Sleep is important for our overall health and well-being, yet many of us don’t get enough sleep. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults in the United States doesn’t get enough sleep.
Sadly, lack of sleep can lead to accidents and injuries, as well as chronic health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also affect our mood, our ability to concentrate and make decisions, and our overall quality of life.
The good news is there are several things we can do to make sure we get enough sleep. Keep reading to find out what they are.
How to get more sleep?
Sleep habits
There are a few key habits that can help you get more sleep. First, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This will help regulate your body’s sleep cycle. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can interfere with sleep. Finally, create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep. This could include reading, taking a bath, or stretching.
Sleep environments
Creating a sleep-friendly environment can also help you get more sleep. This means keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. You should also remove any electronics from your bedroom to create a calm atmosphere. If you have trouble sleeping, it may be helpful to invest in a white noise machine or earplugs to block out noise.
Sleep schedules
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it may be helpful to create a sleep schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. You should also avoid napping during the day so that you’re tired at night. Finally, try to avoid working or using electronic devices in bed so that you can associate your bed with sleep.
Sleep aids
There are a few sleep aids that can help you get more sleep. First, try using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. You can also try taking a warm bath before bed.
Finally, supplements such as melatonin, valerian root, or CBD products may be helpful if you’re having trouble sleeping. Indeed, as well as being helpful for pain and anxiety which can prevent you from falling or staying asleep, CBD also interacts with the neurotransmitters in your body to help you drift off each night.
Why it is so important to get more sleep?
Now you know how to get more sleep, it’s important to understand why getting enough sleep is so crucial to your health and well-being.
Indeed, there are countless reasons why a good 7-9 hours of sleep a night is so important. For one, sleep is crucial for our physical health. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies are less able to fight off infection and illness. Sleep is also essential for our mental and emotional health; it helps improve our mood, memory, and concentration.
In addition, sleep plays a vital role in our overall well-being. A lack of sleep can increase our risk of developing chronic health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also negatively impact our mental health, leading to problems like anxiety and depression. So if you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s time to take action on some of the suggestions above!
3 Great Foods That Promote Mental Wellness