Sleep: How much sleep do we really need?
We can research what they say is optimal sleep for us, however, we are all different. The way I gauge this is if I wake up prior to my alarm going off, then I know that I have had enough sleep. I do notice that during colder weather, weather changes, season changes, I need more sleep, because I get tired quicker.
I lived in Mexico for a few years when I was in my 20’s. I was struggling with being tired, so I went to the doctor and asked them why I was so tired. We discussed my moving from Canada and how long it had been. He told me it takes 8 months for the body to acclimatize. Where I was living was pretty much between 23 to 27 Celsius all year long. I didn’t respond to him right away – I just let it sink in…
I thought about that – 8 months to acclimatize…we never have 8 months of the same weather – our bodies are struggling constantly to the change in climate.
No wonder we are more prone to being tired…
Then I look at my cat. We have had him for almost two years now. He was in rough shape when we got him. He had been a stray that was found during the winter and in a house with quite a few other cats – it was very clear he was at the bottom of the pecking order. He would eat his food quick but was constantly looking around him, expecting to get pounced on. He peed so quickly, half the time he got it on himself as he was scared doing that. He hid for a few months unsure of what to expect. He was constantly looking over his shoulder.
Now 2 years later, he is the cuddliest, most loving, relaxed cat I have ever known. In fact, I thought he slept too much and was starting to get concerned, until I did some research on that and found out that you know how happy a cat is by how much they sleep. A very happy cat will sleep between 16 & 20 hours per day. Think about that – wow!
My cat probably averages about 18 hours of sleep a day. I got thinking about that and just how much he has changed and really come into himself – relaxed, loving, happy, enjoying his life and it pleases me greatly that we were part of his journey to happiness.
Questions to Ponder:
Think about how much sleep you are getting.
Do you feel rested when you wake up?
Do you wake up prior to your alarm?
