THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY SLEEP

January 7, 2024

Do you guard your sleep time like it’s one of the most precious assets that you have?

If you do, that’s great!

If you don’t, you should consider starting to protect your sleep and rest time.

There is no way around the fact that good sleep is important for good health.

Try reasoning with a sleep-deprived child or adult. Try driving or doing something that requires your full attention when you aren't rested.

It usually doesn't end well.

When we start looking at sleep as a basic human need just as eating, drinking, and breathing are, the importance of sleep should become apparent.

It is not just a chunk of time when you are not doing anything.

Your body needs the time to repair and rejuvenate. You are a complex Being with so many processes interwoven for it to run optimally.

You know your health will decline when you don't get adequate food, water, or air. Without adequate sleep, there are also dire consequences for both your physical and mental health.

Inadequate sleep over time will raise your risk for long-term health issues.  Chronic health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression have been linked to deficient sleep.

Your unique Circadian rhythm (internal clock) determines your sleep schedule. This internal clock then influences your hormones which also help your body to prepare for sleep.

One such hormone is melatonin. Melatonin signals your body that it’s time to get ready to sleep.  Exposure to blue light at night (phones, laptops, tablets, TVs…. even bright alarm clocks) can disrupt your melatonin production.  This in turn will make it difficult to fall asleep.

How does quality sleep benefit you? Here are a few ways:

• Repairs your blood vessels which leads to a healthier cardiovascular system.

• Helps support your hormones that make you feel hungry(ghrelin) or full (leptin). In this way, you are controlling your appetite which helps in obtaining optimum body weight.

• Helps your body react to insulin properly (sleep deficiency makes your blood sugar higher and may lead to diabetes).

• Enhances your immune system.

• Makes you more alert and responsive.

How can you maximize your sleep hygiene and get the best sleep possible? Here are a few ideas:

• Get morning sunlight within 30 minutes of waking. If this isn't possible, there are artificial lights available that mimic sunlight.

• Use blue light glasses if you will be exposed to blue light as described above.

• Train your body to get ready for sleep by doing some sort of wind-down activity such as reading a book, meditating or taking a bath.

• Don't eat within 3-4 hours of your bedtime.

Make sleep a priority in your life. You may never know the benefits that are happening inside your body but trust that it is indeed happening.

You will also be more present in your life. And you will be a safer driver.

Stop "dragging your wagon" in 2024!