Our grandparents love it. Babies and teenagers get a lot of it. So, what’s holding us all back from enjoying some extra sleep? Even if you’re one who loves your sleep and understands why it’s so important, it all comes down to precious time. We lose an hour or two for a morning run and we get to bed a little later when a new show is on TV. Getting enough sleep is a constant battle. Obligations at work and home are priority, so you keep plugging away until you can’t keep your eyes open anymore.
With so many excellent benefits from getting adequate amounts of sleep and so many dangers from the lack thereof, your priorities are worth revisiting.
Sleep Facts
-
Sleep improves your memory and ability to learn through a process called consolidation
-
Sleep improves stamina and overall athletic performance
-
Sleep can help you control your appetite and maintain a healthy weight
-
Sleep lowers stress with positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol
-
Sleep improves your mood and promotes overall happiness
-
Sleep boosts the immune system and helps your body fight off disease and sickness
On the flip side, according to WebMD, you put yourself at risk for some serious consequences if you don’t take pillow time seriously:
-
Drowsiness can cause accidents such as auto crashes and injuries on the job
-
Sleep deprivation puts you at risk for a plethora of serious health problems, including heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes
-
Lack of sleep kills libido and lowers interest in sex
-
Chronic sleep loss leads to fine lines, dark circles and the appearance of aging
-
Lack of sleep impairs thinking, learning, creativity and memory
There’s no question that getting your daily ZZZs is a crucial aspect of your health and happiness.
How can you get better sleep and more of it?
-
Protect your sleep environment: Your bedroom is a precious space and it’s important for you to keep it that way. Keep pets, kids and snoring partners out of the bedroom. Make sure it’s cool, quiet and dark.
-
Banish technology: The light from cellphones, laptops, ipads and TVs can stimulate the brain and confuse the internal clock by mimicking sunlight.
-
Develop a pre-bed relaxation ritual: Try taking a hot bath or drinking a hot cup of (decaffeinated) tea.
-
Create a barrier between work and sleep: Allow yourself time to finish working and relax before you try to get to sleep. Make a list of what else needs to be done and then make a personal decision to turn your brain off.
-
Eat right and exercise: Cut down on caffeine. Avoid alcohol and large meals close to bedtime. Exercising in the morning or a few hours before bedtime will help you fall asleep easier.
-
Keep a regular schedule: This will help you wind down at the end of the day. The routine activities will remind your body that it’s time to start getting ready for sleep.
If you try the steps above and still have trouble falling or staying asleep, there are many other solutions we can offer. For more information about the benefits or dangers associated with sleep and your health, or for more recommendations on getting better sleep, we are here to help! Call [phone_main] to speak with your pharmacist at [company_short].