Like oxygen, food and water, sleep is essential to survive. Sleep is the body’s rest cycle marked when a person becomes physically inactive and unaware of their surrounding environment. In order to get that extra bit of work done we often sacrifice our sleep time. This leads to less energy through the day and takes a toll on our well-being and productivity levels.
Did you know, enough quality sleep protects us holistically. It ensures our body is recharged and ready for the next day. It improves brain function – memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. It lowers stress levels, combats weight gain and promotes muscle growth. It can also boost immunity, sex-drive and some researchers say we live longer.
But in a world that seems to never sleep it can be hard to prioritise this survival essential. So why should we dim the lights and put our phone down? The production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, starts to rise during the early evening and picks up as darkness falls. Interfering in its production with even a small amount of ambient light delays the body’s natural transition to sleep. So, stop tricking your brain into thinking it’s day and unplug electronics at night – at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime to achieve good, quality sleep.
Most people experience a bad night’s sleep now and again, but if you regularly don’t get enough sleep, it can really affect how you feel and what you can get done during the day. If you’re struggling with sleep then reach out to Care4MH. You can jump over to our Facebook or Instagram page for more sleep hygiene tips or Care4MH can work together to tailor make strategies for YOU. Or you could join our Walk and Talk group and start working on THREE sleep promoting strategies at the one time – sunlight, exercise and letting go of your worries.
