I have run across several people during my lifetime who claim that they do not need more than 5 or 6 hours of sleep each night. Some have gone so far as to state that I do not need my full 9 hours. I have always been one to listen to and heed the messages of my own body whenever it comes to sleep, as well as what I eat and what I wear. Every body is different. My own body requires a full 9 to 9 ½ hours of sleep if I am going to look, feel, and function at my best. If sleep has been insufficient, my skin and eyes look dull, I have less energy, my mind becomes foggy, and I am more susceptible to colds and flu. And, just like a tired, cranky toddler, I can descend into an avalanche of tears at the drop of a hat.
After a good night’s sleep; however, my skin glows and my eyes are bight. I feel more energetic and I have a happier disposition. This is based on more than sixty years of self-observation, so when someone tells me that I just think I need 9 hours of sleep or that I really do not need that much, I know they are clearly mistaken. It is one example of one human being whose ego is so over inflated that he thinks he knows what is best for everyone he knows. Our world would be far more peaceful if we took the time to listen to our own bodies and our own inner wisdom, rather than relying on others to tell us, or relying on so called “experts”. The only person you can absolutely trust is yourself. You can take in information, but ultimately, you must decide what to do with that information.
No one can know us better than we know ourselves. Giving our power away to others leaves us fragmented and that can lead to emotional as well as physical weakness. We can respect other peoples’ opinions and we may even agree on many things, but we must own our own truth if we are to show up authentically in life and fulfill our own unique purpose.
