We live incredibly busy lives and finding that work/life balance has never been a more complicated ask of so many of us. Finding time for a full 8 hours of sleep every night might seem impossible, particularly for those with young children. However, alongside eating the right food and getting enough exercise, sleep should be a key part of your health and fitness journey.
A proper sleep ensures your mind and body have enough time to recover from the rigours of the day. Experts at contact lenses specialists Lenstore say: “As tempting as it might be to stay up late and binge on your favourite shows, it’s important to give your body the proper rest it needs. Doctors recommend adults should get a minimum of 7 hours sleep each night.”
Here are a few crucial reasons why a good night’s sleep is so vital.
Health
According to Lenstore: “Prolonged lack of sleep can lead to a host of health-related problems such as depression, high blood pressure, and impairment in immunity. Lack of sleep can also seriously affect your eyes with eye spasms, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.” Indeed, when we sleep, our bodies are given the opportunity to repair and regenerate, and a lack of sleep can leave us more open to illness and disease. Getting a full night’s sleep can also boost cognitive performance, allowing you to think more clearly and make better decisions throughout the day.
Energy
When we sleep, our bodies release hormones that help to restore and recharge our energy levels, leaving us feeling refreshed and alert when we wake up. By contrast, a lack of sleep can leave us feeling tired and lethargic throughout the day, making it harder to focus and accomplish our daily tasks.
How to get a good night’s sleep
According to Lenstore: “To ensure you get enough rest each night, make sure your sleeping environment works for what your needs are. Typically, the darker the room is, the better you will sleep. It’s recommended for adults to keep the temperature between 18-20 degrees and avoid screen time right before bed as blue light stimulates the brain in the same way the sun does, making it harder to fall asleep.”
All of these are really good points and things that are easier to manage them you may think. In terms of temperature control you can buy specific mattresses that will do this for you. The Simbatex foam mattresses from Simba are designed with an ‘open cell’ foam, which allows thirty times the airflow of memory foam to help keep you cool. They are also infused with a naturally occurring mineral called graphite which draws heat away from your body to prevent you from over heating.
De stress before bed
If you have a lot on your mind you may find it harder to get to sleep, journaling is a great way to get all your thoughts out of your head and down on paper making them seem more manageable. You can find solutions to problems that are bothering you or even create a to do list for the next helping you fall asleep knowing you have a plan in place. Meditation before bed can also be a great way to relax your body and decompress after a hard day. There are numerous meditation programs you can use from you tube videos to downloadable audio guides, or you can simply just sit in silence and meditate alone.
Get comfy
Making sure you have the right pillow for you and your body is also really important as it can help support your neck and prevent injuries. If you’re not sure if you prefer a harder pillow or a softer one or whether what you like is really the same as what you need then try the Simba Hybrid pillow as this will determine your needs for you using an adjustable, supportive inner core of tiny foam Nanocubes® and an outer sleeve of soft, cushioning Simba Renew Bio™. That perfect nights sleep is more achievable than you thought.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that seriously impacts the quality of your sleep. It’s a condition where your breathing starts and stops while you sleep. When you stop breathing during sleep, this causes a lack of oxygen flow to your brain, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, decreased liver function, changes in your vision, and is a risk factor for glaucoma. If you suspect you or your partner have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak to a medical professional as it is a serious medical condition.