Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is not merely a 'switch-off' period for our bodies—it's a vital process that is intricately connected to our overall health and well-being. High-quality sleep with adequate cycles of REM and deep sleep helps consolidate memories, enhance cognitive functioning, bolster our immune system and hormone production, and support your mental health and well-being.
While we all occasionally miss out on getting enough sleep, long-term sleep deprivation can negatively impact both physical and mental health, whether caused by poor sleep hygiene or sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Good sleep hygiene is about more than establishing a consistent sleep schedule or a soothing bedtime routine and sleep environment. It extends to our behaviors, like beneficial exposure to natural light in the early morning or harmful exposure to blue light at night, as well as our daily routine and habits, all of which can influence our sleep health.
For those facing irregular sleep schedules, such as shift workers or individuals experiencing jet lag, maintaining healthy sleep habits becomes more challenging yet all the more crucial. Strategies such as timed exposure to bright light, limiting naps, and, where appropriate, use of melatonin or earplugs can help mitigate the effects of these circumstances.
Understanding these sleep hygiene practices can empower everyone to work towards a good night's sleep, ultimately promoting well-being and health.
