A day full of activity. Work, family gathering, doctor appointments, lunch dates, sports activities, paying bills, shopping…the list goes on and on.
There are some days we wake with the “to do” list so full that there is no way to accomplish everything. Stress sets in. We begin the day doing what is most important or what we can do first.
A cup of coffee, a soft drink, chocolate candy bar in the afternoon. Maybe these things can help us stay awake. But what will be the effect later in the day?
Time moves along and more is added to our list. We can’t complete everything today. Tomorrow will bring more to be done.
Evening arrives and the computer beckons us to check messages, perhaps play a game or two on the screen.
Night time. Preparing for bed. Dishes washed. Clothes put away. Some items on the list checked off. Pajamas on. Face washed. Time to get under the covers.
The clock light shines through the darkness. One hour goes by and another and another. I am awake. Why? Why? I am tired. I want to sleep. My body is exhausted. If only my eyes would close, my brain would slow and my body would relax.
I review my day. What is keeping me awake?
Does this look familiar to you? Have you experienced trouble sleeping? I am not a doctor. I can only give you my personal views and experience. Each of us is created differently. Remember to visit your doctor and discuss any sleep issues that are affecting your daily living.
Reflecting on my days, here is what I have found to prevent me from sleeping.
- Watching television after 8:00pm keeps my mind too busy to relax.
- Playing games or reading messages on my phone after 8:00pm prevents me from quieting.
- Caffeine after 3:00p.m. does not work well with my body.
- Eating chocolate or anything with caffeine in the evening will keep me awake.
I sleep better in cool temperatures. If the heat is too warm or there are too many blankets on my bed, I have a hard time sleeping.
Also, a bedtime routine is calming. Warm shower, prayer, meditation.
How about you? What are some things that affect your sleep? Are there any tips you can share on how to have a restful sleep?
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages through fiction, non-fiction, devotions, guest blogs, articles and more. Her first children’s book “Licky the Lizard: was released in 2018.
You can follow Melissa on: Facebook, Twitter, and her website.
Defying Shadows 
I share many of the same factors that keep me from sleeping and have been working to reduce them one at a time!
Amazing how sleep can be affected by so many things. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Melissa, thank you for sharing your insights and for sharing this post! Sleep is critical to all functioning! Without adequate sleep I become a different person and one I really don’t want to be. Thank you for these reminders of simple and wise ways to take good care of ourselves, body, mind and spirit. I need to all of the things you mentioned. I also enjoy listening to a sermon or scripture readings as I fall asleep. That really helps me. Sleep well tonight!
Thank you for reading and commenting Melissa. Have a peaceful night’s sleep! 🙂
I have definitely learned the point of no return for caffeine, and I’ve also started to see that same pattern with chocolate. This was a good reminder about not being on your phone too late, too! Thanks for sharing!
Caffeine definitely messes with my sleep. Hope tonight is a good sleep night for you. 🙂
Melissa, I’ve dealt with insomnia for years. Like you, I try natural ways to help sleep come more naturally. And what you said about the computer/cell phone/ipad, is actually a study that some blue light rays (especially taking a device to bed with you), does something to your brain and keeps you from sleeping well.
I am learning something new about my sleep patterns every day. No blue light rays for me at night. Sweet dreams Karen. 🙂
I think getting older keeps me awake, 😂. When I was younger, I could be asleep before my head hit the pillow. Thanks for some ideas on things to try.
I agree. The older I get, the less sleep I need. I just want the sleep I need to be peaceful and restful. Sweet dreams. 🙂
Melissa, I try to keep a regular routine and go to bed at an early hour. When I am tucked into bed I love to read a novel and eventually I am ready to sleep. No more coffee after mid-afternoon and no scary or intense movies or tv before bedtime.
Timely! My hubby has had lots of trouble sleeping lately. I’ll share with him!
Hope he sleeps better tonight. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your church credentials and a few more details about your life in your new bio. I love what I see there about you. God bless you in your work, dear sister!
Now, the blog post. Oh my goodness! I so agree! Your list of things that can’t be done after certain times is similar to mine. When I have a list so long that all can’t be accomplished in one day and I spend the entire day scurrying around trying to do the impossible, I cannot sleep at the end of that day. I have to chop up the list and spread it out over numerous days with days of rest in between because of my chronic illness. And honestly, my husband has taken most of my items off my list and moved them to his, now that he is retired. I’m so grateful to have him doing everything. I also cannot sleep, period, if there has been strife, dissension, or arguing during the day.
These human attempts to do the impossible can be sorted out by the grace of God. Each person’s sleep needs are so unique. Thank you so much for sharing this, Melissa. You caused me to slow down and to consider some of my recent sleep struggles and to ponder the whys.
Melinda, thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, by the grace of God. I lean on Him in restless times and in restful times. God bless you. Sweet dreams. 🙂
So many factors make a big difference in our energy levels the next day. And some of those factors snowball into sleep deprivation. Great tips here! God bless!
Yes, I agree with you Nancy. Some factors snowball into sleep deprivation. Hoping and praying we all enjoy a good nights sleep. 🙂