Wake Up with Purpose, Sleep with Peace: The Secret to Sweet Dreams Revealed

What helps you get out of bed in the morning? Is it your family? A job you love… Or, are you just high on life? Knowing your purpose in life can not only motivate you to start your day but also improve your sleep quality.

A recent study conducted at Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center found that having a purpose in life can result in fewer sleep disturbances and improved sleep quality over time. The study involved over 800 older adults, but researchers suggest the findings are likely applicable to a broader audience.

People who felt their lives had meaning were 63% less likely to have problems falling asleep and they also had moderately better sleep quality. Previous research on this subject had similar findings – having a sense of purpose in life generally improved overall sleep.

As a result of these fascinating findings, researchers are interested in expanding the scope of this research to include the use of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to target purpose in life and to investigate resulting post-therapy sleep quality. MBCT uses cognitive behavioral therapy methods in combination with practices such as mindfulness and mindfulness meditation.

Other ways to improve your sleep quality

Sleep quality is based on many factors including diet, lifestyle, hormonal balance, and stress levels.

For example, exposure to blue light at night shuts off melatonin production, essential for a good night’s sleep. Stress is a significant contributor to sleep disturbance, creating a flood of hormones that overstimulate your nervous system.

But regular meditation practice, yoga, or chi gong can help lower stress levels, providing a lifestyle intervention that you can easily incorporate into your routine to help you transition from a busy day to a quieter evening in preparation for sleep.

Additionally, herbs and nutrients that support GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), a primary neurotransmitter that exerts a calming, relaxing effect on the nervous system, are also crucial for supporting your daily routines for good sleep quality.

Well-studied, effective botanicals, and nutrients

Some of the well-studied, effective botanicals and nutrients include extracts of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), and Passionflower (Passiflora incamate), L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine. Small doses of the hormone melatonin can help reset your wake-sleep rhythm.

Combinations of botanicals have been traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to support organ systems and meridians involved with restorative sleep and sleep cycle regulation. These botanicals include Shi Chang Pu (Acorus gramineus), Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), and Hou Po (Magnolia officinalis). The primary active compound found in the bark of Magnolia, honokiol, has been shown in many studies to support GABA activity, having a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system to effectively promote relaxation.

Recommended supplements for sleep

Many healthcare practitioners recommend a nighttime botanical and nutrient formula, such as ecoSleep®, to support a balanced nervous system, promote healthy circadian rhythms, and support relaxation and restorative sleep.

The importance of sleep for your purpose in life

A good night’s sleep supports productive work and a positive mood, allowing you to make your contributions to the world — enhancing your purpose in life. It seems that the quest for a good night’s sleep lies in how you spend your time each day.

By recognizing and cultivating your purpose in life, you can improve not only your daily motivation but also the quality of your sleep, which ultimately leads to better overall health and well-being. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices, lifestyle changes, or using natural supplements to support sleep, finding and embracing your purpose can have far-reaching benefits for your overall wellness and life satisfaction.