Rest vs. sleep: learn how to spot the differences to relax better

When it comes to rest, it’s common to crawl under the covers as a quick fix for exhaustion, drowsiness, and general world-weariness. But not all forms of rest involve sleep – and it’s time we stop putting sleep and rest in the same category. “Both sleep and rest are helpful and necessary,” says Patty Johnson, PsyD, clinical psychologist at Nia Integrative Healing. But “it’s important to distinguish between the two because while sleep is essential for physical and cognitive functioning, rest is crucial for emotional and mental well-being,” says therapist Sandra Kushnir, LMFT, founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling.

In fact, some experts believe that there are seven types of rest (none of which involve sleep) that we need to tackle to feel fully restored. Feeling rejuvenated creativelyFor example, it could be going outside to museums, looking at art, listening to music, or being in nature – all things that have nothing to do with being in bed.

Similarly, a meditative jog where you focus on your breathing, the cadence of your footsteps and the sounds of nature around you can corpses It’s the opposite of rest and recovery, but it can replenish your mental rest supply much better than a day of napping. Skeptical? I understand, and that’s exactly why this information is so crucial to our health. So let’s get into it.

What is the difference between sleep and rest?

While both are very necessary in the overall equation of healthy living, knowing the difference between rest and sleep can help us better “succeed” in both cases.

Sleep

“Sleep is a fundamental medical necessity,” says Kushnir. “It is the basis that allows our body and mind to function optimally.” While everyone has a different and unique range of sleep needs (some of us need eight hours, some of us need ten, and some of us – like me – would really prefer to get a sound sleep) twelveif the world allows it), Kushnir adds that getting the right amount of sleep is “critical to your overall health and well-being, (as it) rejuvenates your body, helps consolidate memory and supports emotional regulation .”

Rest

However, rest can mean any activity (Yes, activity) that helps “calm your limbic system and allows you to be present, creative, and free from the pressures of performance or work,” says Kushnir. Think of “rest” as actual activities, hobbies, connections, or bonds that can make you feel whole and rejuvenated. According to Kushnir, rest activities “provide a mental and emotional break, allowing you to recharge 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 than during rest,” says Johnson. “We can tap into creative ideas or find clarity on a difficult topic while in deep rest, but we can’t process these tasks while we sleep,” she says.

Is it possible to get sleep that is not restful?

Unfortunately, it is very possible to get sleep that is not restful. Just ask anyone who wakes up multiple times in the middle of the night, or anyone who’s had a restless night thanks to strange dreams or certain health problems. “Having conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can make you feel less rested, even if you seemed to sleep all night,” says licensed clinical psychologist Jessica Ribeiro, PhD.

“Drinking alcohol, especially before you go to sleep, can (also) cause you to wake up less refreshed, because alcohol can shorten the amount of time you spend in REM sleep,” says Ribeiro. Sleep can also be interrupted by noise (a snoring partner, garbage trucks, barking dogs), discomfort (a mattress that’s too hot or too cold), or motion (a partner tossing and turning), says wellness expert and physician Greg Hammer, MD .

Okay, but why can’t Sleep counts as rest?

“We sometimes think that if we get enough sleep, we don’t need to give ourselves time to rest,” says Ribeiro. “(But) this isn’t true, and the reality is that even if we get a full night’s sleep, we can still feel tired and exhausted during the day if we don’t give ourselves time to rest,” she says. For example: As what you Real need is a creative or spiritual reset and recharge, all the sleep in the world may not fill your cup in a way that makes you feel complete equipped.

“Another misconception is that the only way to calm down is to lie down or take a nap,” says Ribeiro. While a nap can certainly be relaxing and rejuvenating, that is not the case only way to relax.

Your beginner’s guide to unwinding

There’s no right or wrong way to rest, as long as you really, really try (so, ahem, don’t mindlessly watch TikToks and call it “rest”). But if you’re not sure where to start, you can:

1. Try meditative practices

Meditation is a great way to relax without sleeping. You can try traditional meditation, gentle rocking, forest bathing, or even slow and deliberate walking (i.e. meditative walking), says Johnson.

2. Value your creativity

Creative rest can also include activities like painting your nails, singing, or watching the leaves rustle, says Johnson. Creative endeavors such as “reading, journaling, knitting, or listening to music can also be soothing and leave you feeling rejuvenated,” says Ribeiro.

3. Set aside a moment for self-care

You can also engage in rest through self-care, such as taking a warm bath, as Ribeiro suggests. “Basically anything that involves an inactive and relaxed state” can be soothing, she says. If you have daylight and the ability to go outside, you can also spend time in nature, take a peaceful walk, or simply sit outside to reduce stress and improve your mood, says Ribeiro.

4. Move your body

“Some people also find physical activities, like yoga or stretching, soothing and restorative,” says Ribeiro, while others may find that something cardio-forward, like jogging, can also be soothing and meditative if you focus on your breathing. , cadence and environment as you do this.

Learning the differences can be crucial to your health

“By considering sleep and rest as separate but equally important things, we can see that there are many different ways to recharge our batteries,” says Ribeiro. By recognizing the importance of both, “we can more intentionally make time for rest in our schedules,” she says. And the more we prioritize our rest, the better our sleep quality often becomes.

The end result of separating the two? You take one lot from the pressure of sleep as a solution to everything in your life, which in turn gives you more energy to explore the areas of your life that may need a little more TLC.