Eating healthy food and staying active are good practices, but they aren't enough to keep you well. Without a solid sleep routine, you will suffer mentally and physically. There is a multitude of reasons to prioritize quality sleep.
Keeping You Happy
Without a quality sleep routine, you likely won't sleep well throughout the night. This can lead to mental health issues, like depression. Studies show that both children and adults who don't get enough sleep are more likely to suffer from depression. Having a sleep routine can help your body wind down before bed, so you don't toss and turn when you finally get between the sheets. Lower the lights, stay away from screens and find a way to unwind from stress before you try to rest. A warm bath can work. Meditation or yoga designed to relax you are also great ways to build a quality sleep routine.
Keeping You Safe
Your body and brain cannot function properly without sleep. Going through life drowsy isn't safe for you or anyone around you. Drowsy driving has been associated with risks just like drunk driving. The relationship between car accidents and hours slept has been studied and determined to be significant. You simply cannot overcome the effects of sleep deprivation by will. Getting quality rest is the only way to make sure your mind, body and emotions function properly to keep you safe. Simply being in bed is not the same as getting quality sleep. A sleep study can often reveal if you are truly sleeping well through the night or tossing and turning instead. Sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome often interrupt sleep for many people, but it's possible to suffer from these problems without knowing it. If you stay tired or want to sleep during the day, there could be an underlying cause that is putting you at risk.
Keeping You Well
Your immune system and your sleep patterns are connected in a never-ending cycle that can affect your overall health. When you don't get enough sleep, your immune system suffers and will cause you to fall ill more often. When your immune system is compromised, you won't sleep as well. Getting quality sleep is the first step. If that feels impossible, you need to make sure you don't have an autoimmune issue that is keeping you from resting. Remaining in a cycle that deprives you of sleep also robs you of your health.
Sleep is essential to your overall well-being. Because of this, it’s best to prioritize a quality sleep routine. You will feel mentally, physically and emotionally better if you do.
