Sleeping for your wellbeing
Do you feel like you’re getting enough sleep? Some people may wake up feeling well-rested, while others feel like they’re waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Getting a proper night’s sleep is crucial to your mental health. Humans spend a third of their lives sleeping, so practicing healthy sleep habits can make a huge difference in your wellbeing.
Sleep is time for your brain to rest and recharge. Most studies agree that you should aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Use some of the tips and facts below to help improve your sleeping habits:
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and relaxing.
Remove or turn off all electronics in the room.
Avoid large meals, caffeine or alcohol before bedtime.
Exercise. Physical activity during the day will tire you out, helping you fall asleep at night.
Reduce long daytime naps.
Set your bedroom to a comfortable temperature.
Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time every night.
Noticeable signs of sleep deprivation can be irritability, daytime fatigue, frequent yawning and excessive sleepiness. Lack of sleep can lead to health problems like:
Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Paranoia
Suicidal thoughts
Brain fog
High blood pressure
Higher risk for diabetes
Weight gain
Low sex drive
Risk of heart disease
Poor balance
Good sleep hygiene leads to better cognitive abilities like memory and concentration, lowers your risk for health problems and reduces stress and improves your overall mood. A healthy sleep routine will have you waking up feeling refreshed, focused and ready to conquer the day.