Sleep is definitely the new black, but to clarify it needs to be pitch black for sleep but we will get back to that later. Sleep is crucial to your overall health:
- Weight: Sleep deprivation leads to slower metabolism and questionable eating habits. When you stay up late and wake up early, you are likely to make poorer eating choices, drink more coffee/less water and exercise less
- Physical Health: Not sleeping on a regular basis can lead to a compromised immune system, an increased chance of having higher blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Not only that, studies show that sleep affects physical reflexes and fine motor skills
- Brain: Sleep gives your brain time to process the events of the day. The more you sleep, the more your brain is able to process. Also, lack of sleep leads to poor judgement.
- Beauty: According to experts 8 hours of sleep helps you avoid puffy, bloodshot eyes, as well as dark under-eye circles and a pale washed-out complexion. So choose sleep over a facial
- Memory: Sleep allows your brain to consolidate a memory so that you can recall it in the future. This allows the memory to be stable in your brain
So now that you believe me in how important sleep is, you are probably wondering how you are going to get your needed 8 hours of deep, REM sleep. Sometimes after a long day of work and life, it is almost impossible to shut off your phone, laptop and TV and prepare yourself for bed, but with the right tools it is possible. Here are some tips for getting in some good sleep hygiene (truth be known, I am still working on some of these)
- Go to sleep and rise at the same time each day
- Exercise regularly well before bedtime (at least 3 hours prior)
- NO caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Maybe a warm bath, cup of caffeine-free tea, etc. Showers/Baths help decrease body temperature which can lead to a better night’s rest. Absolutely NO work or stress before bed.
- Eat your last meal and/or snack before 7:30pm
- Your bedroom should be cool, clean, quiet and DARK
- NO TV or tech use near bedtime
- Make sure you stay hydrated during the day
Moral of this story: SLEEP DOES A BODY GOOD!
