I value my sleep. If I don’t get enough of it, I can barely function the next day or I am in an extremely cranky mood. Maybe I am just a lazy potato, but sleep is just as crucial to our health as eating, social interaction, drinking, and breathing. It allows our bodies to rejuvenate and our brains to store our memories successfully and process information. Lack of sleep is linked to various health and physical problems, like a weakened immune system and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. We live in a world where we are always busy, running around doing a million and one things, that sometimes a good night’s rest is often the last of our priorities. Negotiating your sleep can severely impact you in many ways.
Do you ever notice that you feel more sluggish after a restless night? This can be a direct result of a lack of sleep, which can cause us to lose our level-headedness. When we do not get enough rest, our brain’s ability to tell what’s important is compromised. A restless mind and body are somewhat on “high alert” mode which means something as small as being a few minutes late to class or someone looking at you a certain way can feel like something that needs a big reaction.
Another important thing is that poor sleep and depression go hand-in-hand. Research shows that 60-90% of patients with depression have insomnia. Achieving a regular sleep pattern is essential to stable mental health. Major sleep disruptions set the foundations for pessimistic thinking, depression, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability. When we sleep, our brains can take a break and allows our bodies to almost reset. If we deprive ourselves of this, it will be hard to deal with the stresses of everyday life. Taking time to create a useful sleep pattern will help to ensure longevity in your mental, physical, and emotional health. Here are some tips to consider for helping you do so:
1. Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. This helps regulate your body’s “clock” as it becomes accustomed to what time is rest time. This can not only help you fall asleep but also to stay asleep.
2. Practicing a relaxing night time routine. A relaxing routine activity right before bed can be extremely beneficial. This can look different for everyone. Meditation, reading, and doing some stretches are some ideas. Mine tend to be taking a warm shower and watching Netflix with my roomie just because that brings me tranquility.
3. Try avoiding naps if you already have trouble sleeping. I love a good nap but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at night, eliminating naps throughout the day can help.
4. Exercise. Exercise is proven to improve not only your physical health but also your mental health. It is a stress reliever that tires your body so that it can rest peacefully at the end of the day.
5. Make sure that your sleeping space is comfortable enough for you. Establish the conditions necessary for you to get the best sleep possible. Lighting, bedding, noise, and temperature are somethings to consider.
Happy sleeping!