The Sleep Deprived Marriage
I remember my parents once advising us as newlyweds: ‘Don’t go cheap on your bed! One of the best things you can do for your marriage is make sure you get good sleep.’ At the time, we were rather bemused. However, nineteen years of marriage and five children later let there be no doubt, this is excellent advice!
When we are overtired we are unpleasant company. Lack of sleep makes us more argumentative, more gloomy in our outlook and less generous with our love. Tiredness takes it toll on relationships. It’s really hard to be patient, compassionate and good humoured when we are tired. Tiredness drains the joy and energy from our lives and promotes self-pity. And it’s a definite anti-aphrodisiac!
Tiredness is also a great catalyst for arguments. We’re quicker to criticise, make uncharitable judgements about each other and just be unfairly picky. In fact, most of our arguments grind to an embarrassing halt with the admission that really, we’re just dead beat tired. We estimate that about three quarters of our arguments would simply never have happened had we not been overtired at the time. So, whatever the reason for your lack of sleep, don’t underplay the gift it would be to your loved ones to address it.
Do your marriage a favour – get some sleep!
