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, allow-ing 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.”
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.