The Importance of Sleep

One of the healthiest things we can do is to understand the power of sleep and learn how to obtain as much good sleep as we can. The quality of your sleep has a direct impact on your health. Actually, it's equally as crucial as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet. While everyone has different sleep demands, most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. However, up to 35% of people are not achieving this. 

Tips on How to Sleep Better: 

These simple strategies for promoting better sleep can be incorporated into your bedtime routine to help you sleep better; 

1. A nutritious diet can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep, especially in the final hours before bed. Stay clear of large meals right before bed. Avoid caffeine in the latter part of the day. 

2.  It's crucial to make sure the bedroom is set up for relaxation and rest. Get rid of any disturbances that can keep you from sleeping, take away all electronics, and make sure the room is sufficiently dark. 

3. Reducing stress and promoting relaxation before bed will help you get a better night's sleep. Try these strategies: take a hot bath or shower, do something you enjoy before bed, and avoid stressful activities or thoughts right before bed. 

The Bottom Line: 

Taking good care of your sleep is one of the most important foundations of health, along with diet and exercise. Sleep deprivation raises the risk of heart disease, depression, weight gain, inflammation, and illness, among other detrimental health effects. It's time to treat sleep with the respect it deserves just as you do your nutrition and exercise. 

Written by - Tom Weaver