1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.
Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.
This week, we’ve been exploring the benefits of more and better sleep.
I’ve written previously about my relatively recent commitment to getting more sleep.
After (ridiculously, in retrospect) taking pride in an “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mindset for many decades, in recent years, I’ve become all about prioritizing sleep.
2: Two reflections:
First, it’s pretty simple, right? If we want to sleep more, we either go to bed earlier or get up later.
That’s it. Those are the choices.
One of which—getting up later—simply isn’t an option for me. As an avowed “morning routine” person, my absolute favorite time of each day is the two hours I get to exercise, journal, pray, meditate, read, write, and hang out with my wife, Carey, who also enjoys this time together.
I’m not giving that up. Period.
So, if I want more sleep, I must go to bed earlier.
Which doesn’t make it easy. Especially for a night owl like me. As the night unfolds, I typically feel more awake. There are endless things to do. Work. Fun. Connection. Being productive. Chilling out.
Choices. So many choices.
But no matter how many options there might be, what’s required is going to bed. And that’s what I’ve embraced.
In March, I was either in bed by 10:15 p.m., spent a minimum of 7 hours and 45 minutes in bed, or achieved an 85 sleep score on my Oura ring for 15 of the 31 possible nights. That’s my best month ever. And it simply requires going to bed earlier.
3: Last reflection: Man, it feels good to get enough sleep. There is a marked difference between the days when I achieved my goal above and those when I didn’t.
Fact: Life is better with more sleep.
More next week!
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Reflection: Do I prioritize sleep? How much better do I feel when I get a good night’s sleep?
Action: Read Matthew Walker‘s book Why We Sleep.
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