“I’m tired as I type which reminds me to remind you that getting adequate sleep is more important than anything you might accomplish by staying up too late working on what “must” get done. If we deprive ourselves of precious recovery time, life simply becomes less enjoyable as we continue to burn out emotionally and physically. Not to mention the scientific proof that lack of sleep is an underlying cause of many health issues and has been linked to the likes of increased cancer risk (especially in women) to fun stuff like depression. So get your Zs people!!”

I found these wise words on Everyday Paleo a blog written by a mother of three who is a Crossfit coach. That I would ever be reading a paleo blog is surprising, but I’m starting to rethink a lot of things about my life long approach to food. One of the consistent themes that I’m running across is the importance of getting enough sleep. I think I’ve been sleep deprived for over two decades. I have never been good at hitting the “off” switch, in fact, I don’t’ know where mine is. I am not good at just taking time to rest and relax when there are still things on the to-do list. When are there not things on that list? Still, I’m trying and it’s been fun spending the evenings playing games with my family members instead of working, working, working.

I have many friends who are a few years to many years younger then I am and one of the pieces of advice I’d like to give you is this: Don’t sacrifice your sleep. On occasion you may need to burn the candle at both ends. It should be unusual instead of normal. Some of you are just like I was at your age and I think it’s a profound mistake. Sadly, I think the ones who most need to hear this message will dismiss it with incredible rationalization skills. I understand, I would have done the same. I just WISH that I could cause you to re-think that rationalization of yours.

Get some Zzzz, friends, because in the whole of life you’ll be a better servant of the Most High God if you do!