In a healthy body there’s a healthy soul. This adage is very well known, and most people think of a healthy body in terms of food, drink, and exercise. While these factors contribute greatly to optimal body condition, a good night’s sleep is among the most vital components of a good lifestyle. According to statistics, more than 70 million Americans alone suffer from insomnia or some form of sleep deprivation. Many people identify these symptoms with a bad mood and an absence of focus, but research has shown that chronic sleep deprivation has a much greater negative impact on the body, putting us in danger for heart disease, obesity and even mental health disorders. such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, take a minute or two to read about the numerous benefits of good sleep and how to accomplish them.
Timing is important
Many people complain about their inability to go to bed early, even though going to bed before midnight has been shown to be more effective and productive than after midnight. In the early hours of the morning, after sunset, we start to produce more sleep hormones, which is the reason why we feel less sleepy after 6 or 8 than during the day.
But these days, our exposure to the bright lights of touchscreens and our intake of caffeine in fact alter this natural process making it tougher for us to fall asleep. Every hour we spend awake after that initial yawn takes away from quality sleep. After a while, the body starts producing hormones to keep us awake so it is hard to fall asleep later.
Therefore, do not expose yourself to any screen light 2 hours before going to bed, do not drink coffee or alcohol after 6pm. Alcohol, contrary to popular belief, is really hard on our bodies because the liver and other organs are busy processing it, and the same goes for food. Go to bed at the same time, and try to wake up at the same time each day, following the guidance previously mentioned. This, according to experts, acts as a reset button and you’ll feel refreshed and full of energy the next day.
Make sure you are snug
For proper and good sleep, most doctors recommend taking an enough sleeping position. For example, certain sleeping positions are more appropriate for certain health conditions. It is well known how sleeping on your side can reduce snoring. In addition, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs can affect your posture and reduce back pain. Make sure to use pillows with memory foam for your neck and shoulders so you do not feel stiff in the morning. This is one of many examples of how sleep affects the body.
Pillows can help, but if your bed is uncomfortable overall, then whatever position you take will not make a difference. Luckily, we currently have adjustable beds for greater comfort. you may be asking yourself how an adjustable bed can help you, even although the answer is simple. With the chance of taking any position to fit your needs, an adjustable bed is a life changer.
It’s an electronic bed that you control with a remote that usually contains a double bed or a memory foam mattress, depending on your preference. If you have varicose veins, your feet should be angled to reduce pain and swelling. If you have been sleeping on your back for a long time as a result of surgery or an accident, you might consider adopting an upright position, that way you can avoid back injuries. The physical health benefits abound, not to mention the mental benefits of a good night’s sleep. What you sleep on can drastically affect how you sleep.
Many other benefits
We’ve listed some of the benefits above, and ways to promote a good night’s sleep. Now, it is worth mentioning how sleep affects us on a molecular level. During the night, our body is in a meditative state, resetting, recovering and repairing. Our cells get rid of accumulated toxins, us heart and the kidneys process excess fluids and toxins. This is among the reasons why many people feel like going to the bathroom in the morning. On a molecular level, the power of sleep resembles an induced coma in which our body optimizes for tomorrow. Productive sleep has been linked to better concentration, longevity, and even a reduced chance of developing cancer.
In addition, many professionals suggest how people find it easier to fight depression and mild forms of psychosis. Mental health experts advise sleep for higher energy levels and are ready to prescribe medicine for those who have trouble sleeping. Of course, trauma victims or people suffering from PTSD speak of an absence of concentration and the ability to remember things as a side effect of deprivation.
Not to mention how important it’s when trying to recover from an injury, whether from an accident or sports.
Your overall well-being depends a lot on the slight changes in the lifestyle that you adopt. If you aren’t suffering from a diagnosed problem that’s preventing you from sleeping properly, we highly recommend changing those habits and adopting better ones.
