So often we underestimate the importance of a good night’s rest. We get caught up at work or try to finish an important project and forget about getting enough shut-eye. Sleep is a crucial part of your overall health and well-being. It’s not something that should be taken lightly.
Why Is Sleep Important?
When you go to sleep, your body repairs itself and goes through a growth process. The pituitary gland releases a growth hormone in your body when you sleep, making sure that your body recovers.
Your brain is also extremely active when you go to sleep. It takes time to sort through all of the events and information that you processed throughout the day. Information gets stored into your long-term memory so that you can access it when you need it.
What Factors Cause Poor Sleeping Habits?
Uninvited Visitors
According to Pest Guide, bed bugs in a mattress are one of the most unwelcome guests that you can expect to join you for a night’s sleep. Tiny little creatures that take residence inside your bed can cause you a lot of distress and discomfort.
Washing your bedding frequently in hot water can help to make sure any little bugs are removed. Use a hot water wash to kill any tiny insects and stop them from breeding.
A Late Exercise Session
People who choose to engage in high-intensity exercise before bedtime may find it challenging to go to sleep. A slow walk is acceptable, but any activity that gets your heart rate up can make it difficult to fall asleep. Rather, as recommended by Healthline, exercise in the morning or earlier in the day if you’re already struggling to fall asleep at night.
Alcohol
It’s no secret that every person’s body reacts differently. When it comes to alcohol, some individuals can handle more than others. However, generally speaking, alcohol interferes with your sleep patterns. It might relax you and let you fall asleep quickly, but you can be sure to get a wake-up call during the night to make a bathroom stop.
Try not to over-indulge with alcohol in the evenings, especially if you have an important meeting planned for the next morning.
Limit Your Caffeine
Just like alcohol, too much caffeine can harm your body. Try to limit your caffeine intake and keep it to a minimum. Strong coffee can give you a lift when you need it, but it’s not a good idea to indulge in a cup late at night.
Check to see if any products you consume contain high levels of caffeine too. It only takes a second to check the ingredients on something before you drink it.
Worried About Something
One of the best practices to deal with anxiety and worry is meditation. If you’re one of those people who tend to worry about things a lot, try meditating before bedtime. Life can get busy and full of daily tasks that we need to work through. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the enormity of it all.
Meditation is a great way to focus and unwind. You don’t need to attend any classes or be a professional; anyone can do it.
Take the time to find a quiet place where you can sit down and regroup. Choose a spot where you won’t be disturbed. Focus on your breathing and try to clear your mind of everything that’s bothering you. You can meditate for a short or long period. Quick, ten-minute meditation can go a long way to helping you unwind.
Too Much Screen Time
If you’re a parent, you’ll be used to trying to make sure your kids don’t spend too much time in front of a screen. As adults, the same applies. If you’re used to getting into bed with a laptop or an iPad and reading or catching up on emails, you might want to think again.
The light from your device can have a detrimental effect on your sleep. The general rule of thumb is to switch off any devices at least one hour before bedtime. If you live in an area that gets light early, hang thick curtains that keep the light out so that you can get enough sleep.
What You Can Do to Enjoy Better Sleep
Go to Sleep at the Same Time
If you can, try to go to sleep at the same time each night. When you keep a regular sleep pattern, your body learns to function better, and you’ll feel more refreshed each morning. When you do this, you help your body’s internal clock to keep track of what your body needs.
Enjoy Larger Meals Earlier in the Day
Try to have a lighter meal at night. Big meals late in the evening take time to digest. If you go to bed before your body has had time to digest your meal, you may find you have difficulty falling asleep.
Invest in a Good Bed
If you’ve put off buying a new bed, take the plunge and spoil yourself. A good quality bed can go a long way in ensuring you get a good night’s sleep. Do some research and find out about manufacturers of beds in your area. If you can, spend a little extra to invest in a bed that takes care of your comfort.
Conclusion
Never forget about all the beautiful things your body does when you sleep. Less rest at night can result in your body not functioning at its optimal level. When you get a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and re-energized and ready to face a new day.
The consequences of losing sleep are far more detrimental to your health, so plan your activities around getting enough. Your body will thank you every morning when you wake up to face a new day.
