How often have you faced a time where you knew that sleep would be in short supply? Maybe before a project deadline approaches? Before a long flight or long journey? For some people, exam periods mean reduced sleep as they study into the early hours. How about before a series of late night shifts or, for soldiers, before a mission?

A recent US study has shown that it seems possible to stock up on sleep in advance. In fact, the study shows that those people who do get extra sleep before their period of reduced sleep are much more able to cope and recover than those people who have simply had their regular amount of sleep beforehand.

In the study, volunteers were split into 2 groups. Over the course of a week, one group was entitled to extra sleep and the other group was required to stick to their usual sleep pattern. The following week, both groups were given only 3 hours of sleep per night for the week. Tests showed that the group who had the extra sleep beforehand were more resilient during the period of sleep restriction than the group that had only their usual amount of sleep. They were also more alert and showed less performance deterioration. A week after the experiment the group that had been allowed extra sleep also recovered better.

It seems therefore that if we store up extra sleep ahead of time, before a period of sleep deprivation, we are better able to deal with the challenges that sleep loss can create.

Of course, knowing that this helps does not make it an easy thing to do! Some people can fall asleep at the drop of a hat but for many, sleep can prove elusive at the best of times, never mind when there are important reasons to fit more in!

Encourage sleep by relaxing and replacing the thoughts that whizz around and around your head with soothing, calming thoughts. Again, I can almost hear you say, ‘easier said than done’!

One simple and very effective way of doing this is to listen to a sleep relaxation tape or CD or a recording on an ipod. Listen and relax. Keep your attention focused on what the words are telling you to focus on.

By paying attention to the soothing words and following the instructions, your mind becomes disengaged from the busy ‘to do’ list of thoughts and imperatives that can so often sabotage our best efforts at falling asleep! A calming voice, gentle background music and soothing words will lull you gently into a deep relaxation and sleep.

What’s stopping you? Stock up on your sleep and be ready for that intensive time ahead!

June Whittle is an inspiring personal performance coach and trainer. She recognises the connection between poor sleep patterns and under performance in life. Her sleep CD will support you in your desire for a deep and beneficial night’s sleep.
The CD incorporates a track to gently guide you to fall asleep and one to help you to fall back to sleep if you wake in the night.
Available from http://www.amazon.co.uk and http://www.victoriahealth.com