Why Getting a Good Night’s Sleep is Great for your Health

Are you getting enough sleep?

Probably not.

It’s a sign of the times that almost nobody I know gets enough sleep. That used to be me so I totally get it. But have you ever noticed that when you are feeling under the weather you crave a good night’s sleep? That’s because there is a direct correlation between rest and your health.

The Fountain of Youth

My husband has taught me the wonders of sleep. No, that’s not a euphemism for sex. I’m really talking about the enjoyment of a deep, beautiful slumber. Geoff looooves a good night’s, and he’s taught me to appreciate how good sleep can feel.

Geoff looks so much younger most of the other people I’ve met who are in their 50s. He still has a baby face, even after his battle with cancer. I’m sure that getting enough sleep is a huge part of that–along with his ability to brush off stress. I’m following in his footsteps and I’d like to think that it’s working well so far!

Don’t Deny What Your Body Needs

Depending on your body’s needs, you may require an average of 6-8 hours of sleep per night. If that gets disrupted by burning the midnight oil, late nights of dancing, or staying up too late binge watching your favourite series, you tend to pay for it the next day. And if that goes on for several nights, you’re going to start paying for it in more ways than one. Lack of sleep will increase your stress level and reduce your overall health.

While you might just shrug it off and cure exhaustion with your favourite caffeinated drink, cutting your sleep cycle short regularly will start to impact your health.

Reduce Stress

When you get a good night’s sleep, you think clearly. You tend to make better decisions which naturally reduces your stress level. When you aren’t thinking straight because you’re tired, you might be indecisive which can certainly cause you unwanted anxiety.

Stay Strong

While you’re sleeping, your body is working hard to restore its strength and produce protein molecules which help to keep you in good overall health. If you’re on the go all day long, a good night’s sleep will provide your body with much needed rest to get you ready for the next day.

What Keeps You Up at Night?

You may be reading through all of the above benefits and thinking, “I wish I could get a good night’s sleep!” Unfortunately, there are times when it’s not so easy. Maybe you’ve got too much on your mind and you’re stressed and anxious about something and find yourself tossing and turning for hours. Or maybe you’re just wired for no reason. At other times you might be under the weather, congested or coughing, which can keep you up half the night. The very ailments you’re trying to cure with a good night’s sleep can be what’s keeping you up all night!

6 Sleeping Tips

1. Slow down before bed

A little relaxation before hitting the hay can really help set you up for a good night’s sleep. When you get into the habit of slowing down and quieting the mind before bed, you tend to fall asleep faster. I like to read at night to help me wind down.

2. Stretch or Meditate

Relaxing the body and mind can set the mood for a deeper sleep. Don’t do anything too vigorous, just enough to ease the tension from a long day.

3. Turn off the screen

It’s tempting to check your phone, surf the net, or watch TV before bed, but that can impact your ability to wind down and prepare yourself for a good slumber. Try imposing a no electronics rule 30-60 minutes before bedtime. If you use an e-reader, make sure that it’s has a “paperwhite” type screen so that there’s no glare.

4. Watch out for lights in the bedroom

Did you know that the glare from your clock radio and other devices can interfere with the quality of your sleep? Eliminate or turn any screens away from your view. And make sure to turn off all phone notifications at night! You don’t need vibrations interrupting your beauty sleep.

5. Avoid caffeine and sugar in the evening

Having coffee or sweets late in the day really sends mixed signals to your body. Try to avoid food and drinks in the evening that energize you. Even taking vitamins too late in the day can be overly stimulating and can interrupt your ability to sleep well.

6. Use a diffuser

Have you tried essential oils in a diffuser? It’s a great way to benefit from aromatherapy while adding moisture to the air, which can be very soothing all year round, and especially helpful when during the colder months. You don’t need to run it all night long, instead try it you’re going to bed for an hour or two; the best diffusers have a timer to shut off automatically after a designated period of time.

Do you have any tips for getting a great night’s sleep?