Sleep Well, Stay Healthy

Each year World Sleep Day is dedicated to bringing attention to the vital role of adequate sleep in maintaining health and well-being. It highlights the importance of good sleep habits - the NHS state that nearly one in three of us suffer from poor sleep.

The connection between sleep and health is real - sleep is essential to health. It helps support memory and learning, which in turn supports brain health. Your immune system is aided by good sleep, meaning better overall health. Sleep helps the immune system to clear bacteria and viruses. Lastly sleep helps to recycle old cells and maintain our bodies and energy levels providing not only better physical health but our mental wellbeing too.

Poor sleep can have multiple significant impacts on human health. It has been linked to various health conditions like obesity and diabetes, and can also affect the ability to manage our emotions. It can lower immune response, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Drowsiness can cause impaired judgement, and reduced reaction times - a similar effect to alcohol intoxication.

Make a positive change! It’s recommended that 7-9 hours per night is right for most adults - this varies between individuals, some of us need more and some less!

• Improve your routine and make sleep a priority

• Increase your exposure to natural light

• Think about your food and drink intake

• Exercise to relieve tension and relax your mind

Making these small changes to your sleeping habits can make a huge change to your health and wellbeing! If you feel you have a sleep disorder, contact your GP to get advice and support.