Better Sleep, Better Health – the importance of quality sleep and how to get it

 

It’s a fact – getting enough sleep makes you feel better. Its importance goes beyond improving your mood though – it can directly affect your overall health too! As we sleep, we are resting and recharging our bodies after being on the go all day. However, many people find that if they don’t get enough sleep, it can severely affect their concentration, mood and general health. In fact, studies have even shown that people who do get enough sleep live longer than those who don’t!

There’s an old saying – “you got up on the wrong side of the bed’. It’s generally associated with people who wake up in a grumpy or bad mood. A disturbed sleep or simply not enough sleep can cause people to be grumpy or cranky, which of course will affect you and the people around you for the day! Adults ideally need 7-8 hours of undisturbed, comfortable sleep in order to wake up feeling refreshed, rested and ready to take on the day.

Getting a good night’s sleep can result in better short-term memory, ensuring you can concentrate better at school, college or work. This results in better retention of information and more accurate completion of tasks! It’s definitely something to consider if you are planning to pull an ‘all-nighter’ before a big exam – the information you study while tired is not necessarily going to stick, and undertaking an exam while exhausted can result in making small but important mistakes. For those who partake in sporting activities, studies in the US showed that athletes who slept for at least 10 hours at night performed better overall, improved their times and felt less fatigue and more stamina during the day.

As we all know, driving while tired is a huge factor in road accidents. If you are feeling tired, you will find it more difficult to concentrate on the road ahead, especially on long stretches like motorways and at nighttime. If you are taking a big journey, get a good sleep the night before. If you find yourself starting to list while driving, pull over, take a quick nap and have a coffee. Do this regularly to ensure you are refreshed.

Try to implement a routine at bedtime – you will start to train your mind to get ready for bed. Switch off distracting devices and ensure your room is at a comfortable temperature. One of the most essential secrets to getting better sleep is having a comfortable place to sleep. Your bed should be comfortable and supportive – choose the right bedding for you – invest in a new mattress if yours is old and lumpy, and choose duvets and pillows which provide good support and temperature control. These will all aid in getting better sleep.

Check out our range of pillows and duvets no to discover the best bedding for you!