In Episode 7 of Balls Deep, we’re diving deep into a topic that our society often ignores: sleep. Learn more about the importance of sleep, what happens if we don’t get enough sleep, and the benefits of a good night’s rest.
One bad habit many people have, including us, is dozing off while watching TV. We admitted to sometimes succumbing to this vice; nevertheless, we underlined the importance of following an unvarying sleeping schedule. Here’s why:
Poor Sleep: A Vicious Cycle
Poor sleep triggers several unwanted responses, which include:
Waking Up Tired: Lack of restful sleep makes you wake up tired, thus starting off the day with a bad mood.
Skipping Workouts: We all know that we are less likely to work out when tired, and workouts are very important for healthy living, generally.
Unhealthy Eating: Being excessively weary can make people eat poorly, such as eating fast food or grabbing sugary snacks for immediate energy.
Reduced Productivity: According to studies, those people who lack enough sleep cannot perform effectively at their workplace, hence having an overall less productive day.
Repetition of the Cycle: As a result, these poor habits become cyclical, making it harder to break free from them.
Benefits of Good Sleep
On the other hand, choosing sleep first creates a positive cycle:
More Energy: Waking up refreshed boosts the chances of working out and eating right for healthy life maintenance.
Improved Mood: Better sleep improves your mood, leading to greater productivity and happiness levels.
Better Health: When you have regular quality restful sleeps, your overall wellbeing improves, covering both mental and physical health aspects too.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
The amount of sleep that is considered healthy depends on the person, but normally, an adult needs about seven to eight hours a night. Although some people can make do with fewer hours of sleep due to genetic reasons, it is healthier for most of us to have this 7 to 8-hour span.
Tips on Sleeping Better
No Screens in Bed: Remove all screens from your bedroom. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and televisions can interrupt your sleep rhythm. Try to go without any electronic devices at least 2 hours before going to bed.
Develop a Routine: Like children, adults benefit from bedtime routines too. This can be a shower, reading, or listening to soothing music — whatever helps you unwind, consistently follow this pattern.
Be Mindful of What you Eat: Be weary of caffeine and alcohol, as they interfere with your sleep patterns. Caffeine stays within the body for approximately 7 hours, which means it could impact your sleeping patterns, while alcohol might make you feel sleepy but may result in fragmented unrefreshing nights for you.
Know About Snoring and Sleep Apnea: You may think snoring is not such a big deal, but it could be an indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition where the airway collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. This creates serious health consequences, including cardiovascular disease. If someone snores frequently, or even if not frequently, seeing a physician would be prudent advice.
Final Thoughts
Those who think that they don’t require a lot of sleep should consider this: In reality, continuous deprivation of sleep may lower testosterone levels and, by that, virtually make your reproductive health age by 10 years. Therefore, if you want to feel healthier as a whole, then focus on your bedroom sport!
We all have room to improve our sleep habits. This can be achieved through taking small steps, such as having the same bedtime and limiting exposure to electronic devices before we go to bed. Your body and mind will appreciate it.
Learn more about our practice and how we can help improve your health!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider for any medical conditions.
