Are you sleeping comfortably?

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, yet many adults find it difficult to get the restful sleep they need. If you’re one of many struggling to sleep, then there are some measures you could take.

Getting enough sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. When we sleep, our body repairs and regenerates tissues and muscles, and our brain processes emotions and memories. Lack of sleep can lead to a range of negative consequences, including reduced cognitive function, impaired immune system, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. On the other hand, getting enough restful sleep can improve our mood, boost our energy levels, and enhance our overall quality of life. It’s important to prioritize our sleep and take steps to ensure we’re getting enough of it.

Of course, problems getting to sleep or staying asleep can be an indication of other things that are preying on your mind, such as relationship or financial worries, or physical concerns like a bad back. These tips aim to quieten your mind so that it makes it easier to fall and stay asleep, but we would always advise addressing the root of the problem – like we do in our Verve Healthcare monitoring.

It’s important to note that our sleep follows a specific pattern of different phases, each with its own benefits. The first phase of sleep is light sleep, where you’re easily awakened and still aware of your surroundings. The second phase is a slightly deeper sleep, and your brain waves begin to slow down. The third phase is the deepest sleep, where your brain waves are at their slowest, and your body begins to repair and regenerate.

During the night, your body goes through a series of sleep cycles that include both REM (rapid eye movement) and deep sleep. REM sleep is when you dream and your brain processes emotions and memories. Deep sleep is when your body repairs and regenerates tissues and muscles.
How do I fall asleep?
Stick to a sleep schedule
One of the best ways to improve the quality of your sleep is to stick to a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and improves the overall quality of your sleep.
Create a relaxing sleep environment
Another way to improve the quality of your sleep is to create a relaxing sleep environment. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains to block out any light, and use earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out any noise. Also, make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can all interfere with your sleep, so it’s best to avoid them altogether, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake, while alcohol and nicotine can disrupt your sleep patterns and make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help you sleep better by reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation. However, it’s important to time your exercise correctly. Exercise too close to bedtime can actually make it harder to fall asleep, so try to finish your workout at least a few hours before you plan to go to bed.
Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common culprits of insomnia.
Avoid electronics before bedtime
The blue light emitted by electronics such as smartphones and tablets can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. To avoid this, try to avoid using electronics for at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, try reading a book or taking a warm bath to help you relax.
Know when to contact your GP
If you’ve tried everything else and still struggle with sleep, consider talking to your doctor. They may be able to advise you on other strategies, like mental health interventions or sleep medication. It’s a very personal thing, and so talking through a particular issue with your doctor will mean you can talk about an intervention that matches what you need.
Restful sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being – but lack of it or the inability to get to sleep can often be an indication of broader issues. Addressing these could see you achieving restful sleep and reaping the benefits of the different phases of sleep.
At Verve Healthcare, we carry out regular monitoring to help spot early signs when things might be going wrong – being able to spot an issue before it becomes a problem can really make a huge difference.
We find that physical problems such as a sore knee or a painful neck, or financial worries, or emotional concerns, can also lead to poor sleep. We work with individuals and companies to spot the cause of the issue and address it, rather than just put in measures to deal with the symptoms.
If you think Verve Healthcare could be a good fit for your company, then get in touch.

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