I have always loved sleep, probably more than the average person. A “good night’s sleep” for me is not some measly six to eight hours that normal people strive for. I don’t feel well-rested until I get at least ten to twelve hours a night — and I could still use a nap in between these long periods of slumber on some days.

Even when I was an infant, my parents had to wake me up to feed me. I was not that baby that cried all through the night, leaving my parents sleep-deprived and annoyed. No, I was too busy sleeping to be hungry for a bottle. I might as well have been a rock.

I am still like this today, much to my parents’ dismay. Maybe they were thankful — and perhaps a little worried that I slept more than a cat does during the day — that I slept solidly through the night as a baby. Now, it is not as charming and appreciated for me to sleep half of the day. My parents are always telling me how I’m wasting my day away by staying in bed.

But can you blame me? I am a champion sleeper. Rarely do things wake me up in the middle of the night. Once I’m asleep, I’m usually asleep for good. When I don’t have something to do the next day so I don’t have to set an alarm, I can easily sleep well into the afternoon. It doesn't matter what time I went to bed the night before. I could go to sleep at eight and still sleep until noon the next day. My level of tiredness has no impact on how long I’m knocked out for. I have mastered the art of sleeping.

I feel a very strong sense of appreciation for sleep. It is the only time of our lives when we are completely without worry. We finally get that well-deserved break from a long day and our thoughts get to take a rest. Concerns, fights, fears… they can all wait until the next day. Sleep is really our only getaway in life, one that I’m thankful to get every night.

Imagine a world where sleep didn't exist. Many people might like the idea of constantly being on the move and having infinite amounts of time to get things done. But for me, this world would seem mighty depressing and painful. My favorite parts of my day sometimes are when I can put on pajamas, plug in my headphones, and drift into a comfortable slumber. If I didn't get this chance to relax and recharge, I would surely go insane. Everyone who knows me well enough will say that I am very cranky if I don't get my beloved sleep.

There have been a lot of people in my life who have told me that I am lazy or childish for sleeping as much as I do, whenever I can. Maybe there will come a time when my life schedule doesn't allow me to get as much sleep as I want. My 10 hours will inevitably have to decrease to five once I really can’t avoid adulthood anymore. But until then, you can find me soundly tucked away in my happy place — my nice, comfy bed.