On average we spend a third of our lives in bed. If we live until we are 75, it means that we would have been asleep for 25 years of our life!!!
You and I both know that sleep is good for us, but are we sure why and how much we should have?
Sleep is the part of the day when we lie down, close our eyes and rest. During this time, our bodies make important repairs, restore our energy levels and process our memories of the day.
The amount of sleep we need does depend on a number of factors such as age, sex and our general health. As we get older our sleep cycle will change. The general opinion is that we need, on average, 8 hours sleep each night. However, we are all different and as long as we are not regularly trying to survive on a couple of hours sleep, we should be okay.
Quality of sleep is far more important than quantity. In this respect the environment in which we sleep is paramount when we consider our sleeping experience.
For a better nights sleep have:
Your room at an approximate temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.
Fresh air circulating
A dark room (consider installing black out curtains where there are none)
A large bed (having plenty of room to move about is beneficial)
A mattress that suits (too hard or too soft will not give a quality nights sleep)
Restrict the use of technology (the blue light given out by computer screens is detrimental to good sleep)
Piece and Quiet (invest in quality ear plugs if noise is a problem)
Routine (above all else, a regular bedtime routine is fundamental to a good nights sleep. Go to bed at the same time each night - even at weekends and get up at the same time in the morning too.)
If the above all fail then try the following suggestions whilst lying there:
Listen to yourself breathing (it is suppose to calm you down and help you focus on something other than the problems of the day).
Curl your toes and hold for a few seconds then uncurl them. Repeat this procedure several times. This process is supposed to help relax the mind. (I have tried this and it works!)
Getting enough sleep will not only improve your health but also your brain capacity.
Good Night!
Thank you for reading
Yvonne