Success Building Block – Prioritise Good Sleep

When striving to achieve your goals it can be easy to think that getting things done is the main objective but it is important to prioritise rest too.

Quality sleep will help you stay healthier and have the energy necessary to pursue your goals. 

Without adequate rest we cannot do all the other things and activities that contribute to our happiness and health.

Without enough sleep we won’t have the energy to be active and exercise. Lack of sleep can also make us eat more since it influences certain hunger hormones.

Lack of sleep is linked to depression which in turn will cause a reduction in motivation. So, as you can see, sleep is the basis for a healthy lifestyle and critical when you’re striving to achieve your goals. 

In addition, research shows that:

• Adequate sleep helps us maintain our immune function; lack of sleep can increase inflammation.
• Good sleep plays a positive role in heart health and is associated with normal blood pressure levels.
• Good sleep patterns protect our brain. Research has shown that people who reported having poor sleep quality had more biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Lack of sleep is associated with depression, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. 

How to improve your quality of sleep:

1. Set specific times to sleep and wake up. Routines provide better sleep patterns. Make sure your schedule accommodates at least 7 hours of sleep a day.
2. Exercise during the day: Activity during the day helps us sleep better at night.
3. Stay away from tech: Leave technology out of your bedroom. Read a book instead.
4. Cool and Dark: Keep the room somewhat cool (about 18 C) and dark.
5. Don’t eat large meals or drink alcohol before sleeping.

Start prioritising a restful and long sleep each day and see how it impacts your health, wellbeing and success.