You’re doing some research on bunion removal surgery cost, when you look at the clock and notice that it’s almost 2 in the morning. Late nights are becoming increasingly common for you, and you’re starting to wonder how the lack of sleep is impacting your overall well-being.
Quality rest each night is vital for mental and physical health. That’s why we’re offering a list of 3 important reasons to make quality sleep a priority with some tips on how to ensure a good night’s rest each evening.
Provides Vital Energy
It should come as no surprise that you’ll feel more energetic after getting a night of good sleep. The reason we feel so much better waking up from a good night of rest is that when we’re sleeping our body has a chance to reset and service our body, which is crucial for energy levels the following day. People who get an adequate amount of rest are “operating at a different level than people trying to get by on… less nightly sleep.”
Helps Manage Weight
When you think of all the ways to lose weight, you might consider diet and exercise. While diet and exercise are important to maintain a healthy weight, a growing amount of evidence shows that people who don’t get quality sleep each night are at a higher risk of gaining weight than their counterparts. There are many potential reasons for this finding, and it can be contributed to people who fail to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep are usually more hungry, have more time to eat, and typically tend to have an unhealthy diet.
Keeps Mental Health in Check
Research continues to show a correlation between quality of sleep and mental health. You may assume that poor sleep patterns are the result of mental health issues, but this has been proven to not always be the case. Evidence reveals that lack of quality sleep can cause or make depression worse in people. Sleep can not only act as a catalyst for depression, but research also shows that poor quality rest can “activate anxiety in people who are a high risk for it.”
Tips for Getting Quality Sleep
We’ve discussed some of the reasons why getting quality sleep is important each night, but how do you ensure you get an adequate amount of shut-eye each night?
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Research has shown a direct link between blue light and poor sleep quality. It’s best to put your phones and any devices away at least one hour before you plan on going to sleep.
Cut Back on Alcohol
While a glass of red wine might sound tempting to calm your nerves, alcohol has actually been shown to impair one’s sleep. It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 3 hours before hitting the hay.
Consider a Sleep App
There are plenty of apps available to help guide you to a quality night of rest, the Calm app is a great choice if you’re not sure where to start.
