How to Get Some Sleep
How to Get Some Sleep
Sleep is often undervalued in today’s fast-paced society, where productivity and achievement take precedence over rest and rejuvenation. However, sleep is not merely a luxury; it is a fundamental necessity for our overall health and well-being. From physical to cognitive functions, sleep plays a vital role in every aspect of our lives and can have a profound impact on a person’s overall health and quality of life.
In this Mental Fitness Corner article, let’s delve into why sleep is so crucial and share some practical strategies to help you improve your sleep habits.
Interestingly enough, behaviour also affects how we feel and think. We’ve all heard of, or even considered embarking on, a sea or tree change. Well, these are examples of behaviour change. But sometimes location changes are not possible. That doesn’t mean that we can’t change our behaviour, replacing unbeneficial habits with ones that help us better manage our mood, anxiety and stress levels.
We have opportunities to embark on a virtual seachange / tree change on a daily basis without ever moving…. Are you with me?
Well, how might that work? Let’s choose a habit that we wish to change, such as the tendency to procrastinate. The next step is to list the tasks that need completion and prioritise them according to importance and deadline. This would be followed with committing to each task, breaking it into small bite-sized steps, and setting a time in the day to engage in the steps, e.g., tasks may be work-related, such as responding to emails – setting time in the morning, prioritising which ones need to be responded to first, followed by ones that need short responses, then ones that need longer responses, and so on. Other tasks may be self-care related, e,g,. walking, gym, relaxation – setting time in the day, days in the week, location, and so on.
Once you begin to carve out these short intervals for your tasks and/or activities, it will be easier to build on them, making these new habits a part of your daily life. Finally, you will need to monitor your progress to ensure that you are on track. Please note that this is a process that will take place over time, not just overnight.
Why is sleep important?
Restoration and Healing: During sleep, our bodies undergo crucial processes of repair and rejuvenation. It’s the time when tissues are repaired, muscles are grown, and the immune system is strengthened. Without adequate sleep, these processes are disrupted, leaving us more susceptible to illness and slower to recover from injuries.
Cognitive Function: Sleep plays a vital role in cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving. A good night’s sleep enhances learning and memory consolidation, allowing us to retain information better and perform tasks more efficiently. Conversely, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, leading to difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
Emotional Well-being: Sleep and mood are intricately linked. Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression, while sufficient sleep promotes emotional resilience and stability. Adequate rest allows the brain to regulate emotions effectively, leading to a more balanced and positive outlook on life.
Physical Health: Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep influences hormone regulation, appetite control, and metabolism, making it a critical factor in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Cognitive Function: Sleep is essential for optimal cognitive function, including memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving abilities. Adequate sleep enhances concentration, creativity, and decision-making skills, enabling individuals to perform better in various tasks and activities. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can impair cognitive performance, leading to decreased productivity, difficulty focusing, and impaired judgment.
Emotional Well-being: The quality of our sleep profoundly impacts our emotional well-being. Adequate sleep helps regulate mood and emotional responses, promoting greater resilience to stress and adversity. Conversely, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased irritability, anxiety, and depression. Prioritizing sleep allows individuals to maintain emotional balance and better cope with life’s challenges.
Physical Performance: Whether you’re an athlete or someone who enjoys regular exercise, sleep is crucial for physical performance and recovery. During sleep, the body repairs muscles, replenishes energy stores, and releases growth hormones essential for muscle growth and repair. Athletes who prioritize sleep experience improvements in strength, speed, and endurance, while insufficient sleep can lead to decreased athletic performance and increased risk of injury.
Immune Function: Sleep plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses. Adequate sleep enhances immune function by promoting the production of cytokines, proteins that regulate immune responses. On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and delaying recovery from illness.
Given the importance of sleep, let’s look at some strategies that can help you get some sleep.
You will find yourself transitioning from procrastination to action and approaching new goals with a different perspective.
Something to take with you: Behaviour change is possible when you focus on the process rather than just the goal.
Strategies to Improve Sleep
Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep quality.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading, listening to soothing music, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Avoid stimulating activities or screens (e.g., smartphones, tablets, computers) that can interfere with sleep.
Create a Sleep-friendly Environment: Make your bedroom conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows and consider using blackout curtains or white noise machines to block out distractions.
Limit Caffeine, Alcohol and food: Avoid consuming caffeine, nicotine, and large meals close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to restless nights. Opt for herbal tea or warm milk instead, which can have calming effects on the body.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Addressing stressors during the day can help prevent them from interfering with your sleep at night.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and so can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime or use blue light filters on your devices.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you continue to struggle with sleep despite trying these strategies, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional or a clinical psychologist. They can assess your sleep patterns and provide personalised recommendations or treatments to improve your sleep quality.
I invite you to try one or more of the above strategies to help improve your sleep.
Takeaway Message
Sleep is a non-negotiable aspect of a healthy lifestyle, impacting every facet of our physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. By prioritising adequate, quality sleep, we can unlock numerous benefits that contribute to our overall health, happiness, and productivity. So, let’s make sleep a priority and reap the rewards of a well-rested life.
Stay tuned for our next article where we will explore helpful ways to organise your day.
Get in touch with Shire Doctors and Dentists today
Important: If you find yourself struggling to navigate your emotions or are experiencing significant distress, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and help you develop personalised strategies to manage your emotions effectively.
Dr Rosanna Francis is a clinical psychologist who believes in the inner strength of the individual, and the value of tapping into these strengths and learning new skills to help one live a more comfortable, fulfilling life. She has over 20 years experience working across a diverse range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, relationships, stress, self-confidence, and emotion regulation; and, a special interest (research & clinical) in working with people with high intellectual ability who struggle with anxiety.