It’s no secret that sleep is a hugely important part of our health and wellbeing. Research shows that not getting enough sleep can have consequences over shorter and longer periods in our lives, so it’s important to get a handle on it sooner rather than later.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do We Need Enough Sleep?
According to the NHS, symptoms of sleep problems can include finding it difficult to fall asleep, lying awake for long periods at night, waking up numerous times during the night and waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep. Poor sleep might lead to you feeling irritable or struggling to concentrate. If this continues over a long period, it could have greater consequences in your life, impacting your relationships and your health.
Getting a good night’s sleep can lead to your brain feeling more engaged, better moods, improvements in heart health and steadier blood sugar levels amongst other benefits.
Here are some steps you can take to improve your sleep.
Ritual
Rituals can help your brain and body unwind in preparation for the night ahead. They signal to the mind and body that sleep is imminent. Simple habits include drinking a glass of warm milk, taking a bath or listening to calm music to unwind before getting into bed. It’s an almost childlike way of building a bedtime routine – and it can work wonders. It’s important to take care of ourselves, just as we would a child!
Exercise
Exercise and physical activity offer endless benefits to our health, stimulating good physical and mental health when done frequently. When you exercise during the day, it can boost the effect of natural sleep hormones, such as melatonin. Even a daily walk can do the world of good and stop you from waking up at night. However, just make sure you don’t work out too close to bedtime, as this could have an adverse effect where you feel too stimulated to go to sleep.
Bed
Sometimes, a poor bed or mattress means that poor sleep is inescapable. If this is you, it might be time to upgrade your mattress or bed frame. You might even find it beneficial to switch to more comfortable bedding that makes you excited to get into bed each night. Your bedroom should be a calming, pleasant place to be – and having good bedding is key to this.
Food
Food, like exercise, can be very influential when it comes to your health. And the same goes for your quality of sleep. Make sure you’ve left enough time to digest your dinner before hopping into bed, otherwise, your digestive system will keep you up later than you’d anticipated.
Alcohol and caffeine
If you do decide to have a snack before bed, make sure you avoid caffeine and alcohol such as wine and chocolate, although it may feel tempting! Although you may associate caffeine with hot drinks such as tea and coffee, it can lurk in other much-loved foods like chocolate, so make sure you snack diligently, otherwise you’ll go to bed feeling overstimulated. Meanwhile, alcohol has a similar stimulating effect. Along with avoiding caffeine and alcohol, adding Detoxify Mega Clean to your routine may further assist in maintaining your overall wellness. This product is created to help cleanse the body from toxins. It might be especially beneficial after periods of overindulgence or while trying to maintain a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.
