WordofMany

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Home bedroom refresh

why i prioritized sleep over everything else

By Olivia Hayes

Published: 22 May 2025

“The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep.”

Picture this: me, slumped over my laptop at 3 AM, eyes burning, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the sheer, stubborn refusal to admit defeat on a project. Sound familiar? For years, that was my life. I wore sleep deprivation like a badge of honor, convinced that sacrificing sleep was the only way to get ahead. I was so wrong. It wasn't until I hit a wall – a big, brick wall of burnout, irritability, and, frankly, looking like I'd aged ten years overnight – that I realized something had to change. So, I flipped the script: I prioritized sleep. And it changed everything.

woman exhausted at a computer at night | Image: Supplied

The Wake-Up Call (Pun Intended)

cracked coffee mug on messy desk | Image: Supplied

My wake-up call wasn't subtle. It was more like a full-blown alarm blaring in my face. My skin was dull, my hair was falling out (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but it felt like it), and my mood swings were… legendary. I'd snap at my friends for the smallest things, and my focus at work was nonexistent. I remember one particularly embarrassing incident where I completely blanked during a presentation – not my finest hour. That's when it hit me: I wasn't being productive; I was just being tired and cranky. And honestly, I was making more mistakes because I was so exhausted! I needed to find a way to do it better. Didn't everyone?

Why Sleep? The Science-y Stuff (But I Promise to Keep It Simple)

brain scan sleep research | Image: Supplied

Okay, so here's the deal. Sleep isn't just about feeling rested; it's a crucial biological process that affects basically every aspect of your health. When you sleep, your body repairs itself, your brain consolidates memories, and your immune system gets a boost. Lack of sleep can lead to a whole host of problems, including:

Weakened Immune System: hello, constant colds and flu!
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: think heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. Scary, right?
Mental Health Issues: sleep deprivation can worsen anxiety and depression.
Weight Gain: yes, you can blame your lack of sleep for those late-night cravings. Trust me, I do!
Impaired Cognitive Function: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things – basically, you turn into a zombie.

My Sleep Transformation: Baby Steps to Dreamland

woman sleeping peacefully in bed | Image: Supplied

I didn't go from sleep-deprived zombie to sleeping beauty overnight. It was a process of trial and error, and lots of self-compassion (because let's be real, sometimes life gets in the way). Here's what worked for me:

Creating a Sleep Schedule: This was the hardest part. I started by setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends (gasp!). It took a while, but eventually, my body adjusted.
Optimizing My Sleep Environment: Blackout curtains, a comfortable mattress, and a cool room temperature made a world of difference. I also invested in a white noise machine to block out distracting sounds. Total game changer!
Developing a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: I ditched the screens an hour before bed and replaced them with a warm bath, a good book, and some herbal tea. It signals to my brain that it's time to wind down. Plus, I kinda like feeling like a fancy lady.
Being Mindful of Caffeine and Alcohol: I cut back on caffeine in the afternoon and avoided alcohol before bed. Both can disrupt sleep, even if you don't realize it.
Forgiving Myself for Slip-Ups: Some nights, sleep just doesn't come easy. And that's okay! I learned to be patient with myself and focus on getting back on track the next night.
I still have days where my sleep schedule gets derailed. It's life, y'know? But the difference now is I have the tools to bounce back much more quickly.

The Unexpected Perks: Beyond Just Feeling Rested

woman smiling and feeling refreshed | Image: Supplied

Prioritizing sleep didn't just make me less tired; it improved my life in so many other ways. My skin cleared up (goodbye, dark circles!), my mood stabilized (my friends and family are eternally grateful), and my focus sharpened (hello, productivity!). I also found that I had more energy to exercise, eat healthy, and pursue my passions. I was a better friend, a better partner, and a better version of myself, all because I started getting enough sleep. And yeah, I even started looking forward to bedtime! Who'da thunk?

So, What Does This Mean for You?

woman journaling in bed | Image: Supplied

Okay, friend, I know this is a lot to take in. But here’s the deal, I'm not saying you need to become a sleep saint overnight, or that you need to aim for some impossible ideal of eight hours every single night. But maybe, just maybe, you can start by making one small change – like setting a slightly earlier bedtime, or ditching your phone an hour before you hit the pillow. See how you feel. Give yourself the gift of rest, and see what amazing things happen when you're finally operating on a full tank of energy. What's one small change you can make tonight to prioritize sleep?