When it comes to resting, people naturally think of crawling under the covers as a quick way to relieve fatigue, sleepiness, and general boredom. But not all forms of rest involve sleep—and it’s time we stopped lumping sleep and rest into the same category. “Sleep and rest are both beneficial and necessary,” says Patty Johnson, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Nia Integrative Healing. But “it’s important to distinguish between the two because while sleep is essential for physical and cognitive function, rest is essential for emotional and mental health,” says Sander, a therapist, LMFT, founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling Sandra Kushnir said.
In fact, some experts believe there are seven types of rest we need to address (none of which involve sleep, by the way) to fully feel truly restored. Feel brand new creativelyFor example, it might involve getting outside to a museum, seeing art, listening to music, or spending time in nature—all of which have nothing to do with bed.
Likewise, doing a meditative jog, focusing on your breathing, the rhythm of your footsteps, and the natural sounds around you, may seem This is the opposite of rest and recovery, but it actually replenishes your mental rest reserves more than a day of napping. Skeptical? I get it, that’s why this information is so important to our health. So let’s get started.
What yes What is the difference between sleeping and resting?
While both are very necessary in the overall equation of healthy living, understanding the difference between rest and sleep can help us better “succeed” with both.
sleep
“Sleep is a basic medical necessity,” Kushnir said. “It’s fundamental to allowing our bodies and minds to function optimally.” While everyone has different and unique sleep needs (some of us need eight hours, some of us need ten, and Some of us (like me) would really rather get a solid night’s sleep) twelveif the world allows it), Kushnir adds that getting the right amount of sleep “is vital to your overall health and well-being. [as it] Rejuvenates your body, aids in memory consolidation, and supports mood regulation.
rest
However, rest can mean any activity (Yes, Activity) This helps “sooth your limbic system, allowing you to stay present, creative, and free from performance or work pressure,” says Kuschnir. Think of “breaks” as actual activities, hobbies, connections, or bonds that can help you feel whole and rejuvenated. Kushnir says restful activities “provide a mental and emotional break that helps you rejuvenate in a different way than sleep.”
Your body also categorizes sleep and rest differently: “From a neurological perspective, brain wave activity during sleep is different from brain wave activity during rest,” Johnson says. “In a state of deep rest, we are able to generate creative ideas or figure out a difficult problem, but we are unable to handle these tasks while sleeping,” she says.
Is it possible to have a restless sleep?
Unfortunately, disturbed sleep is entirely possible. Just ask anyone who wakes up multiple times in the middle of the night, or has trouble sleeping because of strange dreams or certain health issues. “Having a condition like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome can make you feel restless, even if you seem to be sleeping all night long,” says practicing clinical psychologist Jessica Ribeiro, Ph.D.
“Drinking alcohol, especially before bedtime, can [also] This results in waking up feeling less alert because alcohol reduces the amount of REM sleep,” Ribeiro said. Sound (a snoring partner, a garbage truck, a barking dog), discomfort (a mattress that’s too hot or too cold), or movement (a partner who’s tossing and turning) can also interrupt sleep, says health expert and physician Greg Hamer, M.D. .
ok but why cannot Does sleeping count as rest?
“We sometimes think that if we get enough sleep, we don’t need to give ourselves time to rest,” Ribeiro says. “[But] That’s not true, the reality is that even if we get a full night’s rest, we can still feel tired and tired during the day if we don’t give ourselves time to rest,” she said. For example: if you real What is needed is a creative or mental reset and recharge, and all the sleep in the world may not fill your cup in a way that makes you feel fully Rested.
“Another misconception is that the only way to rest is to lie down or take a nap,” says Ribeiro. While naps can definitely be relaxing and rejuvenating, they are not only Way to rest.
Beginner’s guide to resting
There’s no right or wrong way to take a break—as long as you’re really, really trying (so, ahem, don’t mindlessly watch TikTok and call it a “break”). But if you’re not sure where to start, you can:
1. Try a meditation practice
Meditation is a great way to take a break without sleeping. Johnson says you can try traditional meditation, gentle rocking, forest bathing, or even intentional slow walking (known as meditative walking).
2. Appreciate your creativity
Creative breaks might also include activities like painting your nails, singing, or watching leaves rustle, Johnson says. “Creative activities such as reading, journaling, knitting, or listening to music can also soothe the mind and body and help rejuvenate you,” Ribeiro says.
3. Take a moment for self-care
You can also take a break with self-care practices, such as taking a warm bath, as Ribeiro suggests. “Basically, anything that involves a state of inactivity and relaxation” can be relaxing, she says. If you have daylight hours and the ability to get outside, you can also spend time in nature, take a gentle walk, or just sit outside to reduce stress and improve your mood, Ribeiro says.
4. move your body
“Some people also find that physical activities like yoga or stretching can be relaxing and restorative,” Ribeiro says. While others may find that more aerobic activities, such as jogging, can help if you focus on your breathing. Can make people relax and meditate.
Understanding the differences is important for your health
“Thinking of sleep and rest as separate but equally important things can help us realize that there are many different ways to recharge our batteries,” Ribeiro says. By recognizing the importance of both, “we can be more intentional about making time for rest in our schedules,” she says. The more we value rest, the better our sleep quality tends to be.
What is the final result of their separation? you take one a lot of Sleep stress can solve all the problems in your life, which, in turn, will give you more energy to identify areas of your life that may need more care.
