Sleeping much, resting little: My exhausting search for restfulness

Sensory rest requires unplugging from our screens. Social and emotional rest have to do with replenishing our reservoirs for social and emotional interaction. ST ILLUSTRATION: MIEL
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SINGAPORE - Trying to rest can get exhausting. In the past 18 months, I have tried getting seven hours of sleep daily plus weekend naps. I have done yoga, meditated, walked in nature, cut out caffeine.

But after months of still feeling cranky, melancholic and uninterested in life, I wondered why I was still not getting the rest I needed.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.