1 in 3 adults have poor sleep negatively impacting your health overall. A lack of sleep leads to us to becoming dysfunctional in all different types of ways which can affect our health in many ways including:
Reduced levels of productivity
Makes us more vulnerable in making poor judgement & decisions
Reduced alertness
Increase in cortisol levels (stress hormone – which can contribute to weight gain)
Increased appetite in poor food choices
Can be a factor in road traffic collisions
Ideally we should be aiming for 7-8 hrs of sleep per night. The purpose of sleep is to allow our body to rest and repair. If you want to improve your sleeping patterns here are a few tips you can try:
Sleep routine: Go to bed at the same time and rise at the same time every day & night.
Alarm Clock: remove your phone from the bedroom and replace with a traditional alarm clock.
Digital Detox: stop using any technology at least 1 hour before you sleep. Instead read a book, do some yoga or stretching or have a bath.
Cool temperature in the room
Black out curtains/blinds
Exercise: throughout the day if you burn more energy you will sleep better in the evening.
Journal: writing in a journal before bed helps get your thoughts or worries down on paper and out of your head. Also helps to give Gratitude for the day.
Pillow mist: I use a lavender pillow mist which is so lovely to drift off to sleep.
Good quality mattress and pillows
Of course if none of these help and you continue to have sleep problems do consult with your Doctor. Please remember also that any sleep medication can have an impact on your breathing so best to check all avenues.
Happy snoozing!