Proper sleep is important for the whole familyAs you’ve seen in previous posts, we’ve recently been discussing the different ways you can help improve and maintain your immune system health.
A healthy diet and exercise are both important – however, sleep also plays a vital role in proper immune system function. To be more specific, the needs of both adequate and quality sleep as often as possible.
Most people will notice that if they are not getting enough sleep, they begin to feel “run down” and quickly become susceptible to illness. As our busy lives keep us going for longer, they often creep into what should be downtime at home. This makes it difficult to unwind and prepare for the sleep our body badly needs.
If you’re finding it hard to get proper rest, come up with a sleep plan. Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and sleep plans are most effective when you go to bed at the same time each night. Make an effort to step away from the TV and electronic gadgets at least 30-60 minutes before bed.
Also, refrain from heavy meals and alcohol in the hours before preparing to sleep. Forcing your body to digest a large amount of food may keep you awake, and alcohol interferes with your deep sleep cycles – your body won’t get the rest you require.
Activities such as light stretching or yoga can assist in helping you to relax before bed, but don’t engage in strenuous exercise prior to lights out. You may feel tired initially, but exercise also acts to boost your metabolism – a sure fire way to keep you awake.
As for your bedroom itself, make an effort to keep it as “sleep-oriented” as possible. If your job requires shift work, consider blackout curtains or wearing a sleep mask so you aren’t woken up unnecessarily by unexpected light. If your partner or spouse is prone to snoring, earplugs and/or a sound machine to provide white noise can work wonders.
Sleep plays a vital role in our immune system health, yet its importance often gets pushed aside by other priorities. Concentrate on implementing a regimented sleeping schedule into your life – it’s a great way to stay healthy!