It’s funny isn’t it, one of the most important factors for our health and wellbeing, and it’s the one of the first things that we neglect or forget about.
Sleep… we spend about three quarters of our life asleep. It’s essential for brain function and our general well-being, the time that our body gets to reset ready for the next day.
But how many of us are really getting a good nights sleep? In this day and age we are surrounded by devices that distract us, and that can keep us switched on and tuned in, we work long hours and we don’t always have a healthy lifestyle. All the things can have an impact on our quality of sleep and in turn out mental and physical health.
So how can we improve our sleep?
Sleep routine
Whilst it might take some time to work out what routine works for you, try different things and when you do find one that fits, stick to it.
Healthy sleep patterns and routines become habit, leading to more restful nights and fewer sleepless ones.
Switch it off…
Do you ever find yourself reaching for your phone in the middle of the night? Whether it’s to check the time, check in with what people are doing on social or to check on that work issue from earlier in the day?
The digital world is one of the main distractions that stop us resting…. whilst phones have softer night settings designed to help minimise disturbance, our brains are going to be much more alert and more switched on when looking at a screen.
If you can’t leave your phone in a different room whilst you sleep, make sure you either turn it off or turn off your notifications. If you wake up resist the temptation to reach for the phone, and instead just shut your eyes and lay still. You’ll soon get out of the habit!
Exercise
Regular exercise not only helps us stay healthy, it helps us sleep. Exercise can help us sleep in a number of ways; firstly it helps us combat stress, anxiety and depression, this is turn leaves us feeling calmer and more relaxed, so promoting a more restful nights sleep.
Secondly, when we exercise our body temperature increases, as our temperature decreases post exercise we feel more restful and more at ease which again can help us drift off more easily.
Yoga
Whilst it sits in the same category as exercise it deserves its own section! Yoga can be useful for so many things, and sleep is one of them. A slow, relaxed stretch can help us unwind and decompress before going to sleep. It helps our muscles relax and our mind unwind.
Mindfulness
Where yoga helps our muscles relax, mindfulness helps our mind slow down after a hectic day. Taking time before you go to sleep to clear your mind and relax can help you drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Never underestimate the importance of sleep, making time for yourself and working on improving your sleep will pay dividends!