I’ve always been a good sleeper.
Until I wasn’t.
It happened almost overnight—literally.
One day I was sleeping soundly, the next I was wide awake at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling, counting sheep, replaying conversations, and strategizing my to-do list for the week ahead.
At first, I blamed it on stress, aging, too much screen time… you name it. I tried to more yoga, journaling, positive thinking.... You know, all the right things.
Nothing worked.
Then, in classic high-performer style, I convinced myself the solution was doing more.
Finishing projects, tackling new goals, adding more to my plate.
Because surely, if I got everything done, I’d feel calm enough to sleep.
Spoiler: it didn’t work.
One night, lying wide awake (again), something clicked. Instead of spiraling, I started breathing deeply—really deeply.
Then I tried alternate nostril breathing, a technique I’d learned in yoga teacher training.
And for the first time in weeks, I felt a wave of calm wash over me.
I fell asleep.
That night was a wake-up call (pun intended): My body wasn’t the problem.
My stress response was.
The Science of Sleep and Success:
Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s restoration. It’s when your brain consolidates memories, processes emotions, and clears out toxins. Your body repairs cells, regulates hormones, and resets for the day ahead.
But chronic stress and disrupted sleep create a vicious cycle. Elevated cortisol (hello, survival mode) blocks the deep, quality sleep you need to function, which makes you even more stressed.
Here’s what happens when you don’t prioritize sleep:
🔹 Cognitive decline: Your focus, creativity, and decision-making plummet.
🔹 Weakened immunity: You’re more likely to get sick and stay sick longer.
🔹 Emotional instability: Small problems feel overwhelming, and patience goes out the window.
What Changed for Me:
I realized self-care routines aren’t one-size-fits-all—they need to evolve. What worked for me in the past wasn’t enough anymore. I had to listen to my body and respond differently.
Since that night, I’ve leaned deeper into the mind-body connection. Breathing techniques, mindfulness, and stress regulation are now non-negotiables—not just for my sleep but for my overall performance and well-being.
And it’s not just personal. These tools are becoming a cornerstone of my coaching practice.
A Question for You:
When was the last time you truly prioritized sleep?
If you’re feeling foggy, irritable, or just plain “off,” start here:
👉 Try deep breathing before bed.
👉 Set clear boundaries around your wind-down time.
👉 Reflect on whether your current self-care routines are serving who you are today.
Because you can’t perform at your best if you’re not resting at your best.
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