Many of us often have busy schedules, and various inconvenient demands that drain our time and energy. With so many of these demands plus the work and lifestyle you might have, the most important part of our day is getting enough sleep.
However, that can sometimes be compromised, and with less sleep comes more stress and anxiety caused by overall fatigue. Here are some ways that sleep helps your overall function and what you can do to improve your rest.
The Overall Benefits
We recognize that sleep is important, but it’s often the first to go when pressed to prioritize. When given a full night’s rest, which is between 7-9 hours depending on the individual, your body has the time it needed to replenish its energy levels for the next day.
With that energy you will overall be more productive mentally, and physically. You will not only feel positive about the day ahead, but also about the work you are accomplishing in a day. You not only increase productivity, but your memory improves if you get a good 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep also helps contribute to the time and rest your body needs to boost your immune system. If you have sustained any strains or injuries throughout the day, a lack of sleep will slow that process and prolonged sleep deprivation will only draw the injury out longer.
How to Improve Your Sleep
There are certainly some helpful tips in order to improve your sleep. Whether you’ve been suffering from a lack of sleep for some time, or it’s just started to become more frequent, at least one of these methods ought to help you get more shut-eye.
Remove Electronics from the Bedroom
Electronics are frequently used in the bedroom when it comes to lying in bed before falling asleep. Whether it’s scheduling a few work emails in for the morning, or scrolling aimlessly through social media to tire the mind, it doesn’t often work.
In fact, It’s better to remove any electronics from the bedroom before going to bed as research shows that the blue light from these devices can keep your brain wired, making it harder to fall asleep. Avoid looking at your phone or electronic device at least an hour before bed.
Wear an Eye Mask/Purchase Black-Out Blinds
For some, any leaking of light, whether that’s through your windows or from your phone’s light going off from numerous notifications, can be distracting. Therefore, it can be helpful to wear an eye mask in bed so that you’re blocking out the light or looking at purchasing black-out blinds or curtains to make your room pitch black.
Play Relaxing Music
If you’re someone who enjoys spa music or simply hasn’t tried music in bed before, it might be worth a shot. Some people really benefit from playing relaxing music while trying to fall asleep, or using apps that play meditation music, or guided meditation.
Do Yoga
If you’re trying to get rid of any energy in your body, rather than work out the excess (which will increase your heart rate and prolong your body’s ability to sleep) stretch any muscles that might be tight from your activities during the day, or look up a short yoga session to focus on coordinating your breathing with your body movement to slow your heart rate and relax your body.
How It’s Connected to Anxiety
Anxiety can prevent you from sleeping, but with the right techniques, medical advice, and mattress to help your body relax, you can get there. It’s a vicious circle that can often not go your way, but in order to start yourself off from getting a good night’s sleep, it’s worth finding things that are going to work in your favor.
Things like a luxury mattress to sleep better on, or an eye mask that’s going to block out any light within the bedroom. Use these tips to get a better night’s sleep and to reduce anxiety levels.
