Today, 15 March 2018, is World Sleep Day.
It is a fact that only 10% of us get a good nights sleep every night.
Lack of sleep, or poor sleep patterns (for example due to poor shift patterns) can cause problems at work. Fatigue means people become lethargic, are more likely to suffer accidents, and affects concentration and general performance.
Yet sleep has many benefits for us.
Melatonin, a hormone produced when we sleep, is known to suppress breast cancer stem cells.
Lack of sleep kills our sex drive and good nights sleep increased our fertility.
Long term poor quality sleep can lead to depression and anxiety, diabetes, weight gain, heart disease and a weakened immune system.
In the short term it can lead to poor energy levels, mood swings, concentration problems, and a negative impact on performance at work.
So here are some tips for you to improve your sleep:
Don’t eat dinner too late so that you do not have a full stomach going to bed.
A warm bath before bedtime helps bring on sleep.
Don’t drink wine close to bedtime.
Keep out artificial light (use blackout curtains).
Stick to a routine going to bed.
Take regular exercise.
Drink herbal tea.
Put away gadgets one hour before bedtime.
Reduce caffeine intake.
Sleep well.