You’ve likely been told countless times to “get more sleep.” I hear you—it can feel like a broken record. But here’s why this age-old advice is worth repeating.
Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s a powerful tool for supporting every part of our health, from mental clarity to immune strength. If you’re experiencing health or mood issues you can’t quite pinpoint, poor sleep might be the hidden culprit.
Surprising Ways Lack of Sleep Impacts Your Health
Poor sleep isn’t just about yawning all day; it has a ripple effect on your entire system. Here are some health and wellbeing issues that may be linked to lack of sleep:
- Mental Fog: Struggling to focus? Difficulty concentrating or feeling like you're “off” might be due to disrupted sleep, which impacts cognitive function and memory.
- Mood Swings and Irritability: If you’re feeling more irritable than usual, it could be your sleep quality. Proper rest helps regulate mood, making you feel more balanced.
- Reduced Mental Resilience: Good sleep supports mental resilience—the ability to bounce back from stress and challenges. Without enough rest, we’re more likely to feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained by everyday situations.
- Low Energy Levels: Do even simple tasks feel exhausting? Physical fatigue can come from poor sleep, impacting your ability to engage in everyday activities and exercise.
- Increased Snacking and Cravings: Lack of sleep often leads to cravings, particularly for high-sugar or high-fat foods, as the body seeks quick energy. This can make it harder to maintain a balanced diet and stable energy levels throughout the day.
- Digestive Issues: An irregular sleep schedule can interfere with your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion and discomfort after meals.
- Weak Immune System: If you find yourself catching every cold going around, poor sleep could be weakening your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene
You may already know these sleep tips, but it’s worth a reminder—and a reality check.
Are you actually putting these into practice? Be honest with yourself: Is your phone still in your bedroom? Are you sticking to a consistent bedtime?
By taking small steps to improve your sleep hygiene, you’re investing in your health and wellbeing. Imagine how much better you could feel with quality, restorative sleep each night!
Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Set a Consistent Schedule: Your body craves consistency. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help establish a natural sleep cycle.
- Get Natural Light Exposure: Daylight is a powerful cue for our circadian rhythms. Try to spend some time outside each day, especially in the morning, to help signal to your body when it’s time to wake and sleep.
- Create a Relaxing Sleep Space: Turn your bedroom into a peaceful haven. Use blackout curtains to block out light, and try a white noise machine if noises are keeping you awake.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle. Consider stopping caffeine intake after 2 p.m. and moderating alcohol consumption, especially later in the day.
- Put Away Electronics: The blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to power down devices at least an hour before bed and replace screen time with reading or gentle stretches.
- Practice Mindful Relaxation: Spend a few minutes before bed doing mindful breathing or a guided meditation to calm your mind and set the stage for quality rest.
When to Seek Help
If you’re still struggling to get the sleep you need, please do consider getting in touch with me. As a certified health coach I can help address potential lifestyle factors such as stress, nutrition and mental wellness. Coaching can guide you in discovering adjustments, like dietary changes or stress-reduction techniques, that may improve your sleep quality.
Anita Hanchet is a certified health coach, Master NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist specialising in intrinsic wellbeing. She helps clients navigate life's transitions whilst maintaining optimal physical, mental and emotional health.
