6 mins read
August 13, 2024

Sleep Well, Live Well - The Simple Secrets of Sleep Hygiene

In today’s informative session, you will get information on better mental and physical health recovery that you can get with a simple act - by getting good SLEEP. You will know: What is Sleep Hygiene? Why right sleep hygiene is important? Easy Tips for How to Sleep Better?

Can you use your phone without recharging it? No? Of course, you cannot! The same is the case with humans. We cannot work all day and night without recharging ourselves. Sleep Hygiene means getting a good sleep of a minimum 7-8 hours is important in 24 hours. 

But the fact is we put our sleep in the back seat of daily routine rides, as we have a lot of tasks to finish at the end of the day. The only thing you have to remind yourself here is, “Who will take your workload or take care of you or your family if your body starts revolting by being sick and chargeless? 

Think of sleep like recharging your smartphone: it keeps everything running smoothly! But it’s not just about how long you sleep—it’s about how well you sleep. This blog will show you simple and fun ways to improve your sleep quality. So, get cozy, and let’s explore why snoozing properly is a game-changer!

What is Sleep Hygiene?

When we say “Hygiene,” the first thing that comes to our mind is showering, brushing our teeth, or using hand wash [as we are the generation who saw the pandemic of corona]. 

Sleep hygiene is just a fancy word for good sleep where you may drool like infants, while traveling in the deep forest of your dreams. It’s really just about the habits that help you have a good night’s sleep. Hygenic sleep is like having a recipe for your best rest! But believe me! It magically makes better your overall quality of life. 

Why is Sleep Hygiene a Big Deal?

Health is Wealth

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

– Benjamin Franklin. 

People who use good sleep hygiene practices to help them sleep better enjoy many benefits like:

✔️ Increased daytime energy level

✔️ Improved mood

✔️ Enhanced immune system function

✔️ Decreased stress

✔️ Improved brain function

✔️ Better blood sugar regulation 

Good sleep keeps your body fit and your mind sharp. It’s like oiling the gears of your body’s machinery!

Happy Mind, Happy Life

Sleeping well means feeling calm and happy. It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress levels every night!

What Can Cause a Lack of Sleep or Insomnia?

Stress is the one big cause of forming bad sleep habits or insomnia, where your restless thoughts keep you awake all night. These stress concerns can be about your work, school, health, and money. 

  • Your family problems can also make your mind restless and active at night. 
  • Stressful life events, such as the death or illness of a loved one, divorce, or job loss, may also lead to insomnia. Thomas Aquinas believed that “Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep…”
  • Going to bed and waking up at different times each day will throw your sleeping routine out of order. It will make you feel less energetic, like a zombie the whole day.
  • Having a light snack before bedtime is OK, but eating too much may cause you to feel uncomfortable or have heartburn while lying down.
  • Using medicines without prescription, like painkillers, medicines for colds, asthma, high blood pressure, allergies, and weight-loss products, contain caffeine that can disrupt your sleep.
  • Drinking coffee, tea, cola, and other drinks in the evening keep you from falling asleep at night as they have caffeine in them.

Does Poor Immune System Affect Your Sleep?

Yes! Poor Immune system can also affect your sleep at night. When your immune system isn't in top shape, it can really mess with your sleep.🥱

During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which help your mind promote sleep. 

Let’s see how that happens:

👉 More Infections, More Problems

A weak immune system means you’re more likely to catch colds or the flu. When you're sick, discomfort and symptoms like coughing or a stuffy nose can make it hard to get good sleep.

👉 Inflammatory Responses

A struggling immune system can lead to inflammation in the body. This inflammation doesn't just make you feel lousy; it can also disrupt the hormones that regulate your sleep cycles, leading to restless nights.

👉 Sleep as Recovery Time

During sleep, your body repairs itself. If your immune system is compromised, your body works overtime to fight off illness, which can interrupt your sleep with a need for more frequent awakenings.

So, keeping your immune system strong not only keeps you healthy—it helps you sleep better too! 

You can get more tips on keeping your immune system healthy by joining Mental Happy, a Free platform for eliminating stress issues. 

Key Ingredients and Tips for Sweet Dreams!

“A well spent day brings happy sleep.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Getting used to Good hygienic sleep is like making your recipe for a special dish. You will experiment with some different ingredients and will finally get your favorite taste.

Get good sleep, no matter how many hours. You can improve your sleep habits. And once you’ve established good sleep hygiene, it just comes naturally!

For this, you just need to practice these good sleep hygiene practices.

1- Consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule

Just like your favorite coffee shop opens at the same time every day, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, Yes, even on weekends!

2- Relaxing bedtime routine

Do something calming before bed, like reading or listening to soft music, to tell your brain it’s time to wind down.

3- Unplug

 Charlotte Bronte said:

“A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.” 

Turn off those screens an hour before bed—your dreams will thank you!

4- A comfy bedroom

The best sleep happens in a room that’s not too hot. Think of your bedroom as a cave—it should be cool, quiet, and dark for the best sleep. If you don’t like dark, your room must have some dim lights that can give you peace and lure you to sleep territory. Also, choose a mattress and pillow that feel like sleeping on a cloud.

5- Get out of bed if you’re not sleeping

Tossing and turning will not help you get sleepy. If you feel uncomfortable in your bed instead of the calming environment you create, Just get up and do some exercise or a relaxing activity until you feel tired. Elie Wiesel said:

“Don’t fight with the pillow, but lay down your head, and kick every worriment out of the bed.”

6- Limit your napping hours

If you are in the habit of napping in day time for hours, limit it to 30 minutes at a time, as constant napping habits can also make your sleep worse.

7- Block out the noise

Consider earplugs or a white noise machine if your neighborhood is noisy.

Join Mental Happy, and You can get Free help from professionals and support groups to get more tips and tricks to avoid bad sleeping habits and stress.

😃 Fun Facts About Sleep!

🏋️ Weight Watchers’ Friend

Good sleep can help you manage your weight better. Who knew snoozing could help you lose?

🧬 Immune Booster

Sleep more to sneeze less! A good night’s sleep strengthens your immune system.

😎 Promote Your Brain and Mood

Did you know that after a good night’s sleep, you’re actually smarter? An Austrian screenwriter ‘WALTER REISCH once said:

“Tired minds don’t plan well. Sleep first, Plan later!”

It's a proven idea that Well-rested people are better at solving problems and developing great ideas!

Final Words

Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Getting hygienic sleep is the only way to rest your body and mind. By giving your mind and muscles a good rest, you can prepare them for the next day’s tasks, enjoying more energetic days and peaceful nights.

Remember, changing habits takes time, so be patient with yourself. I hope you can manage to dream sweetly and live lively!🤗

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