I went back to work today utterly exhausted. I had great rest all weekend, and last night, it all fell to pieces.
I went into work with a sore neck and a bad attitude.
I have to be honest! It happens once in a blue moon.
In fact, by early afternoon, I felt so sleep deprived that I headed 4 blocks west to my little studio, and I fell deeply asleep the moment my head hit the pillow. I woke up snoring 45 minutes later, (which I only do if I am exhausted!) and on the hour mark, I had clocked back in to work.
I've never done this in 16 years of being a therapist!
You now what? I finished the day with more energy, a brighter affect and better attitude than ever!
According to soundsleep.org, the body needs sleep:
- for healthy cell growth and for cell and tissue repair.
- to enable the immune system to function effectively.
- to enable the brain to encode and store recently received information. REM sleep activates the parts of the brain that deal with learning, and
- to allow neurons to regenerate and repair during sleep so that our bodies can continue to function as effectively as possible both physically and mentally.
- aching muscles
- confusion, memory lapses or loss
- depression
- hallucinations
- hand tremors
- headaches
- malaise
- sensitivity to cold
- bloodshot eyes
- periorbital puffiness, commonly known as "bags under eyes" or eye bags
- increased blood pressure
- increased stress hormone levels
- increased risk of diabetes
- increased risk of fibromyalgia
- irritability
- nystagmus (rapid involuntary rhythmic eye movement)
- obesity
- temper tantrums in children
- yawning
- symptoms similar to:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)
- Psychosis
Crazy, huh?
I knew I was not being patient, encouraging and positive today. I had to stop it in midstream. The only way I knew was to get some rest.
I'm glad I did!
It also made me think about what my patients tell me when they say,
"I had a terrible night sleep!
I don't think I can work right now."
After last night, I'm much more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt!!
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