The importance of good sleep hygiene.

The often elusive key to good health and a well-functioning work day, sleep is proving to be a health commodity worth investing in. With close to a third of our lives reported to be spent under the spell of the SandMan, just how do we master this undeniably difficult part of our lives?

The answer could be improved sleep hygiene. 

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits that encompass your night-time routine. So, it goes without saying that if your night-time routine involves over an hour of social media scrolling and a full meal, your sleep hygiene is probably a little lacking. Like any lifestyle adjustment though, the routine short term application can have a lasting impact on the day, weeks and months ahead.

However, as anyone who has experienced a fitful sleep whilst their partner is in a peaceful slumber next to them, it is clear that there is no one size fits all. Although a journey that entails individual experimentation, there are core habits that can set you on the right path to a good night’s sleep. 

A regular sleep routine seems to be the easiest to control. Arriving at sleep’s door at the same time every night can allow your body to recognise rest as synonymous with a particular hour of the evening. Compound this with a 30-minute restriction on electronic devices before bed, and a cool, dimly lit sleep environment, and your body will begin to wind itself down in response to its surroundings. 

But all of this begs the question: why?

When you’re in good health, and everything is working the way it should, you probably won’t attribute this to your sleep. However, when you’re stressed, moody and breaking out, you almost definitely will. 

It’s important to recognise the power that sleep has over our general health. 

Sleep deprivation often rears its head in the way we think and react to situations. From mood swings, to memory lapses, even extending to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, a lack of sleep is a pioneer is wreaking havoc on the organ upstairs. 

Not only the mental effects, sleep can have a direct bearing on the physical too. From inflammation of the digestive tract and skin, to a degradation of your immunity, it is clear that adequate and improved sleep can bolster your body’s natural repair mechanisms. 

Don’t take it from us though. Adjust your sleep schedule and relish in the benefits.