Yes, Sleep is My Superpower
by Donna MedinaLet me tell you, sleep really is my superpower. Without it, my body doesn’t perform at its best, my balance is off, I’m unfocused, irritable, and not functioning at my full potential. Taking care of my mom has made this clearer than ever. Her care requires patience, focus, and physical energy, and I’ve learned that I can’t meet those demands if I don’t prioritize my sleep. Being sleep-deprived leaves me unable to handle the responsibility with the strength and clarity it deserves.
Over the years, I’ve come to see how sleep is the glue that holds everything else together from how I move and eat to how I handle stress. While we sleep, our brains go into recovery mode. There’s this amazing system called the glymphatic system that kicks in, clearing out toxins and reducing inflammation. It’s like a nightly detox for my brain, leaving me sharper, calmer, and ready to take on the day—something I absolutely need to care for both myself and my mom.
When I get enough sleep, I can feel the difference. My focus improves, my balance is better, and I can handle stress with more resilience. On the flip side, when I skimp on sleep, my workouts are harder, my memory gets foggy, and my mood is, well... let’s just say not great.
That’s why I’ve made sleep a priority. It’s not about perfection—it’s about small, consistent habits that help me get the rest I need:
- Consistent bedtime: I stick to a routine, even on weekends. It helps my body and brain know when it’s time to wind down.
- Unplugging: I avoid screens before bed because I’ve learned the hard way that blue light messes with my ability to fall asleep.
- Evening calm: I keep my evenings lighter—no late meals or caffeine—so I can let my body relax naturally.
Caring for my mom has taught me the value of structure and consistency in my sleep routine. It’s the one thing that keeps me grounded and able to handle all the challenges life throws my way.
So, what about you? Are you ready to make sleep your superpower too? Stay tuned, because next time, we’ll dive into the final pillar of the M.E.S.S. Method: Stress management. I can’t wait to share how mastering your stress can help tie everything together.