Why is a good night’s sleep so important?
One in three of us have poor levels of sleep with stress, technology and work often taking the blame. Many scientists believe sleep allows our brain and body to recover alongside processing and consolidating memories.
It is known that a good night’s sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing. And regular poor sleep has been shown to put people at risk of serious medical conditions including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Regular poor sleep can also shorten your life expectancy.
How can you get your sleep on track?
Getting your sleep on track can improve your immune system and mental wellbeing. There are many things you can do to improve your sleep. Here are a few examples:
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Set a bedtime routine.
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Establish a routine and stick with it, including keeping regular sleeping hours.
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Most adults need between six and nine hours of sleep each night. When you have established how much sleep you need, you can incorporate these hours into the routine. Try to wake at the same time each day, avoiding any urge to sleep in to catch up after a bad night’s sleep – doing this can have a negative impact on your routine.
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Relaxation exercises, mindfulness, reading a book and a hot bath can all help - so consider what works for you.
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Avoid using your smartphone or any electronic device for around an hour before bed.
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Having a comfortable mattress, thick curtains to supply dark lighting and a temperature between 18-24C can all help to create a better sleep environment.
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Earplugs may be a worthy addition to reduce any noise.
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Recording lifestyle changes that improve or reduce your sleep each day for reflection will help you to identify what affects your routine and sleep patterns.
How can we help?
Our team can work with you to set goals and improve your sleep routine. This will often involve looking at your overall lifestyle including diet, levels of physical activity and self-esteem.
If you experience insomnia that lasts for more than 4 weeks, you should consult your Doctor.
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