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Competitive Women and Sleep Deprivation

Picture this: One woman says, "Oh my gosh — I am soooo tired. I only slept six hours last night!‘’ The next woman says, "Six hours? I wish I slept that much — I only slept five, and woke up all through the night.’’ Yet another woman scoffs, "Pfft! I didn’t even sleep a wink last night — I tried and tried, but just couldn’t fall asleep at all.’’ Sound familiar at all?

Women can be competitive in many ways. We strive to prove ourselves on a daily basis. Lately, I have noticed how many ladies actually try to win when it comes to lack of sleep, as if whoever does the most and sleeps the least is somehow the victor.

Because women traditionally put others’ needs ahead of their own, this is a feminist issue. And with this particular issue, women sacrifice sleep, and subsequently, suffer adverse consequences. Over the past few decades, women have assimilated themselves to paid work outside the home, but remain dedicated to the domestic responsibilities.

Over-scheduled women are doing more without additional hours in a day — creating a perfect storm for insomnia.

This self-destructive sleep deprivation competition shows how women demonstrate the stereotypical martyrdom to which females have historically fallen victim.

Lack of sleep should not be a badge of honor for women. Lack of sleep should be a red flag that the woman needs to address an inevitable health risk by altering her schedule to ensure a satisfactory sleep schedule.

“Insufficient sleep has been linked to the development and management of a number of chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression,’’ reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Take care of yourself. Attempt to resolve your sleep deprivation.

The dark circles under my eyes are more than just bags … they’re a full set of luggage. Women may joke about it, but the potential for chronic health issues is no laughing matter.

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