Sleep is an important aspect of our lives; however, most of us rarely think about what occurs during the time we are asleep. Sleep is more than rest; it is a recuperation period. Good sleep is necessary for your brain, body, and even your mood.
In this blog, we will explain what sleep is, how sleep is beneficial, and how sleep patterns and environment impact your standard day.
So, What Exactly is Sleep?
Sleep should not be defined as doing nothing. During this time, your muscles repair themselves while your brain organizes the day and your body’s systems reset. It is akin to overnight maintenance for your body.
Sleep can be divided into two major categories:
- Sleep without Rapid Eye Movement (Non-REM) sleep – this is the period of rest where the body performs most of its healing.
- REM sleep – this is the dreaming phase when emotional, balanced, and memorizing activities are performed by the brain.
Both are essential and you cycle between them several times a night.
Why sleep matters (a lot)
If you feel off after a poor night’s sleep, you already know: sleep has effects beyond just how energized you are. Sleep determines your cognitive capabilities, your focus, and even your emotional responses.
Some of the key benefits of proper sleep are:
- Enhancing memory and sharpening brain function
- Muscle and tissue recovery
- Easing the workload on heart and blood vessels
- Protection and maintenance of your immune system
- Mood stabilization and stress reduction
All of these systems begin to break down after long-term inadequate rest.
What stops you from sleeping well
Often a particular problem doesn’t stand alone. Potential sleep disruptors include:
- Nighttime stress or excessive thinking
- Use of phone or other screen devices in bed
- Eating too late in the evening
- A room that is too hot, too bright, or too noisy
- A bad mattress or pillow
- Irregular sleep times
The good news is, a few of these sleep disruptors can be solved with minor changes.
How much sleep do you truly require?
There are some ranges, but here’s a rough breakdown:
- Adults: 7 to 9 hours
- Teens: 8 to 10 hours
- Children: 9 to 12 hours
Your numbers aren’t the issue here. For example, waking up tired despite trying to sleep for 8 hours indicates the underlying problem lies with sleep quality.
Impact of furniture layout on sleep
Your surroundings do matter. Your furniture arrangement has great significance, especially on the type of mattress you select. An ideal mattress should neither be extremely rigid nor soft. The same can be said for your pillow, as it can’t be too astute or it too will endanger your neck's wellbeing.
To improve on discomfort:
- Purchase a mattress that properly aligns with your spine.
- Use a pillow that corresponds with your sleeping position (side, back, or stomach).
Small details can drastically influence how well-rested an individual feels.
Indicators Your Sleep Isn't Efficient
Rest might feel sufficient for most people, yet the following indicators reveal you are still not recovering adequately:
- Tiredness after supposedly sleeping “enough” hours.
- Frequent waking during the night.
- Dependence on caffeine to operate.
- Mood swings or irritability without an identifiable cause.
- Difficulty concentrating and recalling information.
- Changes to your health that develop without you noticing.
Sleep Health Tips
Sleep does not require a comprehensive pre-bedtime ritual. To improve sleep, consider the following changes:
- Settle for a specific sleep schedule and consistently stick to it.
- Abstain from any screen use for thirty minutes prior to sleeping.
- Avoiding caffeine after noon.
- Selecting a pillow and mattress that feels comfortable for you.
- Selecting suitable sleeping conditions such as cool, dark, and silent rooms.
- Engaging in light activities like reading or listening to slow music before bed.
-
Daily minor changes are ideal, as opposed to drastic changes that aren’t sustainable long term.
Concluding remarks
Sleep is something that impacts virtually all aspects of your life. Lack of sleep negatively impacts your energy levels, mood, health, and clarity of thought on all levels.
While there is no need for an optimal setup, paying attention to your body, enhancing your surroundings, and making rest a priority improves one's odds of achieving good sleep.
