"To Sleep, Perchance to Dream..."

Today's post is not brought to you by William Shakespeare, but rather from a news piece in the NY Times (http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2010/09/02/ lack-of-sleep-can-cause-depression-weight-gain-and-even-death/#more-6990). I'm struck by this as I find myself again on the cusp of a new school year trying to get high school aged children to get enough rest (not to mention a type-A wife). We are coming off 10 weeks of sleeping late and basically goofing off - but that all ends tomorrow.

Lack of sleep is pervasive in our culture. A recent survey in Virginia of active clergy noted that an overwhelming proportion of them reported getting inadequate amounts of sleep each week. Add to this that 85% of them took one day or less off each week, and you have a set-up for burnout. An interesting piece from the article was the link, especially in teens, to psychologic disorders and weight gain from inadequate rest. Both disorders are rampant right now in teens, and one wonders if part of the answer is just helping our kids identify and stick to reasonable behavior boundaries and preventative strategies such as getting at least 8.5 hours of sleep nightly.

Deep, restful and restorative sleep has many positive health benefits. Mental acuity is enhanced, and job performance is optimized. Not only that, you feel better as well! So, why don't we find our way to bed in time (for adults) to get the 7.5 hours of sleep that is recommended and encouraged? Is there a spiritual component to this need to work endlessly? I think the answer is "yes". The culture that surrounds us puts a premium on individualism and self-interest. We're told that if we work harder, anything is possible. What happens is we not only work harder, but we work longer and take less time to relax and recharge. A current cable add for "5 Hour Energy" encourages you to drink this potion and push through "siesta time"; to ignore your body's request for rest.

Our bodies need exercise and relaxation; there is a natural rhythm to the world that we ignore at our peril. Even the hyper-exercise mavens know that you can't push muscles constantly, you must have times of rest so that overworked muscles can heal. So it is with the rest of the body. We are created to have rest each day. Without adequate rest, our bodies get more and more out of synch, and they break down faster. This is the reason for Sabbath - that day of rest each week for us to get out of the rat race and re-evaluate what we are doing.

So, what about you? In this new season of homework and activities, will you resolve to get enough sleep? If you don't the consequences might be dire. Listen to your body and set aside enough time for rest. If you're having trouble sleeping, get help. Above all, model appropriate behavior for those around you, especially children.

Peace and grace,
Dan