We have recognised that sleep is important for centuries. In Ancient Greece Hippocrates observed that “the patient should follow our natural habit and spend the day awake and the night asleep” and it is bad if “they exceed their due proportion”.
We all know how important a good nights sleep is, and how sleeping badly can leave us feeling tired and even with low mood the next day. Poor sleep does so much more than that and can cause our insulin to be more erratic and mean we also crave sugar and carbs the next day. Poor sleep that persists is diagnosed as insomnia and can be a factor behind metabolic, cardiovascular and cognitive conditions.
Why is sleep important?
Sleep is not a passive process. During sleep our body is active repairing cells, cleansing systems and rejuvenating. Our digestive systems are cleaning out remnants of food, and ideally, we’ve eaten a light meal a few hours before bed, so that it is not over-working at night. Sleep is also important for resting the mind and process emotions and events that have happened in the day.
How much sleep do you need?
Everyone is different and you will know your preference. It is suggested that we need 7-9 hours per night, although some people can thrive on less than that. Equally important is sleeping and waking at regular times, although weekends and holidays can sometimes alter this regularity.
Tips for sleep
- Create a calming bedroom environment – make sure the curtains black-out the summer sun.
- Use dim lighting in evening times, and a cup of relaxing herbal tea.
- Digital devices are designed to stimulate and engage us, so minimize use and don’t place in the bedroom if you can.
- Create a nice sleep routine for every day, for you, and your family.