Sleep is something we do every day, but can take for granted. It is no secret that after a good night’s sleep you feel ready to take on the world and are energised, aware and prepared. What many people don’t know is that the quality of sleep is as important as the quantity. A deep sleep improves our mood, ability to learn and is the bedrock for mental and physical health. Here are some very good reasons to get to bed on time and to start thinking about changes that you can make to get a good night’s sleep more often.
Physical Benefits
While asleep the body repairs the heart and blood vessels and allows the spine and muscles to recuperate. A healthy spine leaves nerve pathways clear and functioning at their peak. Sleep also aids growth in teens and children and balances hormones that manage hunger and blood sugar.
Some easy changes that you can start making for a good night’s sleep include finding your ideal room temperature, putting those screens away half an hour before bed and swapping your saggy mattress for one that will support your body. Mattress stores affiliated with the Chiropractors Association of Australia (like Sleepy’s) can be a big help in finding the right fit.
Mental Benefits
Enhanced Concentration and Problem Solving
On top of the physical benefits, sleep is also vital for maintaining healthy brain function. After a good night’s sleep the brain is more capable of making decisions and solving problems, because it is well rested, making you alert and able to concentrate.
Learning and Memory
Sleep may seem like the enemy if you only have a few days to learn your work presentation, or study for that exam, however studies show that during a good night’s sleep your brain is consolidating and forming new information into memories. The next day, when well rested we also have a better ability to retain new information, so the benefits build on one another.
Improved Mood
Studies have shown that shallow sleep affects your mood and ability to handle change. A good night’s sleep can help relieve depression, anxiety and stress, as well as help in controlling emotions and behaviour.
The importance of a good night’s sleep is not to be taken for granted, with a very long list of benefits from head to toe. Mattress compatibility, screen habits and room temperature all work to determine the depth and effectiveness of sleep. So to experience the health benefits of a good night’s sleep, start making the changes that work for you – today!
