Sleep and Live Well
Sleep pairs with nutrition and physical activity to ensure you are your best healthy self. Beauty rest is a saying simply because your body and skin does a lot of repairing while you are asleep. Allowing an appropriate amount of sleep with ensure fewer wrinkles and less sagging of the face. We will cover sleep recommendations and the importance of sleep.
Quality of Sleep
Sleep quality plays a vital role in good health and the well-being of your life. Our bodies are supporting healthy brain function and physical health while you sleep. If you are not getting enough sleep, our bodies experience sleep deprivation. Sleep deficiency can affect reaction time, learning abilities, work rate, and irritability. There are many dangers associate with sleep deprivation, so be sure to engage in quality, uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.
Quantity of Sleep
For adults, receiving at least 7 hours of sleep is vital in order to avoid sleep deprivation. Babies, toddlers, children and adolescents often require more sleep because a lot of growing takes place while they rest. It is important to try to achieve 7-8 hours of sleep as an adult to prevent sleep debts.
The Truth about Napping
At times, nothing feels better than a nice, mid-day nap. Naps can offer short bursts of alertness and performance but does not provide the necessary benefits of sleep at night time. You cannot make up for lost sleep, so it is very important you receive the recommended amount while you sleep at night. Napping is a way to de-stress, improve mood, and put your fatigue at ease but I wouldn’t suggest the habit of napping in order to catch up on rest.
Sleep Strategies
The first step to ensure a good night’s rest is to allow yourself an 8-hour time frame for sleep. People with busier schedules tend to alter sleeping schedule in order to get all of their work and duties done around the house. Here are some strategies to improve sleep habits:
-Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day; essentially have a bedtime and set your alarm for the same time in the morning
-Try to limit the difference in bedtime/wake up to an hour on weekends
-Avoid technology, screens or artificial light an hour before bed to allow your brain to settle down
-Avoid large meals or alcoholic drinks before bedtime, a light snack is perfectly fine
-Avoid nicotine and caffeine, as these are substances that interfere with sleep
-Spend time outside during your day and/or participate in physical activity
-Partake in relaxation techniques before bed
Sleep- Your Life Depends on it
I encourage testing out these strategies for at least a week or 2. Pay attention to how you feel throughout your day when you really commit to the methods. Achieving a full night’s sleep is an indication of good mental, physical and emotional health. It is important to feel your best in every healthy aspect, so test the strategies to achieve the best version of yourself.
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