The Covid-19 pandemic has been like a wake-up call for many people. It has taught us to be always prepared for the worst and learn to keep stress to the minimum. Nevertheless, the pandemic has shaken many people’s lives, with many experiencing extreme stress and anxiety levels. The increased stress levels have made it almost impossible for many to fall or stay asleep. Lack of sleep, either due to insomnia or sleep disturbances, can have a devastating effect on your mental and overall physical health.
Sleep And Mental Health
Although you might not know this, sleep and mental health are often interconnected. Lack of sleep can influence your mood and vice versa. Most people will find it almost impossible to concentrate at work or school, especially after having a rough night and very little to no sleep. Getting good quality sleep, on the other hand, allows you to wake up feeling relaxed and re-energized.
How Does Sleep Affect One’s Physical Health
Insomnia, or lack of sleep, can have a devastating effect on a person’s physical health. For example, obstructive sleep apnea is believed to increase the risk of certain conditions, including atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, affects a person’s motor functions, as well as reduced immunity. Lack of sleep might thus be the reason for many people’s declining immunity and susceptibility to viral illnesses.
Finding ways to improve your sleep quality can help your body better fight viral infections, Covid-19 included. Here are a few steps to healthy sleep hygiene.
1. Have A Regular Sleep Schedule
Make a habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Be sure to follow your schedule to the letter during public holidays and weekends for the best results.
2. Avoid Daytime Naps
While the afternoon nap might be rejuvenating, it could be the reason you can’t seem to get good quality sleep at night. Avoiding daytime naps can thus help improve your sleep patterns.
3. Stay Active
Regular exercise is good for your health. It helps keep your lungs and heart-healthy while ensuring you sleep soundly at night.
4. Don’t Oversleep
While the pandemic might have forced us to stay indoors and limit social interaction, it shouldn’t be the reason for you to oversleep. Strive to get not more than 8 hours of sleep every day to stay healthy.
5. Invest in a Good Quality Mattress
Trying to get a good night’s sleep on an old lumpy mattress will end up in a broken sleep. Take a look at these Ikea mattress reviews and consider an upgrade.
6. Limit Your Exposure To Electronic Devices
Smartphones, tablets, iPads, and TVs have one thing in common; they produce blue-light known to inhibit melatonin production. Limiting your exposure to these might thus help improve your sleep quality and patterns. You might also want to avoid using these devices several hours to your bedtime to allow for the natural production of sleep hormones.
While it’s normal to experience short-term sleep issues, you may want to seek expert advice/help should these prolong. Do you always find yourself dozing off at work or feel sleepy when driving? These might be as a result of an underlying condition, most of which a qualified doctor will detect with ease.
Layla Tovey