In today’s world, it’s easy to get swept up in the speed of life. We run around during the day, work crazy hours, spend too much time behind the screens and when we finally get to bed at night for some much needed rest... we get nothing :(
Now don’t think when your in bed with your eyes closed that you’re getting sleep, what I’m talking about and what the body craves is DEEP sleep, and not many of us get enough of it. When your body and mind enters deep sleep, you allow your body to start it’s recovery and healing process from the day’s madness. Any aches or pains get the time they need to restore, your mind get’s to take a break and in turn stress levels are reduced.
Deep sleep is so important that is has the ability to multiply the state you’re in, whether good or bad. So if you are eating well, exercising and managing your stress during the day, getting deep sleep on top of that will multiply all the healthy benefits you get from these activities.
Unfortunately the same is true vice versa. If you’re eating unhealthy foods, unable to control your stress and not getting enough exercise, adding poor/no sleep to that equation will make you feel ten times worse.
Chronic sleep deprivation elevates the levels of stress hormones in your body, and if they are elevated for too long, they not only make us feel horrible, but can cause a number of health issues:
Anxiety
Weight gain
Depression
Headaches & dizziness
Hypertension
Stroke
Irritability
Digestive disorders
Immune system dysfunction
So how do we get the good Zzzs?
Here’s some tips to start getting better quality sleep more often:
Start going to bed earlier
Create a wind down routine (read a book, do some yoga or stretches)
Turn down the light on your electronics and try to put away your phone, laptop and switch off the tv 1-2 hours before bed
Keep your room dark
Keep your room cooler
Don’t eat too much before bed
Check your mattress and pillow quality
Minimise caffeine and alcohol before bed
Read a book in bed
Try an eye mask and earplugs