Focusing on Sleep
Sleep: The Most Underrated Form of Self-Care
Sleep is often treated as optional—something we sacrifice to keep up with busy schedules, responsibilities, and screens. But sleep is not a luxury. It is a biological necessity that impacts learning, emotional regulation, physical health, and overall well-being—for students, parents, educators, and everyone in between.
In yoga and mindfulness, rest is not passive. It is active restoration.
Why Sleep Matters (The Science)
Research consistently shows that adequate sleep is essential for:
Learning and memory – Sleep helps the brain consolidate information, making it critical for students and lifelong learners.
Emotional regulation – Sleep deprivation increases stress, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty managing emotions.
Physical health – Poor sleep is linked to weakened immunity, increased inflammation, heart disease risk, and metabolic issues.
The CDC recommends:
Teens: 8–10 hours per night
Adults: 7–9 hours per night
Yet many students and adults regularly fall short—often without realizing how deeply it affects their daily functioning.
3 Unexpected Reasons to Make Sleep a Priority
1. Sleep Improves Decision-Making
Lack of sleep reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for judgment, impulse control, and reasoning. This affects everything from academic performance to emotional reactions and daily choices.
2. Sleep Supports Creativity and Problem-Solving
During sleep, especially REM sleep, the brain makes novel connections. This is why solutions, insights, and creative ideas often appear after a good night’s rest—not after pushing through exhaustion.
3. Sleep Is a Form of Emotional Protection
Sleep helps buffer the nervous system. When we’re rested, we’re more resilient to stress, better able to cope with challenges, and less reactive. Sleep doesn’t remove difficulties—it changes how we meet them.
Sleep as a Yoga Practice
In yoga, rest is intentional. It’s not “doing nothing”—it’s allowing the body and mind to integrate.
Sleep is the longest and most powerful restorative practice we have. Prioritizing sleep is an act of self-respect and self-trust, not weakness or laziness.
Inspirational Quote
“Sleep is the best meditation.”
— Dalai Lama
Journal Prompts: Reflecting on Sleep
How does my body and mind feel when I am well-rested compared to when I am not?
What beliefs or habits might be getting in the way of prioritizing sleep right now?
What is one small, realistic change I could make this week to support better rest?
For further exploration, check out these resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Sleep and Sleep Disorders
— Evidence-based sleep duration guidelines for children, teens, and adultsNational Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep
— Explains sleep stages, brain function, and restorationWalker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.
— Comprehensive synthesis of sleep research on learning, health, and emotionHarvard Medical School – Division of Sleep Medicine
Sleep and Health Education Program
— Clear explanations of sleep’s role in physical and mental health
