Sleep is perhaps one of the most important requirements for maintaining mental health and functionality. It has been said that we are only as good as our sleep and that without it, we become like wax jelly in a heated frying pan. Mental health professionals advise that getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night is optimal for good mental health and functioning.
According to recent studies conducted by some prominent sleep experts, certain signs may indicate a need for a good night’s sleep. They are:
Depression: Depression is among the most common symptoms of sleeplessness. People suffering from depression often experience fatigue during the day, and this condition negatively affects their quality of life. Those who are chronically depressed may find it difficult to engage in meaningful social interaction or seek treatment for their depression.
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders have physical consequences on the body. Physical symptoms include difficulty sleeping, excessive weight gain, and poor digestion. These physical effects may be symptoms of other mental illnesses, or may simply be indicators of ongoing biological processes. The bottom line is that having inadequate sleep causes physical manifestations and a decrease in one’s mental health and functionality.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: This is one of the most common mental health disorders. It usually develops after an extremely frightening or distressing event in someone’s life such as being raped, seeing a killing, natural calamity, etc. However, there are different types of PTSD. The most common type is PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, emotional numbness, physical disorientation, fear of death or injury, and other symptoms that seem to come one at a time and often seem persistent.
Typically, people with PTSD start suffering from symptoms within several hours or a day after the traumatic event, although some may experience symptoms months or even years later. Most sufferers do not need to seek treatment, but it may be helpful if they go through therapy or talk to their family members about what happened to them.
Importance Of Good Sleep
A good night’s sleep can lead to a healthier lifestyle and greater productivity. Not getting enough sleep can reduce one’s concentration and emotional acuity. Not getting enough sleep can also directly impact one’s health. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese, and may even lead to diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, lack of sleep can lead to a decline in one’s quality of life, which can result in a decrease in the ability to carry out everyday activities.
Things To Do To Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is an important step in your life. The quality and quantity of sleep you get can make a big difference to your mood, energy level, and overall health of your body and mind. Because sleep deprivation is the leading preventable cause of stress, it is important to establish a good night’s sleep routine. One way to start is by setting up a sleep routine.
Sleeping On Your Back: It is recommended that you sleep on one side with your head raised as if you were sleeping on your back. Many people prefer to go to bed on their side and this can be beneficial if you have back pain or some other condition that makes sleeping on your back difficult. A good night’s sleep is also essential for maintaining proper posture and promoting good health.
Use Proper Beds And Mattresses: If you cannot lay flat on your back, there are several ways to position yourself for a good night’s sleep. If you need more support, consider purchasing a soft mattress or bed like the futons. Futon beds and mattresses are made of Japanese technology that can be adjusted to both firm and soft beds. For the need of a softer base you can simply sleep on the futon and if you need a firmer bed, then you can place your futon on the bed or sofa.
Proper Body Position: One of the most important things to do to get a good night’s sleep is to position your body in the best way possible for sleep. If your head is not properly aligned, you could slip into a shallow sleep where you may not awaken until the morning comes. To position your body for sleep, lay flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet on top of the bed. If you are going to have pillows to support your head while you sleep, make sure they are the right height for you. For a comfortable fit, place the headrest at an angle that is comfortable for your head and neck.
Proper Accessories: The next thing to consider when buying a bed is the presence of accessories. If you already own a television, stereo system, or another electronic device, you may want to purchase a bed that comes with a matching entertainment center. This allows you to easily access your media devices when you are ready to go to bed.
Selecting the Right Bed Size: When you are ready to select a bed, consider purchasing a bed whose size is appropriate for you. If you are single you can select either a twin or a twin XL size bed. A twin’s compact size is 75 by 38 inches while a twin XL measures 80 inches by 38 inches. Sleeping on the appropriate mattress or bed size that suits us ensures that we get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Finally, it is important to make sure that the bedroom is comfortable. If the bed does not adequately support your body, you may wake up once or twice in the morning. Alternatively, if your mattress is not the right shape or size, it could result in back pain in the future. For these reasons, it is important to carefully measure each part of the room so that you will be able to purchase a bed that meets your needs. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep no matter what time of day it is.
