The Benefits of Sleep

Happy November!!!!

Can you believe that it is almost the end of the year and soon we will be entering 2020! Wow as a young kid could you have ever imagined that? Well you are not a kid anymore and God willing we all be entering a new decade in only 60 days!

I don’t know about you, but there are a few health issues that I need to take immediate action upon especially as a diabetic as move closer to 2020 and that is getting a good night’s sleep. I wake up tired even after 8+ hours of sleep but I am hoping that with the new mattress that hubby and I purchased will make a difference.

However, in the meantime, I am going to take heed to a few of these suggestions from an article by BillCutterz on “Why Is Sleep So Important?” and if you have any others, please feel free to share them in the comment section below.

The Benefits of Sleep

• It isn’t called beauty sleep for no reason; your body goes into repair mode while you sleep. It produces hormones that combat the damage caused by sun exposure and stress. In many people, a lack of sleep results in puffy eyes and dark circles, but they do go away when the body is rested again.
• Sleep can keep you healthy and a tired body has more trouble fighting off colds. For many people sleep deprivation is a migraine trigger, too. Some studies even suggest that a tired body is more susceptible to heart disease and some cancers.
• A lack of sleep makes you gain weight. I remember hearing two things at college, the Freshman 10 or 15, and “food is a good substitute for sleep” which I now realize were related. Plus, when you’re tired, you’re less likely to want to exercise which can also contribute to weight gain.
• Better work or school performance is more likely if you are rested. According to Harvard, getting a good night’s sleep after learning something new means you will retain the information better. The same is true for working. I know in my case I pay attention better when I feel rested.

How to Get More Sleep

• Remove distractions from your bedroom. I’ve read many times that having a television in the bedroom is a bad idea, the same thing for smartphones and tablets. Focusing on electronics distracts your mind from tiredness.
• Try to maintain a consistent sleep/wake schedule. Your body thrives on routine, so even on the weekends you should stay as close to a regular schedule as possible.
• Make your room cold and dark. Dark is obvious, but science shows that your body cools down for sleep, so being in a cold room will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.
• Avoid caffeine after noon or cut it out completely. Even for those of you (me included) who swear they can sleep after a cup of coffee; it does interrupt sleep patterns.
• Try meditation to relax your mind and body. I have mentioned the app Insight Timer in the past, it’s free to download and many of the recordings are free. Find one with a voice you that is soothing to you, there are many to choose from so it shouldn’t be too difficult.
• Try essential oils. While the science behind healing claims is still being debated, it’s no secret that there are specific scents that are relaxing, such as lavender. Put a dab on your pillowcase right before you get in bed.

Have you tried any of these methods to help you get a better night’s sleep?