Most of us need around 8 hours of sleep to function properly, but some need more, some less. As a general rule if you wake up tired and spend the day wanting a nap its likely you are not getting enough sleep. Most of us at one time or another will have problems sleeping, for many reasons.

What are the benefits of getting enough sleep

  • Sleep can help boost immunity, even more important during the flu and virus seasons.
  • Sleep can help slim you. Sleeping less may mean you put more weight on. Studies do show that people who get less than 7 hours of sleep tend to gain more weight and are at a higher risk of being obese
  • Sleep boosts mental well being. A single sleepless night can affect us all and make us irritable and moody the following day. So its not suprisi9ng what a chronic lack of sleep can do. There are also links to depression
  • Sleep can help prevent diabetes. Studies have shown that regular lack of sleep or less than 5 hours of sleep a night has an increased risk of developing diabetes 2.
  • Sleep can help ward of heart disease. Long standing lack of sleep is connected with an increased heart rate and blood pressure. This increases certain chemicals in the body which can put a strain on the heart.

How can we catch up on lost sleep or improve your sleep?

It wont happen with one single early night. If you have had months of bad sleep you will have built up a sleep debt. Why not start on a weekend and try to add an extra hour to your sleep a night and build up from there. You can improve your sleep by relaxing before bed time. Turn off your electrical devices, do some meditation or simple yoga stretches before bedtime.  Avoid caffeine, Give the mind time to calm down and switch off before you try to sleep.  Make your bedroom a relaxing place you look forward to spending time in.

If you do experience issues with sleep I am hoping you found my blog helpful.

 

Sweet dreams

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