An experiment with Sleep

Puneet Srivastava
Aug 22, 2017 · 4 min read

In ancient India most people could sleep on the floor over a thin rug or a sheet. Now of course we don’t do that anymore. We have modern beds with advanced mattresses. Yet, earlier this month (August 2017), somehow I felt — can I try that bygone ancient style with myself?

Incidentally, the occasion was fitting too; my in-laws were visiting and hence one room in our apartment would be taken by them, while the other would accommodate my wife and the kid. Now instead of opening the sofa-cum-bed, I felt if I could try sleeping on this rug.

Actual Experiment Site Photo — Living room in Author’s home, Mumbai.

So, in the silence of the night, I began this little experiment. I didn’t speak of it to anyone including my family as I wasn’t sure what may be the various reactions. And although my secret was out by the second night and though my wife questioned me as well, yet let me carry on with my madness.

Like this, I slept on the rug for 15 consecutive nights. I had no body pain, no aching joints, plus no inconvenience of any kind. Additionally, I could wake up fresh every morning at 4.00 AM, as a matter of routine.

Yes, besides, there was an additional surprise. This feeling I never experienced ever before in my life.

I felt a sense of unique blissfulness as if I had been sleeping in the mother’s lap.

Now why should I undertake such an experiment? Further, even if I did, why must I talk about it here?

So let me tell you that during my late teens to into the prime of my youth I spent countless sleepless nights. Plus I would get terrible dreams where I will see myself in various situations of sheer helplessness.

Thereafter in my thirties, when I was at the peak of my professional success, people said that my snoring could win me a medal if there was ever a competition.

Now in my early forties, I sleep blissfully every night. I am leaner, fitter and healthier than I have ever been in the past. I am free of all medications, barring one eye drop that I have to put for a hereditary ailment. Besides, on most of the nights, either I have no dreams or only small pleasant ones showing some delight.

And now I know I can sleep also on the floor without a mattress.

This experiment was a big affirmation, a reassurance for me because in recent years I have been able to help others find sleep as a matter of routine or during times of distress. Read that story here. So now possibly I can do something more in this space.

If you are wondering how this capability has come to me? The answer is through regular Yoga, Meditation.

Background pic: Unsplash

I am sharing this because a few weeks ago I found a report. It was a research conducted by a leading International agency. In 2014, they spoke to 5600 people in 25 cities across India. 93% admitted that they suffer from some kind of sleeping problem. 11% said they fell asleep during work, while 87% confessed that lack of sleep was taking toll on their health. Yet not many seemed to understand the health hazards their sleep disorders brought to them. (Check details here.)

Besides, I also see around me everywhere, so many people, in family, in neighbourhood, among friends, relatives and people in general for whom sleep at night is becoming a major problem — young, middle-aged, elders, men, women, successful, struggling and they come almost from every segment.

The worst thing that I observe in most cases is that so many people feel that they are helpless in this matter given their various life situations, essentially in cities like Mumbai, where life is fast and laden with several practical challenges.

Background pic: Unspalsh

Hence, I am sharing this story now to tell as many people as this can reach that if you have problem sleeping at night, you have at least two options to help yourself:

1. You can get trained in yoga, meditation, like I have done with myself. OR

2. You can take help of modern science via the branch of therapy called ‘Sleep Medicine’.

Another practical alternate could be to use a combination of both however that would depend on your actual condition, your own assessment of your situation and the advice of your physician. Also the fact is that healthy habits and a disciplined approach towards life is the base of your sleep & health rejuvenation.

Lastly, whatever be your situation, you can improve your condition. This I can say with absolute conviction because, I believe that if I could do it for myself, so can anyone, who is willing to put in an honest endeavor in this direction.

Your sleep is the most important part of your life. It is even more important than the waking hours. And if you are not careful about preserving its sanctity, you are setting yourselves up for some truly big disappointments.

Background pic: Unsplash

Links to 2 Sleep Medicine locations in Mumbai — 1) Thane, 2) Khar

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Puneet Srivastava

Written by

Mediation Teacher & Founder, 30M Meditation Classes, Thane, Mumbai, INDIA. https://goo.gl/maps/FvzMQGsKYvAE2T1k7

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