The key to a good night’s sleep

There’s nothing like getting a good night’s sleep to wake up feeling refreshed! Quality sleep translates into a plethora of benefits. On the other end of the spectrum, sleep deficiency can lead to depression, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure and worse. Therefore, it’s important to never, ever underestimate the importance of quality sleep and the effect it has on daily life.

A routine, among other things, is the key if you suffer from insomnia. Try to sleep the same number of hours per night. This number varies from one person to another, but it’s usually around 8 hours for most cases. You should wake up and go to sleep at the same time, even on the weekends!

Sleep in a quiet, dark and cool room. Your bedroom should be your sanctuary.

Conversely, it’s important to avoid food, alcohol and caffeinated drinks before going to bed, same goes for the TV and screens on mobile devices. Lastly, stay away from smoking and practice your favorite sport regularly to promote a better sleep hygiene.

If you often snore, choke or gasp when sleeping, or feel tired when you wake up, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Wearing a mask is often the solution that works the best. It’s a positive pressure device that enables the airways to open and ensures a constant air supply. Talk to your doctor for more information on this subject.

The physical benefits of a good night’s sleep are proven. A recent study shows that quality sleep increases the immune system’s defenses, contributes to heart health, boosts brain function, prevents depression and facilitates weight management.

These are just a few tips, but you can reflect and sleep on it in the meantime!