According to sleep experts, The average person sleeps 7 hours and 20 minutes each night. Every night we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping. Yet, you may not know why we sleep. This article will discuss the benefits of sleep and how we can ensure that we get the sleep we need.
Why Do Humans Sleep?
Sleep is essential for our health. Without sleep, our bodies cannot produce energy and perform to their full potential. This is why sleep is a topic discussed in many circles. Experts believe the average person requires 7-8 hours of sleep each night. More than 50% of the population experiences insomnia, a sign that the average person is not getting enough sleep.
Sleep:
- helps to regulate body temperature,
- maintain muscle tone and coordination,
- help with learning and memory,
- regulate hormones.
We sleep for many reasons, but the most important is conserving energy. A good night's sleep can help your mood improve, your memory function better, and improve your overall quality of life.
What Happens To Our Body When We Sleep?
Our body goes through a lot of changes while we sleep. Our cells slowly regenerate, and our body releases hormones that help us feel refreshed in the morning. Our body also releases more melatonin when we sleep at night, which helps us to sleep better and also helps us regulate our sleeping patterns. Sleeping also helps to improve our immune system and decrease stress levels.
One of the many things that occur to our body when we sleep is called REM sleep. This type of sleep is when we dream, and our brain works fastest. During REM sleep, your body's temperature rises, and your heart rate increases. Your body gets rid of a lot of toxins during this time. It is also essential to stay hydrated while sleeping so you don't wake up feeling dehydrated. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try using a sleep mask and going to bed regularly.
What Happens During Sleep Deprivation?
When you are sleep deprived, your body can't function at its best.
- The heart rate and blood pressure will be higher than normal,
- The risk for diabetes and heart disease will increase, and
- The immune system will be compromised.
However, it is easy to tell if you are experiencing sleep deprivation by the way you feel and the number of hours you sleep.
A lack of sleep might also have negative effects, like the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Ensure you get enough sleep every night because that is when your body regenerates. If you are tired during the day, try to get more sleep at night.
What Is Good Sleep Hygiene?
Good sleep hygiene is not just about getting enough; it is about ensuring that your sleep is restful and not disrupted by environmental factors. Good sleep hygiene is maintaining a healthy environment and a good night's sleep. It includes things like:
- Following a regular sleep pattern,
- Sleeping at the same time every night
- Limiting caffeine before bed.
- Relaxing sleep products
To have good sleep hygiene, you must also be aware of what goes into your body before bed. Alcohol and nicotine are two substances that should be avoided before bedtime.
Why Is Good Sleep Hygiene Important?
Good sleep hygiene is important for a variety of reasons. First, it helps to promote restful sleep. When you have good sleep habits, your body and mind are better able to relax, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Second, good sleep hygiene can help to improve your overall health. Getting enough restful sleep helps to boost your immune system, increase energy levels, and improve mental focus.
Third, good sleep hygiene can help to prevent accidents and injury. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of accidents, so it's important to ensure you get enough rest before getting behind the wheel. Finally, good sleep hygiene can help to improve your quality of life. You're more likely to feel happy and satisfied with life when well-rested. So make sure to practice good sleep hygiene habits to enjoy all the benefits of a good night's rest!
How To Improve Sleep Hygiene?
Good sleep hygiene is important for overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. However, there are many ways to improve your sleep hygiene and ensure that you are getting a good night's sleep. Some of these include:
- Using blackout curtains
- Sleep earplugs
- Turning off all electronics before bed
- Use blue light glasses if looking at electronics
- Avoiding caffeine late in the day
- Use a white noise machine
- Having a bedtime routine
- Doing relaxing activities before bed
- Exercising regularly
- Using a sleep mask
Some other helpful products are the relaxing sleep spray and the bedtime sleep tea.
Most people understand on a basic level that sleep is important, but many don’t realize just how vital getting enough shut-eye can be.
We hope this article has helped underscore the importance of quality sleep and why you should prioritize it. If you’re still struggling to get the rest you need despite changing your habits, consider investing in a quality sleeping mask. At Love Nightshift, we offer masks designed to block out light and help you get the deep, restful sleep your body needs.
