We spend, on average, one third of our
lives sleeping. Given the fact we spend so much time doing it, we should
recognize the importance it holds in our lives. Sleep is an integral component
of our mental and physical health.
Learning to sleep well will produce benefits in these realms of our
lives.
lives sleeping. Given the fact we spend so much time doing it, we should
recognize the importance it holds in our lives. Sleep is an integral component
of our mental and physical health.
Learning to sleep well will produce benefits in these realms of our
lives.
Physical
Effects
The average person should be getting 7-8
hours of sleep each day. A lack of sleep can suppress the amount of growth
hormone released from the brain, which is essential for building and
maintaining tissue in the body. Optimal physical growth and maintenance can
never be achieved without a healthy amount of sleep. Also during sleep, heart
and blood vessels are repaired. Sleep deprivation can therefore be connected to
heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many more serious physical issues.
hours of sleep each day. A lack of sleep can suppress the amount of growth
hormone released from the brain, which is essential for building and
maintaining tissue in the body. Optimal physical growth and maintenance can
never be achieved without a healthy amount of sleep. Also during sleep, heart
and blood vessels are repaired. Sleep deprivation can therefore be connected to
heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many more serious physical issues.
Mental
Effects
Sleep deprivation affects mental health
as much as physical health. It reduces the awareness and functional capacity of
humans, which can cause many dangers to not only one’s self but to others. It
affects clarity of thought, memory, and general functionality throughout the
day. Sleep deprivation also contributes to a lack of emotional regulation.
as much as physical health. It reduces the awareness and functional capacity of
humans, which can cause many dangers to not only one’s self but to others. It
affects clarity of thought, memory, and general functionality throughout the
day. Sleep deprivation also contributes to a lack of emotional regulation.
Tips
to help you sleep better:
- There are many potential factors that
can prevent a good night’s sleep, but high stress is one of the leading causes
of sleep deprivation. One way to combat this stress is exercise. Exercise also
promotes sleep by increasing adenosine production. - Another way to combat stress is creating
a relaxing nightly routine. Some people benefit from stretching or reading a
book before bed to help their mind and body relax. - Try to keep away from blight light
sources, such as laptops, for at least two hours before sleeping. Blue light
disrupts the production of melatonin, which is the chemical responsible for
making you feel sleepy. - There are many apps today that allow you
to monitor your sleep and track sleep cycles. They also give more information
on individual sleep patterns and needs. Applications can help remind you to go
to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning
in order to properly complete REM sleep cycles. - Prioritizing sleep in addition to other
healthy habits will ensure you recover well from your work outs, and feel
positive and energized!
Blog
post by David Reme.
post by David Reme.
