The Dangers Of Sleep Deprivation
Poor health
Sleep deprivation can lead to poor physical and mental health. If you are not well rested you will become run down and fall ill more easily, it is also likely that you will feel more stressed and have less motivation.
Poor work life balance
If you are less energized and motivated, you will be less productive and this could mean that you have to devote more time towards completing your work commitments. If you become fatigued it is likely that your spare time will be spent sleeping rather than exercising or doing the things that you enjoy.
Benefits Of A Good Night’s Sleep
Reduces stress
Having a good sleep routine will help to ensure that you keep well rested. Being energized can help you to think more clearly and maintain structure and organization within your life, this in turn leads to lower stress levels because you feel in control.
Better immune system
Sleep gives your body a chance to relax and recuperate completely. Your body often repairs itself in many ways during sleep, a good sleep routine can help to keep you physically strong. Your immune system is often much stronger when you are well rested.
Increases alertness
Sleep not only gives your body a good rest but it also gives your mind time to rest. This helps you to stay aware and alert. Increased alertness can help you to be more productive and this can also help to reduce stress and keep you in control.
Improves memory
A rested mind will lead to many benefits such as improved memory, increased intelligence and heightened motivation.
Natural Sleep Remedies
Nighttime drinks
Try to avoid drinks high in sugar or caffeine in the evening. These drinks can leave you feeling awake and will keep you up through the night. Try to drink warm comforting drinks that are low in caffeine such as warm milk or chamomile tea.
Exercise through the day
Being active during the day can help to use up your energy and will leave you feeling more tired at night. This can encourage your body to go into a resting state.
Prepare the mind for sleep
If you are often busy and have a ‘racing mind’, you may find it hard to minimize your thoughts and calm your mind in the evening. It is good to stop working at a reasonable time and give your mind a good amount of time to settle down and relax before going to bed. You could watch something relaxing, listen to music or read a book. Try to do something non work related, something that is simply for your pleasure and relaxation.
Keep a routine
Your sleep routines are closely related to your eating schedules, work schedules and exercise routines. Try to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise throughout the day to ensure that your body has the energy it needs but that you will use up the energy by the time you would like to go to sleep. It is also a good idea to eat your evening meal in the early evening, rather than eating too close to the time you will be trying to sleep. Food gives you energy, eating too late in the evening can give you energy at the wrong times. You should also try to wake up early and avoid napping throughout the day. Keeping a strict and regular routine can help you to sleep better in the evening.
Have a comfortable environment It is important to create a comfortable and relaxing environment in your room. One way to do this is to limit technology in the bedroom and have your bed designated for sleep. Studies have show that bringing technology into the bed can cause poor seep quality. Since sleep is vital to your health it is important to invest in your sleep with quality products. Invest in products that will improve your sleep quality such as your mattress, pillows, comforters as well as items such as blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are beneficial in blocking out light as well as outside temperatures. These curtains have been shown to keep your Toledo Edison costs down due to reducing heating and cooling costs but many have claimed a significant improvement in their sleep.
