Restlessness and Poor Sleep – Who doesn't recognize it?
Restlessness and poor sleep... Who doesn't suffer from it?
For me, the two don't always go hand in hand. Sometimes they report neatly separately, but to be honest: they usually come in together. It is a feeling that presents itself just like that — sometimes for no apparent reason, sometimes because something is going on or because you know something is coming.
At the beginning of November I felt it again. That restless itchy feeling, the need to take space, sink into myself for a moment and listen: what do you want to tell me?
I don't often sleep really badly, but I do dream a lot (last night about two precious cups that were broken — well, dreams have humor). And if I still drink after eight, I can go to the toilet several times. Sometimes I fall asleep quickly, sometimes all kinds of things go through my head. And during a full moon? Then the dolls are dancing, then there is real restlessness and poor sleep.
Restlessness and poor sleep, what does that do to you?
Poor sleep makes me shorter on the ball, tired faster and irritable. Then I need to turn inward, to give myself softness. But honestly: that doesn't always work either. What does this unrest mean for me? I want to embrace it, but sometimes I can't find the words. Then I get annoyed by small things and I also name everything. "Being seen, heard and felt"... It's a common thread in my life — and also in my nights.
And then the holidays are coming. Sinterklaas is already in the country. I remember well what that time did to my family when the children were small. Now two have left the house, but I still feel the unrest on the street. The tension among parents. The powerlessness.And Christmas... Well, I have my own ideas about that, which don't always match the home front. That also creates a buzz.
But what about people without children? Parents of children with disabilities, where loving care can also cause exhaustion? Or people who provide informal care? For them, this time can also be restless.
Turmoil is not wrong—it is a messenger
Unrest is not wrong. It is usually a signal. A whisper: "Stop for a moment."
And when you look closer, you see that restlessness has many forms: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, social, creative, spiritual. Everyone knows it in their own way, and everyone deals with it differently.
And yes, for some restlessness means sleeping less, for others sleeping is an escape. But when restlessness does affect your sleep, and you structurally take too little rest, you are overexploiting. You eventually notice this in thoughts, emotions and your body.
Children can also sleep worse due to restlessness. My youngest son suffered from night terrors. No one knew where it came from, but he slept restlessly—and so did we.
What helps me?
A hand on my heart.
Do a calm box breathing.
Say to myself, "Can you do something about it now?"
And sometimes... just let it be.
Unrest does not have to be solved.
Sometimes it just wants to be seen.
with love
Leave a Reply