“Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow.” –Tom Rath

Did you know that our brains are surprisingly active while we sleep?

They are busy filing away memories, cleaning out toxins and even solving problems. That's why sometime we wake up with solutions we couldn't find the day before!

Sleeping is something we all do, but do we all do it well?

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World sleep day* is the 14th of March

and this year the theme is: Make Sleep Health a Priority.

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How many hours do you currently sleep at night?

The sweet spot is to sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. The first 90min after you hit the sack are the most healing and rejuvenating and you get bonus replenishment points if you complete that phase before midnight. Easier said than done!

Fun fact (not so much fun!?) ... Humans are the only mammals that deliberately delay sleep, despite being the ones who need it most for cognitive function, and here I am delaying mine to finish this article!!

The quality of our sleep matters just as much as the quantity.

Quality sleep involves moving through different sleep cycles where body and mind perform essential maintenance:

-       Deep sleep is our body's repair shop, fixing everything from muscle tears to immune system updates. 

-       REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, think of it as our brain's version of a therapy session, processing emotions and filing away memories.

For women experiencing peri/menopause, sleep can become an elusive friend. Hot flushes and night sweats can turn peaceful restorative sleep into restless adventures. A survey report from the Fawcett society (May 2022) shows that up to 81% of women report sleep disturbances during peri & menopause, making it one of the most common symptoms of this life transition.

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Let’s make Sleep a Priority and consider these 4 strategies:

• Create a bedtime routine (yes, adults need one too!)

• Keep your bedroom cool around 18°C (or have a cold-water bottle near)

• Give your phone a bedtime before yours (those notifications will wait)

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing (counting sheep is optional)

Quality sleep isn’t a nice-to-have, it is our body’s reset button!

Give some gentle, tender loving care to your sleep this month as it is ‘the best medicine’ and dare to be the change you want to see in your organisation, family, community and life!

* Reference: https://worldsleepday.org/toolkit

COMING UP IN PERSON - EAST SUSSEX - 28th OF MARCH, ONLINE IN APRIL ...

Mid-Life Mosaic Circle:

Where Your Story Matters

Life is a mosaic—beautiful, messy and ever-changing.

Whether navigating life transitions, seeking community, reflection or wanting to be heard, this safe and nurturing women circle is for you.

We connect through authentic storytelling, finding wisdom and inspiration in each other's experiences.

Come to a space where you can soften, express, explore and just be.

Your story matters. Dare to step in.

Drop me a line to join dare to be the change's mosaic circle for women, March 28th: mathilde@daretobethechange.today