In todays fast-paced world, it’s easy to sacrifice sleep in the name of productivity. Something as crucial as breathing, and as vital as eating, somehow seems to get overlooked and its importance slowly slips away from us.
Sleep isn’t just about resting, its about our bodies and minds recharging so that we can be the healthiest versions of ourselves. Not to mention, sleep plays a crucial role in keeping us sharp, focused and productive at work and in our day to day lives.
According to Professor Siobhan Banks, we are seeing a significant number of our population getting less than six hours a sleep a night, and this is leading to all sorts of issues with productivity at work, sleepiness leading to accidents on the road, and of course major health issues.
So, if you are not getting enough sleep, here are some simple yet effective tips to help you rest easy and wake up feeling refreshed.
Setting yourself a consistent time to fall asleep and wake up each morning, even on the weekends, is key. This allows your body to regulate your internal clock which in turns makes it easier to fall asleep at night, and aids in waking up naturally each morning.
If you want a good night’s sleep, it is important to set yourself up in the right environment. Ensuring your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool will help your body relax and drift off to sleep. White noise can also be helpful in distracting the mind to switch off, and if possible, limit the amount of electronics in the room to mitigate any distractions.
Whilst we live in a world full of screens, the blue light from our TVs, computers and phones are causing harm to our sleep. Try turning off all screens at least one hour before bed, and try calming activities like reading, which signal to the body its time to wind down.
What you eat and drink leading up to bed time can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. Try not eating large meals before bed, and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol as these substances can stay in your system for numerous hours leading to disrupted sleeping.
Maintaining a regular exercise regime can significantly improve your sleep as physical activity helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. However, it is important not to undergo vigorous exercise right before bed as this can have the opposite effect, making sleep difficult. Try and aim for a morning walk, or an afternoon workout.
Getting enough sleep is essential in maintaining both your physical and mental health. By following these few tips and tricks to prioritise your sleep, you will soon enough see the improvements in your sleep quality, feel more rested in the mornings, and be more productive during your day.
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