How to ensure that you are getting enough sleep and why

better nights sleep

Why is getting enough sleep so important? – No Snooze! You Lose. It’s official, the era of ‘you snooze, you lose’ is well and truly over.

Heading to bed early or allowing yourself a weekend lie-in is no longer seen as lazy or unproductive. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Like taking regular exercise and following a nutritious diet, more and more of us are finally waking up to just how vital sleep is for our health and wellbeing.

1. Why is a regular sleep routine important?

Sneaking in another Netflix episode before bed may seem harmless enough, but any sleep you sacrifice has a negative impact on focus, mood and health the next day. Add to this the fact that the effects of sleep deprivation are long term and compound over time, and it becomes easy to appreciate why sticking to a regular sleep routine is so important.

Inconsistent bedtimes usually mean you’re missing out on the recommended sleep you need. But this isn’t the only reason you feel lousy. Picking the right bedtime is actually an exact science and to wake up feeling 100% restored, you need to hit the right amount of sleep cycles.

Typically, a healthy adult goes through 4-6 sleep cycles each night, each cycle lasting around 90 minutes. There are 5 stages in a sleep cycle, progressing from light sleep to deep sleep. The deepest sleep stage is called rapid eye movement (REM). It is during this vivid dream stage that the brain consolidates memories, stores new learnings, and optimises healthy cognitive functioning.

Put simply, disrupted sleep patterns means less REM sleep which in turn impairs your ability to concentrate and quickly recall information. This is why it’s so hard to think clearly after a restless night.

How to ensure that you are getting enough sleep and why Thrive Health & Nutrition Magazine

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2. How does sleep affect my health?

Have you ever noticed that you’re much more prone to falling ill when you’re tired? It’s not just your tetchy mood getting the better of you. Sleep is necessary to stay fighting fit and healthy.

It’s truly amazing how much internal activity is going on during those dormant hours each night. When you fall asleep, your body releases hormones to strengthen the immune system, stimulate tissue growth, repair muscle injuries and fight infections. Sufficient sleep also regulates your stress levels, decreasing your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes.

3.What is the best position to sleep in?

Sleeping on your back places the least amount of stress on your joints and supports the natural curvature of your spine. However, very few people favour this sleeping position.

Most people prefer sleeping on their side or stomach. And while it may be comfortable for drifting off, these positions can build up pressure in the hips, shoulders and lower back. In turn, this can mean that aches, discomfort and postural issues make it extremely difficult to sleep soundly through the night.

The best way to look after your spine is to invest in a high quality orthopedic mattress. That does not mean a rock hard board, but a supportive sleep surface like that of the German-made Bruno Mattress, which is ergonomically designed to relieve pain and promote healthy spinal alignment. The Bruno’s high-density foam base is precisely cut into 7 zones, which reflect the contours of the body, so you feel supported no matter what position you tend to sleep in. For added comfort, Bruno’s top layer is made from sustainably farmed natural latex, which is hypoallergenic and keeps the mattress feeling fresh and cool, for an optimal sleep experience.

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Jane O’Loughlin blogs about sleep and wellbeing for Bruno Sleep

How to ensure that you are getting enough sleep and why Thrive Health & Nutrition Magazine

Want to transform the way you sleep? Order a Bruno Mattress online. Every mattress is delivered free of charge and you have a 101 night trial, so you can test the mattress out in the comfort of your own home. If it’s not quite right for you, send it back and receive a full refund.

Feature promoted/sponsored from Bruno Beds.