As women, we are genetically wired to DO. We are doing all day long. Regardless of age, stage of life, marital or job status, we are doing. How many tips, books, and programs have you taken over the years to help you do more efficiently? I’ve read, listened to, and attended a plethora! However, the genetic compulsion to DO is still there. I really have to work hard to tame it and just BE for a change. Can anyone relate?

The cost of habitual doing, or giving in to the compulsion, is not only significant to our own health, but it also robs us of who we really are. When doing, doing, doing, we are unable to be the noble qualities that are unique to each of us. My life and compulsion were transformed when I took Celebrating Women – Regarding Power and Ecstasy, otherwise known as the “Queen,” course a few years ago. I finally understood on an emotional, spiritual and physical level what my incessant doing was costing my family and me. What was just as startling was the scientific evidence that supports this amazing course. With that said…here’s some interesting news about doing and sleep deprivation.

So Much to Do, So Little Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation survey found that 60 percent of the women polled said they only get a good night’s sleep a few nights a week — or less. And 43 percent said daytime sleepiness interferes with their daily activities.

Sleeping less than seven hours a night is associated with a higher body mass index (a ratio of weight to height) / higher body fat percentage and a higher likelihood of obesity, according to a study of more than 25,000 people published in the journal Sleep.

Other researchers looked at the results of 23 studies and found that 17 of them supported an inescapable link between insufficient sleep and increased weight. The findings were published online on Jan. 17 in the journal Obesity. So…as you think about your strategy for winning the “battle of the belly”, perhaps it’s time to change your sleep habits too.

The health risks aren’t limited to weight gain. For the fun of it, I did a google search, and >95,000 hits came up regarding sleep disturbance and its impact on health! Sleeping challenges significantly impact your Endocrine system, creating an imbalance in many hormones, including cortisol levels, which in turn impacts your adrenal glands and your sex hormones. Sleep deprivation is the root cause of many health challenges.

• Insufficient sleep has been linked to medical conditions, diabetes and hypertension and cardiovascular disease (stemming from weight gain).

Yet it does not stop there!!

• An estimated 1,500 fatalities and 71,000 injuries from motor vehicle accidents on U.S. roads every year are the result of drowsy driving.

• Sleep deprivation costs Americans more than $100 billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and property damage.

Here are a few “sleep hygiene” tips (that’s really what it’s called) that I’ve shared for years that will have a dramatic impact if implemented:

• Exercise regularly. It’s best to complete a workout at least a few hours before bedtime, however.
• Finish eating at least two to three hours before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime.
• Maintain a regular bed and waketime schedule, including weekends and holidays
  • Your most restorative sleep (the best health benefits) actually is between 9 pm and MN. So…work on getting to bed earlier!
• Creating a sleep-conducive environment that’s dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.
• Sleeping on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
• ONLY use your bed for two things–sleep and sex.
  • Things such as TV and reading books are best done in a chair or other rooms.

I realize it may take some practice, some help from others, and an act of human spirit to stop the compulsion of doing until you drop. However…the benefits will be worth it, when you have more energy to do the next day and BE your best self!

Here’s to Creating the Vitality You Crave!