Sleep Awareness: The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep
Wellness Centre - Woxsen University
Dedicated Centre to enhance the overall mental health and well-being at Woxsen University.
Are you tired of waking up every morning feeling like you haven't slept at all? Do you struggle to fight the same demons that left you exhausted the night before? Well, it's time to embrace the importance of sleep and start prioritizing it in your life.
As kids, we rebelled against sleep, staying up late into the night, always wanting to do more. But now, as adults, we lie in bed at night, trying to unravel the web of wool that keeps us from drifting off. This leads to the dreaded condition of insomnia, where we lie awake, wondering where our sleep time has gone and when the sun will rise.
Our days can feel like a never-ending hamster wheel, where we work all day and then stay up late to relax, only to sacrifice sleep for leisure time. It's time to break this cycle of revenge sleep procrastination and prioritize our well-being.
While workloads, stress, anxiety, physical pain or injuries, health conditions like asthma, and addiction to caffeine, alcohol or drugs can all interfere with our sleep, we must prioritize self-care, which includes sleep. Even age can play a role in sleep disturbances, with hormonal imbalances and less secretion of sleep-promoting hormones like melatonin and cortisol.
Sleep is a naturally recurring state marked by reduced consciousness and voluntary muscle inactivity. Our internal clock, or circadian rhythm, regulates our urge to sleep, and sleep deprivation can negatively impact our mood, brain function, and immune system.
So, what can we do to recover our sleep? We can start by creating a sleep schedule and getting the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep for teens and 7 or more hours for adults every night. We can also reduce our caffeine intake after 4 pm, limit our smartphone usage before bedtime, and establish a regulated nap schedule.
Creating a relaxing environment, such as keeping our room cool, dark, quiet, and clean, can also help us sleep better. Activities like bathing, skin care, and wearing loose pajamas can also relax our body and mind.
Remember, you can only wake up determined if you sleep satisfied. So, eat healthy, hydrate, smile, and play the lead in your dreams!