It’s so important to get adequate sleep every night for good physical and mental health. Sleep significantly impacts brain function, hormone levels, immunity, cardiovascular health, blood pressure, breathing, and appetite. Inadequate sleep can disrupt the balance of these functions and can potentially lead to negative consequences.
Your body craves sleep, much like it hungers for food. This is referred to as sleep drive. Throughout the day, the desire for sleep builds and when it reaches a certain point, the body needs to sleep. When you’re exhausted, your body is even able to engage in microsleep episodes of one or two seconds while your eyes are open.
During sleep, the body releases hormones that help repair cells and control the body’s use of energy which is a component to weight management. Throughout the sleep cycle, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure rise and fall, a process that may be important for cardiovascular health.
Make your bedroom a haven for relaxation. It’s recommended to remove clutter in the room and to make your bed each day. Choose bedding of natural materials; cotton, silk, bamboo, and wool are good choices for sleep because they provide breathability, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation. Try to avoid using electronics an hour before bed – the blue light can mess with your circadian rhythm and prevent you from falling asleep. Aim for the room temperature to be between 60-72 degrees. Turn your room into a stress free sleep oasis!
Key benefits of a sleep-optimized bedroom:
Improved sleep quality:
Darkness, quietness, and a comfortable temperature create the ideal conditions for deep, restorative sleep.
Reduced stress and anxiety:
A calming and clutter-free space can help ease your mind and prepare you for sleep.
Better circadian rhythm regulation:
Limiting light exposure at night, especially blue light from electronics, helps your body naturally produce melatonin and regulate sleep cycles.
Increased energy levels:
Quality sleep leads to improved daytime alertness and energy levels.
photo credit: Kasia Bialasiewicz / bigstockphoto.com
