Sleep is one of those things that we can take for granted. Whether you love your bed or you’d rather get on with your day, you have to agree that sleep is something that everyone needs. However, even though we know that sleep matters, over a third of Americans get through life on too-little sleep.
But how important is sleep, and how can we improve the amount and quality of sleep we get?
But how important is sleep, and how can we improve the amount and quality of sleep we get?
The Importance Of A Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep And Mental Health
Nobody likes being tired, but it can do more than just make you slightly headachey and grumpy. Sleep deprivation has been linked to increased irritability, as well as reduced cognitive abilities. If it goes on, then it can lead to more severe issues.
If you are already suffering from a mental or emotional health issue, such as depression or anxiety, then you can get into a vicious cycle. Fatigue is a common symptom of depression, and many mental health disorders can interfere with your sleep. But sleep deprivation can make you feel even worse, which can make something otherwise manageable far more difficult to deal with.
In this situation, it’s beneficial to contact your doctor or therapist. If you are on medication, then it might be tweaked to help you to sleep better and hopefully facilitate your treatment and recovery.
Sleep And Physical Health
Your sleep impacts your body as well as your mind. When you sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, and these vital bodily functions help you to get through the day. Constant sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, which will in turn interfere with your physical health.
Over time, this can lead to chronic health issues. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease, and obesity, and it can make your body more prone to general illness and infection. If you’re already sick, then sleep is necessary for recovery.
Nobody likes being tired, but it can do more than just make you slightly headachey and grumpy. Sleep deprivation has been linked to increased irritability, as well as reduced cognitive abilities. If it goes on, then it can lead to more severe issues.
If you are already suffering from a mental or emotional health issue, such as depression or anxiety, then you can get into a vicious cycle. Fatigue is a common symptom of depression, and many mental health disorders can interfere with your sleep. But sleep deprivation can make you feel even worse, which can make something otherwise manageable far more difficult to deal with.
In this situation, it’s beneficial to contact your doctor or therapist. If you are on medication, then it might be tweaked to help you to sleep better and hopefully facilitate your treatment and recovery.
Sleep And Physical Health
Your sleep impacts your body as well as your mind. When you sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, and these vital bodily functions help you to get through the day. Constant sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, which will in turn interfere with your physical health.
Over time, this can lead to chronic health issues. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease, and obesity, and it can make your body more prone to general illness and infection. If you’re already sick, then sleep is necessary for recovery.
Tips For Better Sleep
One of the best ways to improve your sleep is to give yourself a routine. Your body craves routine, and typically likes to sleep and wake at the same time each day. If you set a schedule for yourself and stick to it, then you’re working with your body’s natural processes, rather than fighting them.
You should also help your body to wind down before bed. This means that you should let yourself relax, so stop work and chores at least an hour before you go to sleep. Ideally, you should also cut out any screen time, as the bright light can make it harder for your brain to rest.
As well as stopping screen time and other activities, you should actively relax with your bedtime routine. Some people like to have a warm bath before bed, as this helps them to get ready to sleep. Other people use herbal teas and supplements like CBD oil to encourage their bodies to relax.
One of the best ways to improve your sleep is to give yourself a routine. Your body craves routine, and typically likes to sleep and wake at the same time each day. If you set a schedule for yourself and stick to it, then you’re working with your body’s natural processes, rather than fighting them.
You should also help your body to wind down before bed. This means that you should let yourself relax, so stop work and chores at least an hour before you go to sleep. Ideally, you should also cut out any screen time, as the bright light can make it harder for your brain to rest.
As well as stopping screen time and other activities, you should actively relax with your bedtime routine. Some people like to have a warm bath before bed, as this helps them to get ready to sleep. Other people use herbal teas and supplements like CBD oil to encourage their bodies to relax.
Different routines work for different people, but the most important thing is to find your routine and stick with it. Your body and mind will thank you.
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