How Nurses get Better Sleep
Aaaah, a blog from Nurses about how Nurses can get better sleep! YES! Sign me up for better rest and recovery.
The American Nurses Association’s Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation initiative invited me to add my two zzzzz’s worth about sleep and restoration, you can read that article here >>>
As a Nurse, Integrative Nurse Coach and Menopause Fitness Specialist, most women tell me sleep is an imperative piece of wellbeing, and many of them really struggle getting it, finding it and maintaining it!
Sleep is an Absolute Priority
And I agree, sleep is an absolute priority for everyone’s health and wellbeing! When I was a younger Nurse, I’d often say, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Honestly, that left me feeling depleted and exhausted the next day, especially after a 12-hour ICU shift.
Many Nursing roles don’t allow for set routines from day to day. For example, you can work three 12 hour shifts and then have to get back onto your family schedule on your days off.
Night Nurses. you may have a more difficult time since your schedules swing from staying awake to function during the wee hours of the night, to then flip to be awake during day hours when you’re off. Shifting to accommodate scheduling makes it difficult to rest and restore with ease.
Plus, the suffering and traumas you witness can cause anxiety, and difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. It is difficult to ‘turn it all off’ just because it’s time to sleep.
Sleep to Prepare, Repair and Restore
As I’ve gracefully aged, I see sleep as a time to prepare, repair and restore my being. I’ve finally recognized how important sleep is so I can function. I’ve gotta have it for clarity, mood, my patience and my organization.
Did you know that when we sleep, our glymphatic system cleans out debris, misfolded proteins, and plaques around our brains by filtering our cerebral spinal fluid? Our body is a magical thing! If we don’t get enough zzz’s, we miss out on this important function and could be pre-disposed to illness like dementia and other diseases.
Prioritize Sleep
I prioritize sleep by trying to keep my bedtime regular each night. I try not to drink alcohol or eat within 4 hours of bedtime. I’ve purchased the nicest linens I can afford, so my bed is comfortable and cool.
I reserve my bed for sleeping, and don’t watch TV or work on my computer in bed and I keep my room very dark and cool at night. I’m not perfect every time, but shifting my behaviors to allow sleep to be a sacred act has opened up possibilities to rest and sleep better.
One Thing to Ask Yourself
One thing to ask yourself to help you prioritize sleep is, ‘What am I trying to accomplish when I don’t make sleep a priority? Would I try to keep my baby up till late at night? How about my grandmother, would I force her to stay awake with me to watch the last episode of a Netflix binge?’ The answer is likely always, ‘no’, you’d want your baby and grandma to rest with ease and comfort.
Turn to Journaling
As far as anxiety and reliving traumatic events during the pitch-black night, perhaps you could turn to journaling. Ever sat upright in bed, re-experiencing an event that went wrong, and where sleep has eluded you? Me too!
A few years ago, I placed a journal and pen at my bedside, as I read somewhere that it could help me sleep better. If I wake up with thoughts of the day swirling endlessly in my brain, the journal is there for me to jot down some brief ideas and get them out of my head.
Writing the emotions and things I feel in black and white helps to release rumination and energy. What I’ve experienced doesn’t go away, but writing it down helps me slow down and let go of the things I can’t control.
If you are faced with anxiety that doesn’t seem to resolve, I have some resources that can support you. Just reach out. I’d like to help.
It’s time to make yourself a priority and put sleep at the top of our list. Need help? I’ve got tons more ideas to support you and your wellbeing. Click the button below to send me a message so I can help!
Sometimes, all it takes is a quick email, or conversation to get things moving in a better direction.
We all need a little help from our friends.
Xo Nurse Coach Nicole
Nicole Vienneau MSN, RN, NC-BC
Nicole combines 20+ years of nursing experience with 30+ years of fitness + health coaching to uncover your most authentic expression of wellbeing.
Nicole specializes in protecting Nurse Wellbeing through habits and behaviors that support your brain and body health.
She’s a board-certified integrative Nurse Coach, menopause fitness specialist, brain health trainer, Reiki practitioner, and a group fitness and yoga instructor.
Nicole is passionate about everything she does, and especially loves creating safe, restorative communities. She loves exploring Tucson’s nature, finding solace with her cat-babies and traveling with her awesome husband.
