Sleep to Live

But it’s only ten o’clock,” cried Melissa. “And this book is so interesting!” “Six a.m. will come early enough as it is,” I said. “You know your brain functions better when you have eight hours of sleep. It is time for you to go to bed.” “But I can get by on seven hours,” pleaded Melissa. “You may get by,” I replied, “but when you get only seven hours of sleep, your brain is irritable and tends to whine, complain, argue, and procrastinate.” “No, it doesn’t,” Melissa contradicted. “It’s my brain, and I know when it’s irritable and argumentative.” “That’s just it,” I replied, repressing a laugh.

“Studies show that people who lose sleep are unaware that their brains aren’t functioning optimally. Plus, sleep deprivation and obesity are linked, and obesity tends to shorten one’s life. How long do you want to live, Melissa?” “At least one hundred and twenty-two years, one hundred and sixty-four days, like Jeanne Louise Calment of Arles, France,” she said. “The California Human Population Laboratory Study’s number one recommendation for living longer and with better health is sleep,” I said.

“It is the single most important determinant for longevity. You need to give that wonderful brain, leased to you for use on this planet, the sleep it needs. I’d like you to make good choices, Melissa.” Melissa sighed.

“I’m arguing right now, aren’t I? And I just don’t want to admit it! Maybe my brain is tired, after all!” This time I did laugh. “There is a way that seems right to a person, but it can shorten your life and negatively impact all your relationships.

I know you want to do better than just ‘get by.’” “I do want to take good care of my brain and live a long time, so I’ll put my brain to bed right now. I’m sorry I argued.” Melissa smiled and closed her book.

Dear Lord, help me to be as willing to course correct and do what I know to be right as this child.

Arlene R. Taylor