five ways sleep deprivation can affect your relationships, here are five questions to determine if sleep deprivation is a problem for you or someone you know.  

1.  Are you reactive to the slightest things?  When you’re sleep deprived, everything may feel like an attack.  If someone says, “We need to talk”, and you immediately feel it’s about you, then consider your defensiveness a sign you need more sleep.

2. Do you feel overwhelmed by the smallest tasks? If someone asks “Can you do me a favor?”, and you immediately feel “ugh...whaat now?”  As if everything feels like a demand rather than a simple request, you may be sleep deprived.  

3. Are you really listening? With the right amount of sleep you’re more equipped to read between the lines in a conversation. Often times, people want you to pick up on their tone for you to be empathetic to what they’re saying.  If you fail to notice these things, people may feel ignored and may eventually drift away.

4. Does your body feel heavy? Are you dragging?  If you are, you might be sending the wrong message with your body language.  Slumped shoulders, dragging feet, and sighs of exhaustion are telling the world you’d rather be someplace else- like bed.  

5. Are you quick to think about how things are going to affect you?  If you find that everything is either a hassle or interfering with what you need to get done, you’re not present in the moment and need more sleep.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that less sleep means more productivity.  Even if you think you’re doing it for your family or boss, you could be jeopardizing everything you’re working for.  

On the other hand, if you can’t fall asleep or have trouble staying asleep, it’s important to make an effort to get quality rest when you can to avoid these same pitfalls. 

Next week, I’ll offer things you can do to help you get the right amount of quality sleep.  Until then, enjoy a restful weekend!