Getting a good night's sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Not only does it improve our brain performance, mood, and overall wellbeing, but it also reduces the risk of many diseases and disorders. From heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia, the consequences of not getting enough regular sleep can be severe. But what does it mean to get a good night's sleep? According to Dr.
Erica Jansen, a nutritional epidemiologist who focuses on diet and sleep in relation to pediatric health, it involves more than just the hours you spend in bed. Sleep and mental health are closely intertwined, with a lack of sleep drastically affecting our mood the next day. Poor sleep quality is linked to depression, anxiety, and other conditions, while experiencing anxiety and depression can also affect our ability to sleep. It's not just our mental health that benefits from a good night's sleep either.
Studies have shown that sleeping less than seven hours a night increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. To help you get a good night's sleep, consider trying some natural sleeping pills such as lavender or magnesium. It's also important to note that any changes to our sleep patterns can have negative impacts on our health. To avoid this, doctors recommend avoiding screens at least an hour before bedtime and instead doing some light reading or other relaxing activity.
In school districts that have implemented later school start times, students have been found to sleep more and have fewer car accidents, better grades, and better mental health. Interestingly, too much sleep in adults for more than nine hours has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. This is because too much sleep can cause the body to release cortisol, a stress hormone that makes the heart work harder. Additionally, sleeping well can make vaccines more effective. If you're having trouble sleeping or notice that your mental health has worsened, it's important to talk to your health professional.
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing.
