Features
The sleep divorce phenomenon
sleep divorce, also known as sleep separation, is a growing trend where couples choose to sleep apart from each other, either permanently or temporarily. This decision can be driven by various factors, ranging from sleep disorders to relationship issues. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons, benefits, and challenges of sleep divorce, providing insights and guidance for couples considering this arrangement.
Reasons for Sleep Divorce
1. Sleep Disorders: Snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome can disrupt a partner’s sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and resentment.
2. Different Sleep Schedules: Shift work, irregular hours, or differing sleep preferences can make sharing a bed challenging.
3. Personal Space and Comfort: Some individuals require solitude, silence, or specific sleeping conditions to recharge.
4. Relationship Issues: Conflict, intimacy problems, or emotional disconnection can lead couples to seek separate sleeping arrangements.
5. Health Concerns: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain or sleepwalking, may necessitate separate sleeping quarters.
Benefits of Sleep Divorce
1. Improved Sleep Quality: Sleeping apart can lead to better rest, increased energy, and enhanced mental clarity.
2. Increased Productivity: A good night’s sleep can boost productivity, focus, and overall well-being.
3. *Better Mood*: Adequate sleep can reduce irritability, anxiety, and depression.
4. Personal Autonomy: Separate sleeping arrangements can provide individuals with much-needed alone time.
5. Relationship Rejuvenation: Sleep divorce can help couples rekindle intimacy and connection outside of sleep.
Challenges of Sleep Divorce
1. Emotional Distance: Sleeping apart can lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation.
2. Impact on Intimacy: Reduced physical closeness can affect emotional intimacy and relationship quality.
3. Logistical Challenges: Separate bedrooms or sleeping arrangements can require adjustments.
4. Social Stigma: Some may view sleep divorce as unconventional or problematic.
5. Communication Breakdown: Failure to discuss sleep needs and boundaries can exacerbate relationship issues.
Navigating Sleep Divorce
1. Open Communication: Discuss sleep needs, concerns, and boundaries.
2. Set Boundaries: Establish a sleep plan and respect each other’s space.
3. Prioritise Intimacy: Schedule regular date nights or intimate activities.
4. Re-Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly assess the arrangement’s effectiveness.
5. Seek Professional Help: Consult therapists, sleep specialists, or counsellors for guidance.
Conclusion:
Sleep divorce is not a sign of relationship failure but rather a proactive approach to addressing sleep-related challenges. By understanding the reasons, benefits, and challenges, couples can make informed decisions about their sleep arrangements. Effective communication, mutual respect, and flexibility are key to navigating sleep divorce successfully.
Question: Is sleep divorce a sign of relationship problems?
Answer: Not necessarily. Sleep divorce can address specific sleep-related issues.
Question: How do we maintain intimacy while sleeping apart?
Answer: Schedule regular date nights, intimate activities, or meaningful interactions.
Question: Will sleep divorce affect our social life?
Answer: Openly communicate your arrangement to friends and family.
Question: Can sleep divorce improve our relationship?
Answer: Yes, by addressing sleep-related issues and prioritising intimacy.
By embracing sleep divorce as a viable solution, couples can prioritise their individual sleep needs while nurturing their relationship.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
The insanity of leadership: Understanding the dark side of power
Introduction
Leadership is a vital component of any organisation, influencing the success and well-being of its members. However, when leaders succumb to insanity or dysfunctional behaviour, the consequences can be catastrophic.
This article delves into the dark side of leadership, exploring the types, consequences, identification, and mitigation strategies for insanity in leadership.
The Five Faces of Insanity in Leadership
Research has identified five primary types of insane leadership:
1. Narcissistic Leadership: Self-aggrandisement, lack of empathy, and exploitation.
2. Autocratic Leadership: Dictatorial behaviour, suppressing dissent and feedback.
3. Impulsive Leadership: Spontaneous decisions, disregard for consequences.
4. Passive-Aggressive Leadership: Indirect resistance, sabotaging decisions.
5. Emotionally Unintelligent Leadership: Inability to manage emotions, empathise with others.
The Devastating Consequences
Insane leadership can have far-reaching consequences, including:
1. Toxic work environment and high turnover.
2. Poor decision-making and neglected expertise.
3. Eroding trust among team members and stakeholders.
4. Decreased productivity and efficiency.
5. Reputation damage and loss of credibility.
Identifying the Red Flags
Recognising insane leadership patterns requires attention to:
1. Employee feedback and concerns.
2. Performance issues and declining productivity.
3. Frequent conflicts and tension.
4. Lack of accountability and transparency.
5. Unprofessional behaviour and language.
Breaking the Cycle
To mitigate insane leadership, organisations can:
1. Implement leadership development programmes focusing on emotional intelligence.
2. Conduct 360-degree feedback and constructive criticism.
3. Establish performance management with clear expectations.
4. Develop succession plans and identify potential replacements.
5. Remove harmful leaders when necessary.
Prevention is Key
Proactive measures can prevent insane leadership:
1. Psychological evaluations for leadership candidates.
2. Diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making.
3. Accountability mechanisms and regular feedback.
4. Culture of transparency and open communication.
5. Ongoing leadership development and coaching.
Conclusion
Insanity in leadership can have catastrophic consequences. Recognising and addressing dysfunctional patterns is crucial for maintaining a healthy, productive work environment.
By promoting leadership development, accountability, and transparency, organizations can prevent insanity in leadership and thrive.
By Robert Ekow Grimmon
Features
What is happening?
If God allows us to live long enough, I will not be surprised to see a child slapping his dad without remorse due to the madness engulfing our society.
Most Ghanaians would love their children to become Medical Doctors which they view as prestigious careers. In fact most Doctors have conducted themselves well over the years and so have created a good reputation for the profession, although it must be emphasised that there have been some incidents involving medical Doctors which have tarnished the reputation of the profession.
In fact some of the incidents have been very horrible leading to needless loss of lives which makes you wonder if those Doctors were indeed qualified to be in that sensitive profession.
However on the whole, public perception has been very positive and Doctors are held in high esteem in our society.
Recently, a public statement was issued by the Ghana Medical Association and tongues have started wagging. This is due to the fact that a Doctor’s job is a very sensitive one.
A mistake by a medical officer can either make or unmake a person. If a teacher makes a mistake, it can easily be corrected without it destroying any life. If an accountant makes a mistake, it can always be corrected.
Money may be lost in the process but when the mistake is detected, the money can be retrieved so in a sense, nothing has gone wrong. However, if a Doctor performs surgery using the wrong x-ray, as happened to an elderly man a few years ago, the damage caused, can never be remedied.
Therefore for the Ghana Medical Association to announce that some of its members come to work under the influence of alcoholic substances etc. is very, very, worrying.
Can you imagine an intoxicated person performing surgery on you and you are forced to ask, what is happening?
This brings to mind a joke about a man who had hernia and went to the hospital for it to be resolved. This man apparently had a challenge with the English language but did not want people to know that.
Therefore when the Doctor came to his bed and picked up the chart attached to his bed, which had mistakenly been swapped with someone’s own, he asked the patient, “Castration, why do you want to be a priest?”
The patient smiled and responded, “Yes castration”. He was then wheeled into the theatre and when he woke up at the ward after the surgery, he felt light, down there and sensed something was really wrong.
He soon realised that he had lost what makes him a complete man. Someone’s mistake and his own proud attitude had cost him dearly. The report also mentioned drug abuse and that really scared me.
Who in his right mind would allow a wee smoker to perform surgery oh him? My brother told me of a surgery he had abroad and when the doctors came around him, one of them was rasta-haired with a ring in his ear and he told me that he nearly got up from the bed but remembered that if he was not qualified, they will never allow him to practise as a medical officer so he kept his cool.
There have been stories of pieces of surgical equipment being left in the tummy of patients by medical personnel and so for the association to lament this situation of decline in professionalism is deeply worrying.
Some bad nuts are really tarnishing the image of the profession and now you hear of sexual harassment. How low can it get? I am an advocate for restricting gynaecology to only females, given the sexual harassment complaints.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah