Sleepiness is something I have to deal with a lot more of during my recovery process. Over the course of my life napping didn’t interest me. Because it always felt like a waste of good daylight. But, as it turns out, napping has become a necessity. Yikes!
Because sleepiness has become a frequent, almost relentless visitor.
Here’s a snippet of an article I read that talked about the why and what for of this phenomenon:
~ Many stroke patients report weariness and sleepiness during the early stages of stroke recovery. While the brain generally consumes 20% of total body energy, that number rises in the weeks and months after a stroke. This is because the brain takes additional energy to fix the damage, leaving less energy available for normal processes like remaining attentive. ~
And the article pepper in some benefits from getting enough, or at least more, sleep. Here’s what it added:
~ Getting enough sleep is critical for general health and well-being, particularly for stroke survivors. Adequate and restful sleep may help the body heal and renew and ease stroke symptoms such as excessive drowsiness. Some of the advantages of getting enough sleep after a stroke are as follows:
- Improved cognitive function: Adequate sleep is necessary for the brain to operate correctly and may enhance cognitive function, memory, and learning.
- Reduced risk of depression: Sleep difficulties are strongly connected to depression and anxiety, and getting enough sleep may help you avoid acquiring these mental health illnesses.
- Reduced risk of stroke recurrence: Sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence. A good night’s sleep may assist in lessening this risk.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Sleep is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, and getting enough sleep may help reduce the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. ~
So, I guess I can nap without the guilt of wasting daylight now.
Because napping won’t just be a way to get out of work or other responsibilities. Now it can be a part of my health and wellness and recovery regimen. And when you’re not sleeping, you’re not nearly as sloppy. Hot Diggity! OK maestro, a little (or original) sleep music if you please…
Now I Lay Me Down
I wish the day would never end…
So maybe I will just pretend
I’m going to my secret place
Where darkness won’t conceal my face.
I’m just gonna lay down…lay down and think.
Or maybe if I think real fast
This sleeping time will soon be past.
Then I’ll be free to fly around
And fill the air with happy sound.
I’m just gonna try it…try it and see.
Now I lay…lay me down
Blink and wink, my dreams come and take me.
Now I lay…lay me down
If I’m gone too long, come and wake me.
But I don’t really want to go.
There must be some way, do you know
To stay awake both day and night
Let’s think on it with all our might.
Yeah, we should just lay down…lay down and think.
Chorus
© 2001-2018 Tony Funderburk
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