Three Advantages of a Good Night’s Sleep
With all the healthy eating and exercise advice that is handed out these days, it’s easy to forget that we also need our sleep. People who don’t sleep properly don’t function as well as they should at work and they are more likely to pick up infections than those who do. Human beings need sleep and it does no harm to remind ourselves of the advantages of a good night’s sleep.
1. Healthy Looking Skin
It is not just too many sweets or faulty genes that upset a person’s skin, too little sleep can cause skin too look grey and tired. Those people who sleep well on a regular basis tend to have brighter, healthier looking skin. If we don’t get enough rest then we are not fully set up to face the day ahead.
2. Keeping on Top of Things
Most people live much busier lives than their parents and grandparents on a day to day basis. Many of us work long hours and have a long journey too and from work, if we want to get our job done properly, then we need to get a good night’s sleep. People who don’t sleep well are always rushing to get things done, which means they don’t get done properly. When you sleep well at night you feel much fresher in the morning and are better able to do what is needed.
3. Less Colds and Minor Accidents
If you’ve had just one bad night then you know you feel under the weather. Those people who get insufficient sleep on a regular basis are subject to more colds and minor illnesses and accidents. Sleeping well is essential to good health and when you get a good night’s sleep you build up your resistance to common ailments – you may also suffer less minor accidents.
Encouraging a Good Night’s Sleep
When you get home at night try to leave work outside. Do as much as you can during the day and leave a list for the morning so it’s not cluttering your mind. It can be miserable if you find it hard to get off to sleep at night but there are things that you can do to encourage a good night’s sleep. Switch off computers and games machines at least an hour before you go to bed because your brain needs time to get into a different rhythm. Cut out caffeine after a certain time, so no tea, coffee or fizzy drinks before bed.
Good bed time routines are not just for small children. Aim to get to bed before midnight and take your time getting ready for sleep. If you tend to get really hot during the night then try switching to cotton pyjamas as cotton next to your skin can make you feel cooler. There is a lot to be said for the traditional warm, milky drink before bedtime and half an hour’s reading can also help you to relax and settle down to sleep.
Image Source: flickr.com
[custom_author=Crispin Jones]
