Why is Sleeping Good For You and How to Get Better Sleep?

While some people craved to sleep more, some stay up all night and sleep at an unconventional time! Maybe some just can't seem to fall asleep no matter how hard they try. If you have trouble sleeping and needs tips, read more to find out!

ArtValla

4/13/20233 min read

Here are some of the key reasons why sleep is important for your overall quality of life:

  1. Physical restoration: While you sleep, your body works to repair and restore tissues and organs, including the heart and blood vessels. This helps keep your body functioning properly and can reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

  2. Cognitive function: Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function, including memory consolidation, problem-solving, and decision-making. Getting enough sleep can improve your ability to focus, concentrate, and learn new information.

  3. Mental health: Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Adequate sleep can help improve mood and reduce the risk of these conditions.

  4. Immune function: Sleep plays a vital role in the functioning of the immune system. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections and illnesses.

  5. Hormonal regulation: Sleep helps regulate the production of hormones such as cortisol, which is involved in stress management, and leptin and ghrelin, which regulate appetite and metabolism. Lack of sleep can disrupt these hormones, leading to weight gain and other health problems.

Tips and tricks on how to get better sleep:

  1. Create a bedtime routine: Establish a routine that signals to your body that it's time to wind down and get ready for sleep. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.

  2. Set a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep. In no time you will notice how amazing you feel with consistency.

  3. Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark. Use blackout curtains or an eye mask if necessary. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. It may be good to consider washing your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week for good hygiene. Over time, sweat, oils, dead skin cells, and other debris can accumulate on your bedding, creating an ideal environment for bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. Washing your bedding regularly can help eliminate these irritants and reduce the risk of infections and allergies. Doing so will make you feel fresh, comfortable, and relaxed, which can improve the quality of your sleep.

  4. Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin. It can increase mental alertness and arousal, making it harder to relax and fall asleep, and disrupt your body's circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Try to avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime.

  5. Avoid caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake and alert. It blocks the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep, and can interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle. Even moderate amounts of caffeine can affect sleep quality and increase the time it takes to fall asleep. Because of this, it's recommended to avoid caffeine for at least six hours before bedtime.

  6. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol may initially make you feel drowsy and relaxed, it can disrupt sleep later in the night. Alcohol can interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle, causing you to wake up frequently and reducing the amount of time spent in deep, restorative sleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and other sleep-related problems. For this reason, it's recommended to avoid alcohol for at least three to four hours before bedtime.

  7. Relaxation: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can help you relax and prepare for sleep.

  8. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep but try to avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

  9. Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can interfere with your ability to sleep. Try to manage stress through techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, or talking to a therapist.

  10. Consider natural remedies: Certain herbs and supplements, such as chamomile, valerian root, and melatonin, can promote relaxation and help you fall asleep more easily. Consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies.

  11. Seek medical help if necessary: If you continue to have difficulty sleeping despite making lifestyle changes, consider consulting with a healthcare professional. They may recommend further evaluation or treatment options.