In order to keep your brain/mind healthy and rested for everyday activities, crucial care is needed! You may just think adding a couple of naps to a horrific sleeping schedule will do the trick, but really you’re worsening things for yourself! This is because, one FULL cycle of sleep takes about 90-110 minutes. If that cycle is interrupted by waking up, you will only feel more tired than before you fell asleep. Scientists have proven that although too little sleep creates health issues, too much sleep can create the same issues in health. After a few nights of a corrupted sleep cycle, its takes a couple of nights of good sleep to recover. Long term sleep deprivation takes up to weeks and maybe months to recover from! If one has gone up to YEARS without a “good night sleep”, it is unknown if they can fully recover or if it causes permanent damage. Every body/brain is different, meaning some might need more or less sleep than others. It is important to find a well balanced plan for your body to stay healthy and active.
WAYS TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP:
Create a ritual for yourself- Whether is is taking a bath, drinking tea, or even reading for 30 minutes, a way to wind down and relax is a great way to start!
Create a sleep and wake up schedule- Obviously you don’t need to make sure you fall asleep at exactly the same time every day, but generally waking up around the same time for at least 6 out of 7 days of the week will help!
Do not watch your clock!- people who are always watching their clock are less likely to fall asleep! This is because thinking about when you are going to wake up and in how many hours you will have to wake up, causes stress. To prevent this, try moving your alarm clock away from beside you!
Create a positive sleeping environment- Studies show, people relax most in a dark, quiet, and cool environment!
Unplug- STAY TECHNOLOGY FREE BEFORE BED!! Technology easily distracts all of us, whether you can admit it or not, by not having any sort of electronic near you, you are more likely to be less stressed and sleep better.
There are 4 stages to one sleep cycle, this includes: STAGE 1: Light sleep. The stage where you are drifting in and out of sleep, and can be easily awakened. STAGE 2: Eye movement stops, and brain waves begin slowing down. STAGE 3: Brain waves become very slow. STAGE 4: The brain produces the delta waves(STAGE 3 WAVES) solely.