Sleep Your Way to Wellness
If you’re anything like most of the incredible women I know, your days are filled with making sure everything gets done and everyone gets to their own commitments. The problem with this is, is that in the middle of this busy-ness, one things often gets overlooked - and that’s sleep! Yep that’s right, that magical, rejuvenating, utterly essential thing we all need to survive - and it’s probably pretty low on your “to-do” list too! So get your comfies on, and lets have a look at why sleep is your secret weapon for wellness and how (following on from my last blog), neglecting Self Care affects your slumber and what you can do to reclaim those precious ZZZ’s.
The Importance of Sleep
Imagine waking up after a blissful night’s sleep, feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to tackle the world head on. Sounds dreamy right?! Well, it doesn’t have to be a dream! Quality sleep is the cornerstone of good health, it affects everything from your mood to your metabolism, your memory to your immune system. It’s your body’s way of hitting the reset button, repairing and rejuvenating itself so you can tackle whatever life throws at you, during the day ahead.
How Self Care Affects Sleep
We are all guilty of neglecting our Self Care from time to time - some more than others (and yes, I am talking to YOU!). You know what I’m talking about, long days sat at a computer, early mornings ferrying family around or a boring commute and a list of things to do, that’s as long as your arm. The result? sleep becomes the sacrificial lamb, thrown aside because of seemingly more important priorities. But here’s the truth - neglecting your Self Care is a surefire recipe for sleepless nights, because it becomes a vicious cycle of more stress and less sleep…leading to, you guessed it, more stress!!
How Sleep Problems Impact Your Life
So what actually happens when you scrimp on sleep? Well, sleep problems don’t just stay under the duvet - they easily wreak havoc on every aspect of your life. From high stress levels and irritability to decreased levels of productivity and even impaired brain function (hello brain fog!), the effects of sleep deprivation are far reaching. And let’s not forget the toll it takes on your physical health too - increased risk of obesity, heart disease and even diabetes!
Tips to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
But don’t worry - all hope it not lost! There are steps you can take to reclaim your sleep and make sleepless nights a thing of the past. Here are a few tried and tested methods to help you sleep like a baby:
Establish a nighttime routine
Wind down before bed with calming activities like reading, gentle or Yin Yoga, practicing Pranayama or a guided Meditation. Your body and mind LOVE routine, so create something that signals it’s time to switch off and relax. A regular routine at bedtime will make it easier for you to get to sleep, more consistently.
2. Create a Sleep Sanctuary
Transform your bedroom into a haven of tranquility - think cosy blankets, soft lighting, good quality bedding (including your mattress and pillows). Keep screens/devices and distractions away from the bedroom and keep it as a sacred space for sleep and relaxation.
3. Watch Your Winding-Down Rituals
Be mindful of what you consume in the hours leading up to your bedtime. Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, alcohol and stimulating activities that can disrupt your sleep cycle and leaving you tossing and turning all night long.
4. Move Your Body
Regular exercise is an absolute necessity when it comes to improving sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, most days of the week, But be sure to end your workout at least a couple of hours before you go to sleep, otherwise those post-workout endorphins will keep you awake!
5. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If sleep problems continue, despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional or a sleep specialist. Sometimes, a little extra help and support is all it takes to get back on track.
So there you have it, the lowdown on sleep, self care and your right to rest. Remember, you are worthy of a good night’s sleep and your wellbeing depends on it. So let’s make a pact to prioritise self care, honour our bodies and embrace the beauty of a really good night’s sleep.
Here’s to waking up refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to conquer the day!