Wondering why sleep is the best medication?
Sleep may elude some of us.
Whether that’s down to an individual’s inability to get some shut-eye or the
burdensome bawling of offspring at all hours of the night, there’s no denying
the ill-effects of such privation and disruption.
So much so, that the combined
effects of a lack of sleep are staggering, and the list of symptoms is
alarming. These can include weight loss or gain, clumsiness and fatigue,
adverse effects on the brain and cognitive function, and, in extreme cases,
psychosis.
Whilst for the vast majority
of sufferers, the symptoms are unlikely to be this profound, the disruption
caused can still be highly detrimental to
their health and well-being. The need for deep, dependable, and restorative
sleep shouldn’t be undervalued.
Where to start?
The ideal starting point is
with a sleep schedule. A regular routine for bedtime is of paramount importance.
Try to avoid the temptation to stay up later at the weekends. In theory, you
should be able to go to bed and wake up naturally, without the need for an
alarm clock, although it may take some experimentation to uncover the secret to
your natural sleep.
The hormone Melatonin is
vital for helping to find this natural balance, and its production is dependant
on exposure to light. The brain should release more Melatonin at night, which
aids sleepiness, and less during daylight hours, when we need to be bright-eyed
and bushy-tailed.
Of course, modern life can
often interfere with nature’s intentions, and factors such as artificial light
and bright computer or television screens are often at fault. It’s important,
therefore, to get as much exposure to natural light as possible during the day,
and as little exposure to artificial light as possible at night.
Likewise, a relaxing bedtime
routine can also reap rewards. Much as you would for a baby, it’s important to
establish your own system that helps prepare the body for sleep. A warm bath, a
good book, and your favourite pyjamas can all help to encourage the body to wind
down and release the stresses of the day.
Being mindful of what you put
into your system can also be of immeasurable benefit to your sleep. Alcohol,
caffeine and fatty foods will only stimulate your digestion, and a troubled
tummy will make your sleep suffer. As the average adult needs approximately
eight hours of shut-eye to function optimally, it’s clear that we can’t afford
not to spend time on our sleep.
