The Importance of Sleep

Why Do We Sleep?

Philosophers, scientists, psychologists and researchers have struggled with this question for centuries. We do know that it assists our body in recuperating from the day’s activities.

A brain imaging study at Harvard Medical School found that sleep deprivation effects the emotional brain by excessively boosting the part of the brain most closely connected to feelings of depression and anxiety. Whereas a good night’s sleep helps you regulate your mood and cope with the coming day’s challenges.

Sleep has recently been linked to learning and memory. New findings, in animals and humans, suggest that sleep plays a critical role in storing important memories, both intellectual and physical, and also seeing subtle connections that may not be apparent during waking. Therefore there may be something in it when peoples say “sleep on it.”

So we know the importance of sleep, but that does not necessarily mean we get enough of it. A recent survey conducted by the American National Sleep Foundation of more than 1000 participants found that:

50 % suffer insomnia symptoms twice a week
40% are spending less time asleep
33% often wake up during the night
60% do not get the recommended 8 hrs sleep
31% sleep less than 7 hrs a night
§ 22% are so tired it interferes with daily activities twice a week
If you can relate to any of these statistics, you can make simple changes to see radical results.

Top Tips for Good Sleep:

1. Exercise your body as well as your mind daily, ensuring you are physically as well as mentally tired.
2. Avoid caffeine four hours before bedtime as it can interfere with sleep.
3. Go to bed and get up at the same time daily.
4. Only sleep and make love in your bedroom.
5. Have a routine before bed to relax, such as taking a bath or lighting a candle.
6. Ensure your bedroom is peaceful, clean and somewhere you want to spend time.

Happy sleeping!