We all know that sleep is important, but making time for those eight hours can be tough in our busy lives. Whether it’s binge-watching our favorite shows, gaming, or getting in a workout, we often sacrifice sleep. While you might handle a day or two with less sleep, doing this long-term can really impact your health.
So, what does a good night’s sleep actually mean? It’s not just about how many hours you clock in. Dr. Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation, points out that most adults need about seven to nine hours of consistent, restful sleep each night. The quality of sleep matters just as much as the quantity. When you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day, that’s a sign of quality sleep.
Dr. Junge emphasizes how vital sleep is for our overall health. It affects everything, from our physical health to our mental well-being.
“Sleep supports nearly every aspect of our mental and physical health,” she says.
To improve your sleep, Dr. Junge suggests creating a calming routine before bed. Spend the last hour before sleep winding down. Lower the lights around your home, and consider limiting screen time, as bright lights can affect your sleep cycle. She advises making your space dark, saying that many people forget to turn off bright overhead lights even while avoiding screens.
“Once it’s dark outside, put yourself into dim light conditions,” she advises.
In the morning, try to soak up natural light soon after you wake. Dr. Junge finds that taking a morning walk helps her reset her sleep schedule. She notes that this can boost your alertness and help establish a consistent sleep cycle.
If you’re still having trouble sleeping after making some changes, it might be time to get some professional help. Sleep is too important to ignore. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when you need it. You deserve to feel rested.
In the end, prioritizing good sleep habits can lead to happier, healthier lives. Let’s remind ourselves that taking care of our sleep is just as important as anything else we do.
