The Importance of Sleep
Are you getting a good night's sleep?
Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly. This can impair your abilities to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories.
Considering we spend over half of our lives sleeping, it’s shocking how much we underestimate the impact lack of sleep can have on our health and wellbeing. Not being able to fall asleep, sustaining quality sleep, getting enough sleep, dealing with broken sleep and waking when you should definitely still be asleep – are all daily challenges for many.
- Establish a realistic bedtime and stick to it every night, even on the weekends.
- Maintain comfortable temperature settings and low light levels in your bedroom.
- Make sure you have a comfortable sleep environment – including your mattress, pillows, and sheets.
- Consider a “screen ban” on televisions, computers and tablets, cell phones, and other electronic devices in your bedroom.
- Abstain from caffeine, alcohol, and large meals in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Refrain from using tobacco at any time of day or night.
- Exercise during the day; this can help you wind down in the evening and prepare for sleep.