Sleep has been proven to be crucial for both mental and physical health. When you sleep you give your body and mind time to recharge, heal and rest. People need different amounts of sleep to perform at optimum levels and everyone reacts differently to lack of sleep, but most adults require around 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Why is sleep important?
Brain function
Sleep is essential for memory consolidation. When we sleep the brain processes information and strengthens memories.
Lack of sleep can massively impair concentration, probem-soliving skills, focus and even creativity.
Mental Health
Mood and general emotional wellbeing can also be negatively impacted by lack of sleep. Irritability, anxiety and low mood can increase with sleep deprivation. Sleep Matters has an interesting report about the importance of sleep for mental health.
Physical Health
Sleep is important for hormone regulation, which affects growth, metabolism and the function of the immune system.
Lack of sleep can also increase the risk of some chronic health probems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.
How to improve the quality of your sleep
A regular schedule is important, as is a relaxing bedtime routine. A cool room with airflow often helps sleep and blackout curtains or blinds maybe beneficial.
A good mattress is also important for a good night’s sleep. Again people have different preferences, but if you’re struggling with your mattress but don’t want to fork out huge amounts for a new one, a mattress topper is a good low-cost option. Simba recently sent us their Hybrid Topper to test and it’s been brilliant. The mattress feels completely transformed and is much more supportive and comfortable. Simba’s innovative design combines up to 2,500 ingenious Aerocoil® springs and a layer of open structured Simbatex® foam. Designed to offer extra airflow compared to a standard memory foam topper for a fresher, more comfortable sleep. Simbatex® foam helps with airflow which is great if you get hot when sleeping.
I love that the topper includes a removable washable cover too. We often have house guests so being able to refresh the mattress every now and then is a huge bonus.
How many hours a night do you sleep?
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