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Tired and Angry?
Sleep Deprivation Could Be Behind Your Latest Argument
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It’s no surprise that weddings come with some stress. However, you may not have anticipated disagreements popping up in the most unlikely of places. Differences of opinion are to be expected but if sleep deprivation is at work, small disagreements can grow into full-blown arguments. These unexpected outbursts often stem from a chronic lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation doesn’t have to be your norm. With healthy sleep habits in place, you can get the rest you need so you can enjoy planning your wedding.
Fueling the Fire with Sleep Deprivation
Stress and sleep deprivation go hand-in-hand. In fact, they feed and fuel one another. As your wedding stress starts to increase, you’re far more likely to lose sleep at night. Sleep deprivation begins anytime you get less than seven hours of sleep. At that point, the brain changes the way it functions.
The brain’s emotional processing center becomes oversensitive and reactive to negative events and thoughts. The portion of the brain that usually applies logic and reason to your emotions becomes less active. It’s dwindling influence magnifies the effects of your emotions. Consequently, you’re more prone to overly emotional reactions that blow disagreements out of proportion.
Bring Balance with Better Sleep
You don’t need to be held hostage by a lack of sleep or emotions run amok. Your sleep patterns are highly reactive to your personal behaviors, which means healthy sleep habits can help.
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Pay Attention to Your Sleep Environment
The bedroom needs to be an oasis where you can fully relax in a stress-free environment. To improve the quality of your sleep, you’ll need to eliminate as many outside interruptions and distractions as possible. Light streaming in the windows, the noise of passing cars, or uncomfortable temperatures can contribute to sleeplessness. Depending on your circumstances, you may need blackout curtains, a white noise machine, or a table fan to create better sleep conditions.
2. Push Sleep Up the Priority List
It’s easy to work on wedding plans late into the night, but sleep needs to be at the top of your priority list. You can do that by establishing a regular bedtime and sticking to it. You’ll help yourself even more if you keep your bedtime on the weekends too. Your brain will anticipate your bedtime and automatically release sleep hormones so you feel sleepy at the correct time.
3. Use Your Bedtime Routine to De-Stress
Bedtime routines are invaluable when you’re under a lot of stress. They not only trigger the release of sleep hormones but also provide an opportunity to bring your body to a calm, relaxed state. Include activities that you find relaxing. For some, that may be a warm bath while for others it may be 10 to 15 minutes of meditation.
4. Turn the TV (and Other Screens) Off Early
The bright light from electronic screens, whether a television or e-reader, can suppress sleep hormones. The content on your screen can also be overstimulating and keep your mind working long past your bedtime. Some devices have a night or night shift mode that allows you to change the spectrum of the screen’s light so it doesn’t interfere with sleep hormones. However, your safest bet is still to turn everything off two to three hours before bed.
Conclusion
When you’re preparing for one of the happiest days of your life you don’t want to be caught up in avoidable squabbles. With adequate sleep, you can spend your pre-wedding time growing closer to your partner in preparation for your new life together.
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