How can we ensure we are getting a good nights sleep?

Yesterday we had our new mattress delivered and though having a new help in getting a good night’s sleep it is not the only factor. There are many things in our lives that can keep us from getting the proper rest we need.

According to Dreams.co.uk some of the following are benefits of a good night sleep:

1. Sleep helps reduce stress

If your body doesn’t get enough sleep, it can react by producing an elevated level of stress hormones, which are a natural result of today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Deep and regular sleep can help prevent this.

2. Sleep can improve your memory

Ever noticed that when you’re really tired it’s harder to remember things? Basically, this is your brain telling you that it’s not getting enough sleep. When you sleep well, your body may be resting but your brain is busy organizing and storing memories.

3. Sleep can lower your blood pressure

Higher blood pressure increases your chances of heart attacks and strokes, but getting plenty of restful sleep encourages a constant state of relaxation that can help reduce blood pressure and generally keep it under control.

4. Sleep helps your body to fight back

While you’re sleeping your body is producing extra protein molecules that can strengthen your ability to fight infections.

5. Sleep can help you maintain your weight

Unfortunately, sleep won’t directly make you lose weight, but it can help you keep it under control by regulating the hormones that affect your appetite and reducing your cravings for high-calorie foods.

6. Sleep puts you in a better mood

Lack of sleep can make us more agitated, so we’re more likely to snap at our boss or be grumpy with a loved one – neither of which is a good thing.

7. Sleep could reduce your chances of diabetes

Some research studies have shown that not getting enough sleep may lead to type 2 diabetes by affecting how your body processes glucose.

8. Sleep helps keep your heart healthy

A regular sleep pattern can help to lower the levels of stress and inflammation in your cardiovascular system, which in turn can reduce your chances of a heart condition.

9. Sleep can be a painkiller

If you’re suffering pain from a recent injury like a sprained ankle, getting plenty of sleep can actually make it hurt less.

10. Sleep can make you smarter

Along with a great night’s sleep, grabbing a quick nap in the daytime can contribute to making your brain more effective and productive.

Stay tuned for my blog tomorrow and I will discuss ways in which I have tried to get a good night’s sleep.