Last week, I mentioned that for this upcoming W3o, I am going to focus improving my sleep habits. Lately, I am having a tough time waking up in the morning. I set my alarm for 5:30 or 6:00 so that I can have some calm “me” time in the morning before the kids wake up. I like to get myself ready, have a cup of coffee, etc. For the last month, I have been pressing snooze and sleeping until I hear my early riser (my 2 year old) wake up between 6:30 and 7:00. At that point, I get up and I feel like I have to hit the ground running to help get everyone ready to leave for the day. It makes me feel frazzled. This is something I want to change! I think mornings would run much more smoothly if I got up earlier.
So, in order to accomplish that, I have to go to bed earlier! I don’t really like the idea of it, because I like to stay up late occasionally, (ok, most nights) and watch tv, go online, or read. Those things are fine, but I need to draw the line somewhere and hit the pillow earlier. Plus, the light from tv and other devices affects our circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to fall asleep. From what I have read, at minimum, 8 hours a night should be the goal. To get 8 hours, I am going to have to go to bed around 9:30! That sounds really, really, early to me, but I am going to try it. Currently, I have been going to bed around 11 or 11:30. Lack of sleep has so many implications on our bodies. Just to name a few, it affects our ability to deal with stress, to lose fat, and even our memory!
Here are my goals for Sleep/Rest during the Whole 30, starting on October 21:
1. Be IN bed by 9:30 pm, 10 at the latest.
2. Wake up time will be 5:30 am, 6 at the latest.
3. No iPhone/computer/television after 9pm. Ugh, this one is going to be really difficult for me. Keep me accountable if you see me on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter after 9 😉 I am sort of dreading it and looking forward to it all at the same time. I mean, how much time do I probably waste on these things at night?! It just might be a freeing experience!
**Click here and here for some great articles from the people at Whole 30 about sleep. There is also more detailed information in their book, “It Starts With Food” about how sleep affects fat loss, cortisol levels, etc. Definitely worth a read!
Great Goals…something to think about for my whole30 in November. It is always nice catching up on sleep. 8 hours always gives me the recharge I need.
Totally agree! Not getting close to 8 hours now…probably why I am dragging myself out of bed in the morning 😉
Staying on my devices till the last minute before bed is def an issue for me. I’ve decided (starting Monday along with my Whole30) to start plugging them in on the opposite side of my bedroom before I get into bed. We’ll see how it goes….
I think it is going to be a hard habit for me to break too, Bonnie!