Today’s fast-paced society has resulted in many Americans now suffering occasionally with insomnia. However, there are many people, especially women who are now suffering from insomnia at higher rates. In spite of using medications and changing one’s diet and even seen a psychologist, many people still have to deal with this enemy of rest, sleep, and relaxation.
Insomnia, for varying reasons, can have numerous negative effects on the quality of life of the sufferer. It can affect one’s relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being. In spite of these, insomnia can still be of benefit, depending on one’s outlook and management. Though some people have serious causes for their insomnia (health and mental), many people who suffer from insomnia are basically healthy, but still contend with it. So, I have compiled a short list of insomnia’s benefits (yes, I said benefits!) for those who choose to employ them. These can be used as part of an Insomniac’s Survival Kit.
Now, let us examine three beneficial aspects of insomnia that I discovered through necessity and survival. If you adopt these outlook and practices, you, too, can survive its negative effects.
I. Insomnia can stimulate Productivity. When I first began to deal with sleepless nights, I spent most of the time lamenting the fact that I was tired and could not sleep. This made the nights even more unbearable and unending. So, I decided that I had to do something or I would unravel emotionally from the misery. I began to use the night time to complete work related tasks (especially writing) and other household chores and responsibilities. In this way, if I had to stay up at least something got accomplished. I started to leave certain things unattended to, so that I would have something to do until my body allowed me to sleep.
II. Insomnia can stimulate Personal Growth. I know it sounds hokey, but it is true. Because insomnia leaves you feeling vulnerable and alone (since others are asleep), you can have time to consider your life and its direction. You have time to consider relationships and family, which could prove to be of great benefit.
III. Insomnia can stimulate Pleasure and Appreciation. Simply put, you will find a greater pleasure and appreciation for times of rest, especially the glorious sleep that others take for granted. Personally, when I am able to rest and sleep well, those are some of the best times of my day. It may sound simple, but it does provide some comfort in spite of the many of nights of sleeplessness and restlessness.
There you have it! These may not be for everyone. But I have discovered a way to look beyond the misery and discomfort and improve my quality of living. Can insomnia be a pain? The answer is a resounding, “YES!” However, if you make efforts to change your outlook, you, too, can discover some beneficial aspects to insomnia.
If this does not help, there is always the emergency survival kit: DONUTS, DRUGS (legal, of course), and sheer DETERMINATION. LOL!
I strongly agree with Roderick. If u are afflicted with insomnia make the best of it
I have been plaged with sleeping difficulties since 15. Over time this worsened and i started to develop nasty bouts of depression. My academic endevours were drastically affected as my mind often acted like a broken record player repeating the same thing time and time again, making concentraion near impossible. The worst was this would continue even when i ceased studying.
Sleeping pills did little more than knock me out and leave me lethargic and even more muddled the next day. At the end of my 16s a collegue advised i try (cannabis with mainly indica genetics) as a means to instigate sleep. I can honestly say this has saved my studies: At GCSEs (at 15) i acheived 4 A 2 Bs and 2 Cs. At A2-level (17-18) I acheived 6 A’s (greater or equal to 80% on all subjects including all sciences maths, french and general studies) Not to mentions my emotive state which improved within days. But i digress.
I also use to take an exacerbating approch where i’d try to sleep but after several houres of tossing and turning. I am now 22 and unless i have my herbal remedy in the eveings i’m back to starting point with the inability to find sleep. In times like these i make the best of things and get some reading done or paperwork planning ect.
I couldnt agree more having a positive outlook is the key. Once i’d accepted that sometimes my body wont sleep and get along and do other things i nearly allways feel good the next day and sometimes with more energy and will.
In boudhism there is a parable of a man who louses his arms yet he is still cheerful. If asked why he’d answer “i still have my legs, i can walk run jump travel…” the idea being dont ponder on what u lack but on what u have herein lies the way to living happily whatever your circumstances.