National Sleep Day

Today, we touch on the importance of getting a good night's sleep.

Why do we need to sleep?

Sleeping is an important function that allows your mind and body to recharge and most times leaves you feeling refreshed and alert when you wake up, ready to take on the day ahead. Healthy sleep patterns boost your immune system and help prevent certain health conditions. It is believed that most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep and without it, may result in the brain not functioning properly and impair your ability to think clearly, stay focused and process memories.

Sleeping Habits That Can Lead to Better Sleep

• Creating a realistic bedtime schedule and sticking to it: A regular sleep schedule programmes your brain and internal body clock, which results in a set routine that allows you to feel sleepy when you need to sleep and feel alert when you need to be awake! Sticking to your routine is important too! Want a lie in on the weekend? No! This can disrupt your sleeping routine and cause you to try to catch up on sleep during the rest of the week.

• Allow yourself to wind down: A critical stage of getting a good night's sleep is effectively winding down from the events of the day and getting your body to relax. Some of the things you can do is having a warm bath, organise your thoughts by creating a "To-Do" list for the next day, light yoga and stretches to relax muscles, reading a book or listening to sleep sounds. Avoid using any electronic devices an hour before bed and considering using a "screen ban". Avoid any caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and heavy meals leading up to bedtime.

• Adjust your bedroom to be more sleep-friendly: Your sleep space needs to be a relaxing environment. Avoid having TV's or gadgets as this might hinder your ability to sleep. Your sleep space should be dark, quiet, tidy and ideally kept at a temperature between 18C - 24C. It may be worth investing in a better mattress or pillows if you feel that these tips aren't working.

It is important to also get checked with your GP if nothing works, as it could be an underlying issue or psychological causes that need sorting out.

Here's to good, regular sleep and a healthier future!

References:

Foley, L., & Singh, A. (2020). Why Do We Need Sleep? | Sleep Foundation. Retrieved 19 March 2021, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep

How to get to sleep. (2019). Retrieved 19 March 2021, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/how-to-get-to-sleep/