The Importance of Sleep: Why We’re Finally Realizing We Need Those 8 Hours

In our early twenties, sleep was an afterthought—something we’d skip for parties, late-night talks, or even just a marathon of some trashy TV show. Back then, running on empty was practically a badge of honor. But fast forward a few years, and the game has changed. Now, we find ourselves wide awake at 3 a.m., desperately trying to remember what it felt like to sleep like we did in our twenties. Turns out, sleep is far more valuable than we ever gave it credit for.

So what’s stopping us from getting the sleep we need now? Stress is high on the list. The weight of career, relationships, and finances isn’t exactly a lullaby. Then there’s technology, with our screens and notifications keeping us connected 24/7. Even late-night snacks and caffeine come back to haunt us when we’re lying in bed, wide awake. With so many barriers to a good night’s sleep, it’s no wonder we’re all feeling tired—and a little lost—by morning.

But the benefits of quality sleep are undeniable. From better mood and focus to stronger immunity and improved skin, sleep is our body’s ultimate reset button. The challenge is to start treating it like the priority it deserves. Maybe it’s time to create a little ritual around it: dim the lights, put the phone away, maybe even try a cup of herbal tea. It’s easy to think of sleep as something we’ll get to “later,” but, really, now is the time to invest in better rest. After all, sleep is self-care that doesn’t cost a thing—it just takes a little commitment.

Xoxo,
A.D