Why we need quality sleep

Can you function?

If you can function on less sleep, then is there any need to improve your current routine? While you may think you’re still at your best with fewer hours of rest a night, there’s plenty of research out there to suggest that high-quality, consistent sleep is a must. Quality sleep is so crucial that the NHS has pages of information dedicated to improving health through better sleeping habits.

What makes quality sleep so important and essential? There are plenty of reasons why the best possible standard of sleep is a must for people of all ages, lifestyles and careers. Here are just a few of the most important ones to get you started:

For better cognitive function and focus

Whether at home or in the workplace, the amount of sleep you get can have a direct impact on your level of cognitive functioning and focus. From remembering to do specific things to achieving tasks to a high standard.

The Sleep Foundation says that you should consider sleep as the time for your brain to rest. At night is when your mind performs critical functions like processing information and memories.

As such, depriving yourself of that rest can lead to what’s often classed ‘brain fog’. With good quality, consistent sleep, it’s far easier to focus, make decisions and generally do all the cognitive functions needed to get through the day.

For improved mental health and mood

If you find your mood is consistently low or you’re feeling overly stressed when you wake up, this may be down to poor sleep quality. Many people that have depression report poor sleep quality as part of their symptoms. In some cases, this can even be the cause of mental health problems in the first place – especially in chronic conditions like insomnia. Irritability and increased aggression are also common in those with poor sleep patterns. As such, it makes sense that quality sleep helps to improve your mood, allowing you to wake up in the morning feeling good and ready to face the day.

For less risk of disease and illness

Alongside the psychological and cognitive benefits of a great night’s sleep, getting quality rest can also actually improve your physical health. There are significant links between lack of sleep and diabetes, heart problems and even increased weight gain.

If you’re at higher risk from bad sleeping habits, it makes sense that a great sleep routine helps to reduce those physical risks, especially when combined with exercise and other healthy behaviours to be the happiest version of you possible.

With 8 hours or so of high-quality sleep a night, you’ll soon be feeling the benefits. With so many parts of your life being affected by harmful or lacking sleep routines, it makes sense to work on beating those habits in exchange for improved wellbeing, reduced risk and a happier outlook overall.

Whether you’re a working parent, career-driven or simply struggling to find time for rest, making your sleep routine a priority can pay off. By taking that time, and working to change your sleep for the better, you’ll be taking the best steps for a you that’s healthier, happier, more productive and more present.

Listen to an audio version of this article 👇

Enjoy Simulators !