sandra Harvey The human body is like a machine. Machines enjoy a longer life when they are cooled, greased, and serviced regularly.
Similarly, your body also needs rest after a hectic day of activity. It needs to relax and rejuvenate. The biological clock is set in such a way that as night falls, your body automatically gets ready to sleep.
If you ignore that and continuously work without resting, you will end up with wrecked nerves, tired bones, aching muscles, and a throbbing head. You will feel agitated, angry, and irritated. You end up being depressed and anxious. At such times you are not in a position to think straight, so you reach out to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs to gain relief from fatigue. This habit progresses into addiction, leading to suicidal thoughts.
Officers of the National Police Association who work under demanding circumstances believe that sleep is the best remedy for a stress-free life. A human being requires a minimum of 8 hours of undisturbed sleep while older people manage with five hours.
During deep sleep, your eyes are closed, your limbs are still, and muscles are relaxed. You are not aware of your surroundings. All sense organs are under rest. There is no more new information for the brain to process, so it uses this time to sort and store information that returns to us as memories and dreams.
Lack of sleep/sleep apnea leaves you groggy and dull the entire day. Regular exercise and diet help a lot to induce sleep, but they are not enough.
Here are some useful tips to help you have a good night’s sleep:
- Sunlight: Expose your body to bright sunlight to keep your biological clock rhythm healthy. If you live in a room that lacks sunlight, then use a bright light during the daytime. It helps the brain to process the difference between day and night.
- Darkness: Sleep in a room that is entirely dark. Do not expose your body to blue light from devices like cell-phone, and laptop. Install apps to block the blue light as it tricks your brain into thinking it is daytime. Do not watch television for at least two hours before going to sleep.
- Caffeine: Do not consume caffeinated beverages like coffee/ tea late in the day as it keeps your body awake and focused. It stops you from sleeping and leaves you foggy-headed and irritated.
- Napping: A short power nap during the day is excellent as it acts like a recharge tool and enhances brain function. Avoid sleeping long hours during the day. Follow a set pattern of sleep and wake up time.
Additionally, make sure your bed, mattress, and pillow are comfortable. Have an early non-spicy dinner.
Make sleep a priority, as insufficient sleep increases the risk of heart diseases and diabetes.
