Happy happy Thursday!
Okay guys, in the spirit of pursuing our healthiest and happiest lives, I’m going to talk about one of the five “main” areas in which I’ve changed the most over the last year…SLEEP.
Yup.
You don’t spend a year reading health and wellness books and listening to hundreds of podcast episodes without hearing several key messages repeated over and over and over again by clinicians in every single field from mental health to physical health without hearing each and every one of them say how valuable getting enough sleep is to your overall wellbeing.
I’m telling you, I can’t crack open a book or turn on a podcast without hearing everyone talk about sleep being one of the main pillars of living long and living well. I had myself convinced that I was already doing this well. I have always been a GREAT sleeper. I fall asleep quickly, stay asleep soundly and easily wake up early in the morning and pop out of bed. I don’t nap during the day nor do I walk around feeling exhausted or tired. I patted myself on the back over and over again until over and over again I heard doctor after doctor, nurse practitioner after nurse practitioner, therapist after therapist, fitness trainer after fitness trainer and expert after expert talk about getting MORE sleep than I was getting and the net benefits in doing so.
Finally, we went to Nantucket for the summer where I had fewer commitments and more time on my hands and that’s when I (but kind of by default) started sleeping a little more, and oh my word, I truly felt SO MUCH BETTER.
BUT…then I came home in August and went right back into my “normal” routine of sleeping 5½ to 6 hours at night and then that’s when it really hit me how I started feeling less fabulous. I think I was so accustomed to living off of shorter amounts of sleep that I didn’t even notice the effects.
I once heard Dr. Peter Attia say that getting better quality sleep was “low hanging fruit” for getting in better overall health. I understand his point…getting more sleep is “free” and “easier” than losing a bunch of weight, overhauling your entire diet, joining and gym and actually going every day, buying supplements, etc, but just because “it’s low hanging fruit” doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily easy for some of us (me!) to do when we’ve grown so accustomed to sleeping less.
Why am I sharing all of this with you?
Because since the end of August, I’ve really tried hard to get more sleep, and I’m hoping you’ll hold me accountable, AND I’m hoping that perhaps if you’re out there like me living on too little (or poor quality) then maybe we can work on this together.
I was going to bed around 10:30 every night and then waking up at 4:00 AM.
Right now, I’m trying to be in bed by 9:00 PM and asleep by 9:15 or 9:30. I still wake up at 4:00 two mornings a week so that I can go to a specific class at the gym, but the other mornings, I’m *trying* to sleep until 4:50 or 5:00.
I had a few hurdles just to get myself to this schedule:
#1: I had to get Andrew on board. I know, I know, I know that we could go to sleep at different times (and many couples do!), but after 20 years of marriage, we like going to sleep at the same time. We just do. He was not a fan of this idea at first…but…slowly, he’s come around. I might go to sleep while he’s watching a show on his iPad, but despite his earlier protests, I would say that Mr. Shull is now asleep himself by 9:45 most nights which is about an hour earlier than normal…and he’s loving it (even if he won’t admit it, I know he is!).
#2: I know myself well enough to know that I am a morning person, so I don’t want to give up my morning time in lieu of sleep, but I don’t mind giving up my evening time. When I try sleeping in, I feel “late” for my day and behind schedule. I love early mornings. I love my quiet time, I love working out early, I love how accomplished I feel before my kids even wake up. I am an early bird, so I knew I couldn’t interrupt that…instead, I’m just heading to bed earlier.
#3: All of this being said, I’m still a mom of four kiddos and there are some days when it’s just impossible to go to sleep early, so I try to give myself grace and not be too hard on myself if I’m up later because we’re at an event/game. I certainly don’t want to miss anything because I’m on some rigid self-created schedule.
So, that’s my little “what I’ve learned/how I’m making changes” spiel for today 🙂 . I have a feeling many of the things I’m going to talk about in the future will fuel some fire, but really, who can argue with “sleep is good, we should get a good night’s rest as often as possible”? Someone will. Someone will. 😉
Now, friends, this is a very layered topic because I know that some of you try your hardest to get a good night of sleep but you’re not a great sleeper. I am so sympathetic to that. I might not struggle with this, but I know and love so many people who do, and I’m truly sorry if that’s where you are. I don’t have one specific book for you to read if this is a problem for you, but I do encourage you to talk to your doctor about this, get your labs done and try to get to the bottom of this with professionals. Maybe it’s too much technology or not the right sheets, the room is too warm, you’re dehydrated, you’re anxious, you need a sleep aid…I’m not sure, but I do hope if you’re looking to get quality sleep this year too, you’ll not settle for less but really try and find it.
That’s it for today!
If you have sleep tips, sleep thoughts, sleep habits that you’d like to break/have broken, comments or suggestions, I’d love to read them in the comment section!
Sending you so much love! xx
Sheila says
Early bird here too!! 🙋♀️ In bed around 8:45-9:00 (I read to wind down) and up between 4:30-5:00am. Sleep is definitely underrated when it comes to your overall health and can affect so many things if we don’t get enough. So glad you covered this topic!! 😊
Emilee says
The peace of the morning + a morning workout is a hard thing for me to give up! We’ve got a teething baby right now, so we’ve taken to going to bed quite early so we can still get some sleep. Thanks for the post!
Elspeth says
I’m an early riser too! So i would rather head to bed earlier to still have my morning time! I get good sleep now but whenever i get more, i feel so much better!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Laura says
I am in the throes of peri-menopause so sleep alludes me sometimes after a lifetime of sleeping good. So I recently switched to flannel sheets and added a weighted blanket. The difference that made?? Amazing!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Great suggestions!!!! I couldn’t sleep at home without my flannel sheets.
Bobbie Garner says
What brand of flannel sheets do you purchase?
Mix and Match Mama says
Lands End!! We love, love, love them!
Beth Knecht says
Oh yes! Nourish is my word for 2024 and part of that is getting more sleep!
I’ve always felt like I was a good sleeper and didnt think much about sleep until my son got sick. After 21 months of not sleeping through the night and many months of getting 3-4 hours of uninterrupted sleep I can say I never want to experience that again!
Sleep is so good and needed!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE THAT WORD!! What a great word for 2024?!
Kelly Marie Sites says
Since having twins, being a night RN for a long time, and other things, I haven’t been a good sleeper for 25 years. I KNEW this was the #1 thing I needed to work on STAT this past year. I spent the whole year reading and researching and now I can say that I am a GREAT sleeper, AND i FEEL AMAZING. I have it down now. I highly suggest The Sleep Dr. on You Tube. He has tons of great tips. And actually there are tons of great Dr.’s or therapists on You Tube that you can follow to get great tips. I am off all over the counter sleep aids that I needed for years, and feel so much better. It takes time, if you are a poor sleeper, but it is worth the time to research, read, and figure out a plan. Hormones can play a part, so talk to your Dr. too, and get them involved. It can be done!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for sharing!!!
Patty Anderson says
Thank you for this reply, Kelly! I need this today especially.
Laura says
Do your big kids go to sleep after you or are they in bed by then too?
Mix and Match Mama says
K is almost always asleep before me and Smith goes to sleep last.
Laura says
I have struggled with sleep for 25+ years! If I slept like my body clock is set, I would sleep from about 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. I refuse to change my life up. I have always been an early riser, but my real issues started when I was a foster mom for newborns for an adoption agency. I had 60 babies over an 8 year period.
I sleep anytime I sit to watch TV or a movie. I can take a 10 minute power nap and be refreshed. I have been to 5 different sleep doctors over the past 15 years. I am not happy with the solution, but it is sleep meds at bedtime and sleep meds during the middle of the night when I wake up. I have great sleep hygiene. Hot bath before bed and fall asleep immediately. My room and bed and heavenly. I would covet any suggestions!
Mix and Match Mama says
I mean, I feel like we should all stand and applaud YOU!!! What an amazing, amazing thing you’ve done?! Wow! That’s all I can take away from this comment WOW! I cannot even imagine the blessings you’ve been to so many. Sending you so much love! xx
Sharon Griffin says
Have you tried a weighed blanket? Going to sleep with socks on?
Sheaffer says
This is HUGE for you!!!!! Yay!!!!
Candace says
I’ve had to wake up at 4am a few times over the last few months since getting a puppy and taking him outside to do his thing. It feels like the very AIR is different! It sounds crazy but it really does! I want to get up closer to this time on a regular basis and just step outside to breathe.
I’m curious though…. how does a few cups of coffee a day impact your energy levels and sleep rhythm, and what would change if that was eliminated? I’d be curious what a more natural approach to your day would look like!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve reduced the amount of coffee I drink as now in the afternoons, I might still have a cup of coffee (only one), but I’m drinking hot LMNT most days instead. For the morning though, I just really enjoy starting my day with two cups of coffee (one when I first wake up and the second when I sit down to start my work day). I one time heard Oprah say that each cup is “an experience” that you just don’t get with hot tea. I agree with this wholeheartedly. I love my coffee time!
Meg says
I love all of your health and wellness tips! So fantastic!!But I really want to know what your fave gym class is that you wake up early for twice a week? Please share !! Xx
Mix and Match Mama says
Both are heated! I’m very, very into the heated classes. I go to one hot yoga class and one hot strength class a week. They start early, but I love them so much that they’re worth it.
Traci M says
love this! I, too, LOVE my mornings for all this things you said! My husband and I also always go to bed at the same time. love that ya’ll do too!! As I was reading, I kept thinking- yes, yes, and yes! haha Thanks for sharing!
Jeanie says
I’m super curious….how you achieve going to bed at 9 pm with teens. When my kids were in school they had sports and church activities and homework that took up so much time and then they needed some down time just to hang out. Do your kids go to bed early also?
I am a very light sleeper so have a lot of trouble staying asleep if I wake up in the night,
Mix and Match Mama says
I have to give myself grace because yes, sometimes, their Bible study group or whatnot ends at 9:30 on the other side of town, so I find myself up and picking them up, etc. In the fall, when Smith plays football and K cheers, we certainly had game nights where we were up later (but that’s not every night, just on game days). Kensington and Smith both have to be up early every morning. K has to be at school at 6:30 and Smith works out before school (now that it’s off season), so they both actually go to bed quite early. Kensington is in bed as early as possible (often the first in bed), and Smith goes to bed around 9:30 or so. He doesn’t keep me up…we’re all making our way to bed basically around the same time.
Jeanie says
It’s a great healthy habit to practice! My kids always loved their beds and rest. I think it served them well as athletes to value rest.
Kay says
I’m so happy for you! I think it’s very hard to change the sleep habits we are all wired for, so good for you for adding some extra hours in! It’s true that whether or not one is tired, so much happens while we’re sleeping to repair our bodies. So even if we can! go with very little sleep (my husband!) it’s so much better when you give your body those extra hours to do what it needs to do.
I agree with you on early morning time. I’m the opposite (a night owl!) but over years, I have made my schedule bedtime 10pm-wake up time 6 am. The 6 am time allows me to be “alone” in the house before my husband two dogs and three teens come down! And now when I don’t do that, omg, I feel so behind and frazzled like you said!
I always love your blog but this year has been truly extra inspirational! Thanks for all the fabulous content!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU, Kay for being a part of this community! I am so very grateful for you!!
Emily says
This is great! I need to make sleep more of a priority! Thank you for sharing.
Ellie says
I have often wondered about your sleep schedule. Honestly!!! Lol. Knowing you are a healthy person, I couldn’t understand why you were sleeping so little. It seemed so counterintuitive. Very glad to hear these changes are working. It’s really important to talk about. Sleep is one of those things that we can totally forget about- work out, take vitamins, eat well, stay active. But then without sleep, we’re sabotaging ourselves and shortening our life span! Soooo important!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and amen!
Dana P says
Your posts are extra fun this year!
I love the low-hanging fruit analogy. I personally feel like it would be very challenging to get to bed so early nearly every night. Maybe it goes too much against your morning riser nature, but what if you just showed yourself a little grace on those nights you can’t get to bed earlier and let yourself sleep an extra hour or 2? Does that make your skin crawl? 😂 I love what a hard worker you are though, obviously you don’t want to change that…
I get nervous as I’m approaching menopause age in the next 10 years. I notice now that right before my cycle, I might have 1-2 nights where I wake up extra early and can’t go back to sleep. I would love to know if there are hormonal supplements for something like that because I know a ton of older women who can’t sleep well post-menopause and I don’t want to get to that point. If you have any tips, I’m all ears! Or if your hormone doctor does, I would love to know…
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, it would make my skin crawl, friend! Bahahaha! I just really, really love my mornings and hate the feeling I have all day when I don’t have my morning routine.
Tasha says
My biggest tip for those who struggle with sleep is taking a magnesium supplement! Magnesium is a mineral but many of us are depleted in it. I also recommend a weighted blanket, game changer!
Jami says
I have a goal to be in bed by 10:00… I feel like I have accomplished huge mission when it’s 9:59 and I’m ready to go. I’ve started a magnesium supplement (doctor suggested it for 13 year old with migraines) and it helps promote relaxation on those nights we have been busy. I have to be at work by 7:15 so there have been times in the past when I have tried to do a treadmill work out before work but then I have to shower and the humidity makes my hair crazy. Now my 16 year old has a job and can’t get his license for 2 more months and I have to pick him up at 9… it’s all struggle.
Addy Robinson says
My husband recently saw a sleep doctor and is starting with a CPAP after being diagnosed with sleep apnea. He is in incredible shape and it has been interesting to hear more that sleep apnea is under diagnosed in people who don’t fit the typical check boxes of who has historically been diagnosed with it. Something to look at for sure for people not feeling rested! Sleep is huge for cognitive well-being and brain health.
Darcy says
Yay for more sleep! I need to be healthier in a lot of different areas but I love a nice 9 hour sleep. 🙂
One post that has always stuck with me when I can’t fall asleep is one Ree (Pioneer Woman) wrote with advice from her mom. She basically coaches a 6 count breathing exercise that you do while laying down/trying to fall asleep and it puts me out every time. It’s so calming.
Elizabeth Spooner says
This is a timely post. I have been working on getting more sleep. Started trying to take magnesium consistently. Think I might have found the right one and it seems to be helping me sleep a little longer each night.
I don’t mind going to bed early but love the morning quiet. It’s just my husband and me but love the morning quiet to do my Bible study and read.
Thank you for taking us along on your health quest this year and sharing your knowledge.
Sharon H says
I struggle with getting enough sleep – AND I know the importance of it. I’m a night owl and an early riser. I typically am not in bed before midnight and then up by 5:30 a.m. I’m really trying to be in bed earlier and when I do wake up during the night (usually around 2:00 a.m.) to not give in to picking up a book, etc.
Thank you for tackling all the health and wellness issues this year without shaming us, but simply telling us the changes you have made. Praying that any of us struggling with getting enough sleep can make a positive change.
Ruby says
After 40 years of getting up at 5 am for work, I retired and turned off that alarm! During the last two years of working, I became a foster mom to a newborn then adopted her at 3. She is now 10 and I’ve had to turn that alarm back on for the school year! Any recommendations for a night owl that can’t go to sleep till midnight or later? If I go to sleep any earlier, I’m awake by 3 am.
HeatherAnn says
Magnesium glycinate has been a game changer on my staying asleep during the night. I’m glad you are sleeping more. I’ve always admired your ability to get things done and hoped your lack of sleep didn’t catch up with you. My dad did the same thing for about 40 years and he has a lot of health problems because of it. Cheers to new sleep habits!
Laura says
Have you read Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker? It’s so good, I think you’d really enjoy it! And I must admit, every time you talked in the past about reading until 10:30 or so at night and getting up at 4 AM, I wondered about your total hours. I can very much feel that I NEED 7 – 8 hours a night, and as you say, science consistently shows that this idea of a person who is just fine on a consistent 5 – 6 hours is extremely rare in reality. I am fully bought in on wanting more quality waking hours than just general waking hours, so I love this post!
Mix and Match Mama says
Someone else just recommended it! It’s in my Amazon cart now!
Tracy says
I’m curious how late your kiddos stay up? This has been a challenge for me. I would love to go to bed at 9:00 but teenagers stay up way later and I need to make sure they are going to bed by 10:00 and plugging in their phones on the main level, etc, before I go to bed. How do you make sure your kiddos are getting to bed?
Mix and Match Mama says
Both of my kiddos wake up before 6:00 AM, so they’re currently going to bed early too. Kensington goes to bed before anyone, and Smith is usually in his room/tech put away/going to bed when I say goodnight around 9:00ish.
Megan Barker says
I just finished the book “Why We Sleep” and it has completely changed the way I view sleep. I didn’t realize how much I was sabotaging my health by not getting enough sleep. I’m an extreme night owl, but I have been actively working on making sure my husband and I are getting enough sleep now because it is so important. It was one of those “ah-ha” books for me for sure.
Mix and Match Mama says
And now I’m looking that book up…
K.K. says
I love this encouragement! And the lack of rigid application too. I have to watch that for myself, or I get discouraged if not hitting my goals EVERY time. I appreciate hearing about the grace you have in the way you do this!
Laci L Murray says
I have to make better sleep habits Mon-Fri.. By Weds I am exhausted and dragging till Friday!
Jessica Tribbett says
Great topic! I have gone through periods of struggling with sleep (getting to sleep, waking up and not falling back, etc.). The Huberman Lab podcast is a great one overall (though episodes can be really long so I have to pick and choose), but he has a couple really good episodes on sleep. I highly recommend for anyone struggling! One habit that helped me was syncing my Circadian Rhythm by exposing my eyes to natural sunlight first thing in the morning and to the setting sunlight in the evening. Sometimes it’s just a quick 5 minute walk at sunrise (I prioritize weights in the morning) and some days I get a couple miles in but either way it really seemed to help.
Mix and Match Mama says
Great tip!!!
Kristen says
I’m the opposite, a night owl and hate early am’s. But my sweet spot is 9 hrs , I know that sounds like a lot but I feel so much better with that amount of sleep. I recently did a sleep study covered by my insurance that was so eye opening. It was the easiest thing ever, you pick up the device at the Dr’s office and return it the next day. It tracks snores, number of breaths, side or back sleeping , etc. Turns out I have mild sleep apnea.
Jenn says
After sports and dinner and homework and “downtime “ my 14 and 16 year olds sometimes don’t get to be until 10:15 or so. Even though I don’t like them up that late sometimes it’s just the reality. I’ve always been up when they go to sleep and not sure I could go to bed/ sleep knowing they were still up. How do you deal with that?
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, we all kind of go to sleep around the same time (or at least Smith is in his room “heading to sleep”), so it’s not an issue for us right now. I don’t think I could go to sleep if everyone was up and about at my house. Right now, that’s not happening. Kensington, for example, does her sport before school (she has to be there at 6:30), and then her school ends at 2:30 which gives her a lot of time to study/do any homework after school. She’s in bed as early as possible since she wakes up so early.
Emilie R says
I am an early to bed (in bed by 9:00…read till 9:30…lights out) up at 5:00 (I may hit snooze once, lol). But I want to bring up something that is very much on the horizon for you….your kids driving…ALONE. And curfew. This mama (and I assume you will be the same) can’t “truly” fall asleep until I know all my kids are back home, for the night. If they have friends over…I can sleep. But I can’t get into my deep sleep until I know they are home. And this will disrupt your sleep patterns…again. Whatever grade my kids are in their curfew is that time plus 30 minutes. So 9th grade is between 9-9:30, 10th grade 10:00-10:30, etc. Of course there are exceptions to the rule in which we discuss for each exception. This was hard for me to get into the routine, but now I read and wait or fall asleep but wake checking the clock waiting for them to arrive. Once home I’m off to dreamland! I too love my morning time…and I also value my sleep. Luckily the weekends are only two days of the seven!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love how you have this structured! That’s very clever!! I know, this stage is right around the corner for me. Right around the corner.
Kelly says
Because we also couldn’t sleep until our teens were accounted for, but I am very grumpy if I don’t get my rest, I would go to sleep, but set an alarm on my phone for their curfew, so if they didn’t come in to see me before I would be awake to check on them. Worked perfectly- gave me peace and allowed me to rest. The other thing we did for our girl, not sleep related but curfew- ish, was give them the time they had to leave for home- not “be home”. Their curfew was the time they needed to leave, so they weren’t rushing to be home at a certain time (teens typically want to stay as long as possible- and we didn’t want them to make the time up in speeding). They loved this and it gave us peace. We knew when they were traveling, and we always saw or heard them arrive before sleeping 🙂
Erin H says
I’ve been trying to go to bed earlier, but I often fail. After working and then ALL the words from my 5-year old, the time between her going to bed and me is the only time I get to myself so I end up staying up too late. And then I’m just mindlessly scrolling Instagram, which is such a waste. Add in some peri-menopause issues and my sleep is not the best. I’m determined to focus on my health this year – mental and physical.
Love the health tips you’re sharing this year!
Sharon M says
From reading the comments, it seems that some of you have heard negative things and are dreading menopause, so I want to assure you that it may not necessarily be bad. I sincerely want to assure you and not come across as bragging. Like the rest of you, when I had kids at home and worked, I slept 5 1/2 – 6 hours a night. Like Shay, I’ve always been a good sleeper, just didn’t sleep enough. At 74, I’m still a good sleeper. Occasionally, I go to the bathroom at night or have a sleepless night, but that’s the exception. Another reader gave excellent advice about magnesium. It can put an end to leg cramps. One crazy thing that puts me to sleep fast is to stop thinking and imagine I’m melting into the mattress.
Maureen says
Sleep has been a difficult subject for me.
I have fibromyalgia and for quite a number of years (over 25), sleep seems to be at war with me.
I do not get a lot of sleep.
I have to take it when I can get it.
I have a difficult time falling asleep. Then I wake a time or two during the night.
It is something that changes after menopause too.
Allergic to medications and to melatonin (do not take something new the night before you get married–I learned) :)!!!
Sleep is important to feel your best.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so sorry that you’re having sleep issues. It seems to be a very common theme today. Sending you so much love! xx
Katie says
I love this post. As a mom with 2 kids 5 years apart i have spent the better part of 14 years not sleeping well. Now that we have 14 year old in the house and a 9 year old sleep has been something my husband and i have made a priority. We often joke that the teenager tucks us into bed some night but just like you are saying most nights by 9pm everyone is in there rooms or beds ready to read and closed up their days. I have always read before bed and now my daughter has started to do that as well and to se ethe fruits of my labor pay off has been so refreshing!
Mary M says
Oh Shay I am so happy (and relieved) that you are getting more sleep! My husband started having cognitive issues a few years ago which caused us to go see a neurologist. We learned that there is a direct correlation between sleeping less then 7 hours a night (over many decades) and Dementia (My husband has always gotten about 3-5 hours of sleep for many decades). After many tests and lots of changes, he was diagnosed with Mild Dementia last August. Every time we saw the Dr and she kept reiterated the importance of getting 7+ hours of sleep a night, I thought of you. I wanted to reach out, but also, did not want to over step the “blog/internet relationship”. For the last several years I have been focused on my mental, emotional, and spiritual self and at the end of last year I decided that I am going to work on my physical health so I am so enjoying all the wonderful tidbits that I am getting from your blog as well as from all the wonderful commentors!
Jenn Workman says
Since having chemo almost 5 years ago and said chemo putting me into menopause at 46 (that I am still in), my sleep went to hell in a handbasket. I’ve tried allllll of the OTC medicine as well as prescription meds. And I can’t take hormones because my breast cancer tumor was all estrogen. I finally found a magnesium cream that I put on the bottom of my feet at bedtime and that has helped loads! It is incredible how much of a difference it has made for me. I drink Calm before bedtime as well.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for sharing, Jenn. Sending you so much love!!
Anne says
When your teens start dating and going out evenings, you may find yourself staying up waiting on them to get home. Not easy to sleep if all your little chickadees aren’t safely in the nest 😉
Jen says
I am usually in bed by 9/9:30 but my kid’s sports practices end later so sometimes it’s more like 10 pm. My issue is getting up to go to the bathroom. I guess I need to limit my liquids before bed (haha I feel like I’m talking to a toddler). I think I panicked that I didn’t hit my water goal for the day so after dinner I am trying to get it in.
megan says
You said you felt less than fantastic when you went back to your shorter sleep schedule after returning home from summer vacation. What kind of symptoms did you notice that encouraged you to return to the earlier bedtime? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think I just felt “tired” and I didn’t realize I felt tired for years because it was my “norm”, but after getting more sleep for an extended period of time, I felt it when it went away.
Lea Ansamaa says
I am so happy to hear you sleep more! 🩷 It is really important for your brain and body. I go to bed at 10-11 p.m. and wake up around 7-8 so usually I get sleep 8-9 hours and I just could not function otherwise. I am not a morning or night oerson, I am a day person! ☺️
Julie says
Great post Shay. The importance of sleep can not be overstated. I’ve been working at making it a priority for the last year or so, and I think just that is progress. Hormones, teenagers out and about, dogs, snoring husband all play a part in a night of crappy sleep, and I don’t want a cumulative total of that to take a toll on my health. At my house, I have my “alone bedroom” where I can go a night or two a week to get really good quality sleep without disturbances…I am a very light sleeper. I have been tracking my sleep hours on the Samsung Health app for a while now, but just this week decided to wear my watch to bed and really get the data. It’s eye opening how much time I spend in the “wakefulness” stage. I’ve received an “excessive” score the past three nights, which wasn’t terribly surprising because I knew I was awake a lot. Does your Apple watch do a similar thing?
Mix and Match Mama says
I charge my Apple Watch at night, so I never sleep with it on. It does have sleep tracking though, but it’s the only time of the day that I’m not wearing it, so that’s when I charge it.
Julie Harris says
I was the same, and it’s taken some getting used to having it on. But, I’ve found the analysis of my sleep so fascinating the next morning. It tracks how often I wake, how many times I cycle through, how much REM vs light vs deep sleep I get. Also, gives a percentage of physical and mental restorativeness. I probably won’t wear it every night, but I did find it interesting that I wasn’t sleeping as “long” as I thought. Time in bed versus actual sleep was very different. Now I charge mine first thing while I’m drinking coffee and reading.
Kristen says
I am in a bad habit of taking benadryl at night to try to stay asleep. My husband snores so I have tried a few different earplug situations/white noise machines to drown that out. A couple of other things that have helped me a little bit are drinking tart cherry juice at night and making sure my feet are warm when I go to bed (electric blanket for a few minutes before I fall asleep.)
Shirley says
This was so timely for me! After being the “perfect sleeper” all my life, as I aged, it has not been so easy any more! One of the problems I think, is my mattress! Can you tell me what mattress you use (I know you have mentioned it in the past) Thank you and sweet dreams everyone!
Mix and Match Mama says
We LOVE our mattress!!! I’ve done an entire post on it! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2017/02/im-25-hes-45/
Shirley says
Thank you so much! I knew you had mentioned your mattress in the past, I just could remember which one you had chosen! Will certainly be trying the Sleep Number Mattress out soon! Thanks again!
Kelly Bonner says
I love this! I try to be in bed by 9pm & asleep by 9:30. I get up at 5am during the week. At our house it’s a standing expectation that Sunday nights will be early nights for us. We all try to go to bed a little earlier than normal, to start our week off not being tired.
Karen in Virginia says
I have been a night owl my entire life. Hence, my comment at almost 10 pm! I seem to feel my best late at night, however, this doesn’t mesh well with the real world. As my grandma used to say, “The early bird gets the worm, to which I would reply, the worm wouldn’t have been got if he hadn’t been up so early!” On another note, does anyone have a solution for sleep apnea OTHER than a CPAP? I am severely claustrophobic and cannot stand a mask on my face. Ugh.
R says
The sleep foundation and sleepapnea.org has information regarding a mouth guard for sleep apnea.
Becky Carl says
Karen, I just got the Inspire implant last August because I knew I could not tolerate that mask after a sleep study. So far I sleep really good and sound and do not snore. But my sleep schedule needs major work. I’m usually not asleep until 2-3 am because of Netflix disease and don’t wake up til 11 am. I am obviously retired and into some bad habits!! But it needs to change because my husband just retired and is early to bed, early to rise. I know what I need to do, stop the TV early!!
Inspire is a process but I feel like it will all workout if my other issues are resolved.
Tara says
I was so surprised that this was one of your new changes for a healthier year as I thought you had such a great routine that I could never accomplish myself (night owl here). But I just love that you are constantly reinventing yourself and your habits which really makes your blog so refreshing to read. So glad you’re getting more sleep, it’s really so important. I myself need to work on it, thanks for inspiring me! (:
Lauren says
I have learned over the last year that I have to be intentional with sleep. I consider myself a good sleeper and can sleep just about anywhere but I have to do it. I am naturally a night owl and can easily stay up late doing nonsense or instead I can be intentional about my sleep, make it a priority, and just go to bed! I’m not perfect with it but I am trying.
Jennifer Pickett says
I’m so glad you are tackling this subject!! It is so important! As a Functional Medicine coach that specializes in midlife women, I will tell you that this is the key area that I like to tackle first! It’s crazy all that is happening “behind the scenes” while we are sleeping. It’s a deep cleanse, a good detox!
Just word of warning. For those who are struggling and go to the doctor, their first response will be to throw you on a med and not get to the root of the issue of why you are having sleep issues. Those sleep meds have tremendous long term side effects. Not saying it is not needed at times, but make sure you are working with someone who will give you the time and attention you deserve!
Proud of you Shay for making these awesome changes!!
Julie says
I recently bought an Oura ring and the sleep insights on it have me majorly honing in on improving my sleep habits. It tells me how much deep sleep, light sleep, and REM I get. It also shows how much I moved as well as a plethora of other things. I got it because I don’t wear my Apple Watch at night either. I’m obsessed.
Abbey says
I have been wondering about this since you posted Peter Attila’s book!
If anyone wants more info on great sleep – Matthew Walker (his book or his podcast episodes) are AMAZING. His enthusiasm for sleep will make you want more
Lindsey Thomas says
So you have older kids who likely go to bed late. Do you go to bed before then? How does that all work? My kids are getting older and I’m wondering how to navigate it.
Mix and Match Mama says
K goes to bed first (because she gets up the earliest for school) and Smith goes to bed last…but he gets up early too, so when I go in to say goodnight, he’s already winding down/in his room/contemplating bed. On the weekends, I don’t mind going to bed first if they’re up and watching a movie or whatnot. I don’t go to bed if they’re not home or if they have people over…I stay up in those situations.