The Impact of Quality Sleep on Your Health

Sleep is as important for our bodies as what we eat and drink. When we sleep, our body uses this time to rest, repair and recharge from the strain it’s been put under during the day.

Why is sleep so important for our physical wellness?

Think of your sleep like a nightly maintenance break for your mind and body, so that when you wake up you can feel your best.

During sleep our body releases hormones such as the growth hormone, which is important for so many things. It will promote muscle growth and repair, our bones and tissues strengthen, our metabolism will improve and our energy levels are boosted. Another positive of sleep is that it strengthens our immune system, therefore making us less susceptible to
illnesses, as our body produces protective cytokines that fight off viruses and bacteria.

How about our Mental Wellbeing?

It’s not just our physical health that is benefited by sleep. We recharge our mental resources overnight too. When we sleep, our brains process and store information that we have obtained, so we can be more focused the next day. Think of it as your brain tidying up your memories! Getting enough sleep also helps to regulate our emotions, promoting emotional wellbeing and stability.

How to Improve and Optimise Your Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important elements of improving your general health, here are five simple things you can do to improve your rest:

1. Establish a consistent sleep schedule – By trying to go to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday, this can help to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm.
2. Seek natural light exposure – Spending some time in natural daylight also helps to regulate your body’s internal clock.
3. Limit exposure to screens before bed – When you use screens such as phones and computers, you are exposed to blue light. Blue light can interfere with the production of melatonin in your body, which is a sleep inducing hormone. Therefore reducing the amount of blue light that you absorb before bed will increase the amount of melatonin produced.
4. Watch your diet – avoid heavy meals before bedtime, as this can disrupt your sleep patterns.
5. Manage stress and anxiety – Unwinding before bed by practising stress reducing techniques such as deep breathing, can help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep.

To Sum It Up…

Prioritising sleep is a non-negotiable for a thriving life. It recharges our bodies, strengthens our immune system, fuels our minds, and regulates our emotions. A good night’s sleep isn’t just a luxury, it is needed for our general health and wellness. Invest in sleep and you will notice the difference!