The impact of sleeping in our health

Everyone has experienced the fatigue and lack of focus that follow a poor night’s sleep. Although an occasional night of poor sleep won’t harm your health, after several nights it can affect your overall health, both mentally and physically.

For example, it can be difficult to concentrate and make decisions, it can disrupt your immune system, and even make you prone to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

According to studies, sleep deprivation can influence your total energy intake, meaning you could be having more calories than you need/burn, making you gain weight. You will also be too tired to exercise, which affects your physical and mental wellbeing and your sleep (vicious circle).

Having good sleep hygiene practices will help you improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Try having a regular bedtime, avoid using electronic devices for an hour or so before you go to bed, read a book or relax by listening to calming music, or by doing light yoga stretches, and try to wake up at the same time every day. Being more active during the day will also help you sleep better.

Most of us need on average 8 hours of good-quality sleep, but some need more and some less. As a general rule, if you wake up tired, it’s likely that you’re not getting enough sleep. Try to find out how much sleep you need and try to achieve it.