Sleep has a tremendous impact on our daily lives. No matter what you do for a living, if your body doesn’t rest properly and following its specific needs, your performance in life will be subpar. Fortunately, the vast majority of people don’t need any overcomplicated treatments to achieve quality sleep. Here are the most important questions about the matter answered by sleep professionals.
What are the health benefits of quality sleep?
Poor sleep health and deteriorating levels of mental wellbeing have become more common over the last decade, especially as consumers have become more open about such issues. FMCG Gurus research highlights this as only 56% of global consumers state they are satisfied with the quality of sleep they get on a daily basis. Improving sleep quality has become a priority for consumers as they look to address their overall health and wellbeing. Consumers are adopting a holistic health approach to life recognizing that all aspects of health are interlinked. One key health benefit to good quality sleep is a better digestive system. The research shows four in ten consumers say that there is a direct link between good digestion and good sleeping patterns. Therefore, by improving the quality of sleep consumers believe you will not only improve mental wellbeing but also other key health areas such as digestive health.
What are the most common sleep disorders?
The most common sleep disorders are Insomnia, Obstructive sleep apnea, Restless legs syndrome, and Narcolepsy. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with around 30% of adults experiencing short-term insomnia. The first-line treatment for Insomnia and other sleep deficiencies is CBT-I (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia) and Sleeprate provides a digital CBT-I solution to improve sleep, for enterprises and individuals.
What constitutes an ideal environment for good sleep?
Sleep may seem like a time to finally let your brain and body “shut off” following a busy or stressful day, but it is well-established that the brain is working even harder during sleep to perform important processes related to health and performance. In order to get the most out of your time in bed, it is important to create an ideal sleep environment that supports optimal recovery and the efficiency of these processes. In our “always-on” world, many people use their bedroom for work, eating, or checking their phone just minutes before their head hits the pillow, which keeps the body in an aroused state. An ideal sleep environment includes a dedicated room for sleep, maintaining a room temperature between about 68-70 degrees F, minimizing light (including those emitted from televisions and other electronics), and noise stimulation. It is also recommended to establish a consistent pre-sleep routine and sleep schedule to help fine-tune the body’s natural and internal clock (circadian rhythm).
– Biostrap
How important is it to set betimes?
It’s very important that people of all ages have mostly set bedtimes. While it doesn’t have to be exactly the same each night, you do want to try to get to bed within about an hour of your normal bedtime every day of the week (weekends included). You will fall asleep faster when your body’s circadian rhythm is predictable, which will also help you to wake around the same time each morning too.
How does stress impact sleep?
Stress and sleep don’t play well together. Specifically, stress is associated with the rise of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” When cortisol levels elevate, it disrupts your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, meaning it’s harder for you to both fall and stay asleep. The most effective way to manage your cortisol levels is by practicing relaxation breathing techniques such as the 4-7-8 method or the Papworth method.
What would be some good relaxation techniques?
A great way to relax and calm the mind before bedtime is to practice some deep breathing techniques. Box breathing or the 4-7-8 breath are two techniques I use frequently to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and put you into a more restful state. Make sure not to overeat or consume too much alcohol before going to bed as processing a heavy meal and metabolizing alcohol can interfere with deep sleep. Avoiding exposure to screens and blue light 1-2 hours before bed is probably one of the best (and most challenging) things you can do to relax and ensure better sleep! Put down the phone, pick up a good book and some calming essential oils for a good night’s rest.
– Dr. Zarya Rubin, MD, Wild Lilac Wellness
What are some natural remedies to help you sleep?
Some natural remedies that help me sleep are Anti-Stress Massage Lotion blend of Chamomile & Lavender, Lavender Scented Candles, and Hot teas featuring Chamomile.
How important are beds and pillows for quality sleep?
The type of pillow and mattress that you sleep on can have a significant effect on your quality of sleep. Without proper pressure relief and spinal alignment, you could face sleep loss and physical aches and pains. Finding the pillow and mattress that’s best for your body type and preferred sleeping position will support a good night’s sleep.
What can you do on your day, that will help you sleep better?
I believe getting to sleep quickly and staying asleep has much to do with a calm mind. When you are thinking about tasks, to-do’s, and tomorrow, your mind is not calm and you will have trouble getting to sleep. Learning to meditate late in the day, putting down your mobile device in the evening, and removing stimulation late in the day are all quick hits to help to get rest. There is a concept called sleep hygiene.
Is cognitive-behavioral therapy good for sleep?
CBT-i (cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) is incredibly beneficial for improving insomnia. It deals with how we perceive things (cognition) and how we respond (behaviors). For insomnia, we work to modify beliefs and feelings around falling asleep, staying asleep, and overall sleep quality. The behavioral component looks at the things people do before they go to bed, as they try to fall asleep, return to sleep, and after waking.
These tips can probably help you improve the quality of your sleep since they’re tried and true methods used by professionals, but nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night. If you find yourself struggling continuously, it’s always a good idea to contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the better sleep you deserve.
