Sleep

A restful sleep is undeniably the best way to start your day. This week we are discussing the topic of sleep, the health benefits of it, and products to help you get a better quality sleep!

Sleep is something that we all do to survive. Sleeping allows our bodies to complete certain tasks by putting certain functions on "pause" and focus on important bodily functions.

While We Sleep

The body repairs itself as we sleep! Colds, flus, and other illnesses are fought harder when we sleep because the body is able to focus and put more energy towards these functions. It is always a good idea to get as much rest as you possibly can when you are sick or feel a cold coming on to help your body prepare to fight off toxins and harmful bacteria.

Amount Of Sleep

The recommended amount of sleep depends on your age. According to sleep studies, the following are the hours we should strive for:

• Birth to 3 months: 14 to 17 hours

• 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours, including naps

• 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps

• 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours, including naps

• 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours

• 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours

• 18 to 60 years: 7 or more hours

• 61 to 64 years: 7 to 9 hours

• 65 years and older: 7 to 8 hours

Our bodys let us know when we need more or less sleep, so just listen to what your body is telling you. Each night may be different for you.

Drink Water

Keeping hydrated is essential for our bodies to function properly, but a hydrated body can also help you sleep deeper. Here's how:

Water is essentially fuel for our body, like gasoline is for a car. The fuller our tank, the better we run! When we are fully hydrated at night, our body is able to perform its nightly functions more easily and efficiently. That means fighting off diseases, repairing muscle tissue, restoring memory, and many other functions. When your body is able to function easily, we are able to slip into a deeper sleep at night because it's able to perform smoothly.

Flavour up your water by adding frozen fruit to it! Change it up every week or whatever you have on hand! Fresh herbs can also add bonus nutrients and surprising flavour! If you enjoy pop throughout your day, try sparkling water instead! It gives you that carbonated taste but helping you prepare for a good night's rest and recharge! Don't forget to always have water beside you when you go to sleep and wake up in the morning!

Recharging

Like a battery from our cell phone, we too need to recharge every day. Recharging allows our minds to rest and focus on what it subconsciously decides is important. When we wake up in the morning, we begin a new day; a new fresh start; a new chapter. When we begin a new day, we are able to let go of yesterday, to let go of the past, and turn our focus on making new memories. Let go of anything negative that you may be starting your brand new day with, and instead write down one thing each day that you are grateful for and focus on that all day. Our thoughts affect our day and how we choose to live it, so lets make sure they are positive ones! Then when we finally go to bed, we can have a happy and positive energy to drift us off and away.

Brain Functions

Sleep is a key ingredient in brain function. Our brain controls our entire body! So making sure our "computer" is functioning in tip top shape is number one, or at least it should be. Sleep may also be a link to better memory function. Our memory serves us in more than just remembering the good old days, it also allows us to be better at our jobs by remembering important factors and faces. Having a better memory also allows easier learning and retaining that knowledge.

Environment

Our sleep environment is a very important space. The best sleeps are when we feel safe, comfortable, relaxed, and happy.

It helps to have as much silence as you can, but if calming music or sounds help your sleep quality, then do what works best for you!

Blackout curtains are made from fabrics that can block out the majority of light from outside your window. Having a dark room to fall asleep in can help rest your mind and free it from distractions while it prepares for a night of brain functions.

Cozy blankets and pillows are essential for a cozy sleep! Also, a clean bed does wonders for your sleep, so be sure to wash your bedding, pillow cases, and sheets every couple of weeks for a refreshing night of relaxing.

The temperature of our environment plays a huge role as well in our sleep quality. Each person is different, so if you are having trouble sleeping, try adjusting the temperature and see if that helps!

Humidity affects your beauty sleep and how well you sleep. If the air is too dry, you may wake up with a sore throat or dry nose. A good humidity level for your bedroom ranges from 30-40%. Humidifier on my wishlist:

Aromatherapy can also help you drift off into a deep and calming sleep. Scents such as lavender or chamomile can be a relaxing way to help you drift off. Try an air purifier or diffuser.

Comfortable sleepwear is also important to consider. Again, everyone is different, so do what feels best!

Sleep is important for us to function, and a good night's sleep is even better! We only have one life, so let's make sure it is full of quality in everything we do so that we can get the most out of our fulfilling life!